Posted: Oct 13, 2021
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One of the main goals for a coach at any level is for the success of their student-athlete after their playing career is over. When Karen Welliver and Trisha (Raniewicz) Kozlowski were coaching the Cerritos College women's basketball team during the 2008-10 seasons, they had no idea that Adria Jackson would end in in their same field. Jackson, as two-time All-South Coast Conference selection, which included being voted the conference's Co-MVP as a sophomore, as well as being a 2nd Team All-State choice her sophomore season, has recently been named the head girls basketball coach at Bellflower High.
One of the main goals for a coach at any level is for the success of their student-athlete after their playing career is over. When Karen Welliver and Trisha (Raniewicz) Kozlowski were coaching the Cerritos College women's basketball team during the 2008-10 seasons, they had no idea that Adria Jackson would end in in their same field. Jackson, as two-time All-South Coast Conference selection, which included being voted the conference's Co-MVP as a sophomore, as well as being a 2nd Team All-State choice her sophomore season, has recently been named the head girls basketball coach at Bellflower High.
"Coaching started by just doing basketball training, always being in a gym getting shots up," said Jackson, who also coached at the lower levels at Gahr High and Mayfair High. "Working various camps, including ESPN 100 Camps, and helping out in volunteer roles at high school practices and keeping a great relationship with previous coaches I've played for and against."
After transferring to Graceland (IA) University (pictured, below, right), where she was an All-Heart of America Athletic Conference selection at the NAIA level, Jackson was hired for her first coaching assignment at Gahr High as their JV Basketball coach at a summer tournament in 2016 where they won the championship. She then transitioned to Mayfair High and led the Frosh/Soph team and was an assistant on the varsity girls track and field team from 2016-19. After three seasons, where she experienced the most of her success as the track coach, Jackson transitioned back to Gahr High as the JV basketball head coach and assistant varsity coach from 2019-21.
In remembering her time while playing for the Falcons, Kozlowski, now the Falcons head coach, stated, "AJ was one of the most talented players we've had at Cerritos. A 2nd Team All-State and SCC Conference MVP who could play on both ends of the floor and change the tempo of the game. She battled her way back from a knee injury and her journey of perseverance really showed her love of the game. It wasn't always easy, but AJ was determined to play her best during her time as a Falcon.
Jackson (pictured, left with the Falcons) concluded her Falcon career with 608 points and 259 rebounds, with 429 of those points coming during her sophomore year. She helped Cerritos win a pair of conference championships, earn post-season appearances and had a combined 39-25 record."AJ was very athletic," recalled Welliver, who retired after the 2014-15 season. "She could do it all. She's very lanky, so she was so tough to guard. She could go to the basket or pull up and shoot over people. She led the team in scoring with 15 points and was second in rebounding with 6.6 in her sophomore year. AJ was tough defender and led us is steals, too. She could really read the floor and cover ground when we were pressing to get steals. Being Co-MVP of conference and 2nd Team All-State is quite an honor."
Coming out of high school, Jackson had committed to Western Kentucky University, but an injury ended her chances of playing for the Hilltoppers. But a conversation with Welliver prior to her commitment stayed with her and she made the decision to enroll at Cerritos College.
"What made me decide to come to Cerritos College was the atmosphere," remembers Jackson. "Initially when I had verbally committed to WKU, I remember speaking to Coach Welliver after a game. She was aware I had signed to play at WKU and she wished me good luck and to know that Cerritos would always be there for me if I needed it. After my injury at WKU, I came home and the first coach I reached out to was Coach Welliver to enroll at Cerritos. She is a real people person, will get the best out of her players, and I was no different."
"Offensively, AJ was the real deal," stated Kozlowski. "Could shoot the three, pull up, or drive to the hoop. I remember her getting at least two or three steals a game anticipating a skip pass defensively. THE nicest person you will ever meet off the court, she played with an edge and did whatever was needed to win."
Jackson has implemented some of what she learned from Welliver and Kozlowski into her coaching style.
"I have so many memories," recalls Jackson of her time with the Falcons. "Beyond stats, my most memorable memory would have to be in 2009 when we won a home game in overtime to give Coach Welliver her 564th win and be the leading coach in the Women's California Community College history for most wins. The excitement in her eyes, the joy from all of us in that picture, to be able to share that moment with a hell of a coach. You don't get too many opportunities to experience it, and I was definitely glad I was able to."
Added Jackson, "Cerritos College prepared me in such a short time for a lot about adversity. Being a team captain on a college team is no easy task. Wearing a jersey with that name across your chest, going into that gym seeing all of the great Cerritos Falcons that paved the way is nothing more than motivation for being great in whatever it is you choose to do with your life. Being a leader in your studies in the classroom prepares you for life after college. Adapting. No excuses, just produce. And oddly enough, that is the mantra I use with my team. And that is the impression I hoped I had left at Cerritos College."
Along with being a three-time All-San Gabriel Valley League selection at Lynwood High, Jackson was also a member of the track and field team. Specializing in the high jump, Jackson has been able to parlay her knowledge in being a track athlete, as well as a leader, so see her track and field athletes succeed.
While coaching track and field at Mayfair High in 2016, she helped Jada Wright win the Suburban League championships in the long jump. In 2021, she helped coach Chelsea Aninyei to the school record in the long jump, as well as a trip to the CIF championship where she won the championship in both the high jump and triple jump, and qualified for the State Championships, an accomplishment that doesn't escape Jackson.
"I can look back to my time at Cerritos and how Coach Karen and Coach R (Kozlowski) taught me how to be a leader and be a team captain." said Jackson. "It's a surreal experience to be a head coach close to where I played college basketball. I am definitely excited and blessed to be so close to where it all started. I am close enough to ask Coach R (Kozlowski) for help or guidance during trying times. Close enough to where my family can come to support the team. Even my players in the program have been asking me if we can go visit and watch the Women's Basketball team play at Cerritos. I think they want to see those team pictures, but it definitely is a great team bonding experience we are looking forward to building together."
Coming out of high school, Jackson had committed to Western Kentucky University, but an injury ended her chances of playing for the Hilltoppers. But a conversation with Welliver prior to her commitment stayed with her and she made the decision to enroll at Cerritos College.
"What made me decide to come to Cerritos College was the atmosphere," remembers Jackson. "Initially when I had verbally committed to WKU, I remember speaking to Coach Welliver after a game. She was aware I had signed to play at WKU and she wished me good luck and to know that Cerritos would always be there for me if I needed it. After my injury at WKU, I came home and the first coach I reached out to was Coach Welliver to enroll at Cerritos. She is a real people person, will get the best out of her players, and I was no different."
"Offensively, AJ was the real deal," stated Kozlowski. "Could shoot the three, pull up, or drive to the hoop. I remember her getting at least two or three steals a game anticipating a skip pass defensively. THE nicest person you will ever meet off the court, she played with an edge and did whatever was needed to win."
Jackson has implemented some of what she learned from Welliver and Kozlowski into her coaching style.
"I have so many memories," recalls Jackson of her time with the Falcons. "Beyond stats, my most memorable memory would have to be in 2009 when we won a home game in overtime to give Coach Welliver her 564th win and be the leading coach in the Women's California Community College history for most wins. The excitement in her eyes, the joy from all of us in that picture, to be able to share that moment with a hell of a coach. You don't get too many opportunities to experience it, and I was definitely glad I was able to."
Added Jackson, "Cerritos College prepared me in such a short time for a lot about adversity. Being a team captain on a college team is no easy task. Wearing a jersey with that name across your chest, going into that gym seeing all of the great Cerritos Falcons that paved the way is nothing more than motivation for being great in whatever it is you choose to do with your life. Being a leader in your studies in the classroom prepares you for life after college. Adapting. No excuses, just produce. And oddly enough, that is the mantra I use with my team. And that is the impression I hoped I had left at Cerritos College."
Along with being a three-time All-San Gabriel Valley League selection at Lynwood High, Jackson was also a member of the track and field team. Specializing in the high jump, Jackson has been able to parlay her knowledge in being a track athlete, as well as a leader, so see her track and field athletes succeed.While coaching track and field at Mayfair High in 2016, she helped Jada Wright win the Suburban League championships in the long jump. In 2021, she helped coach Chelsea Aninyei to the school record in the long jump, as well as a trip to the CIF championship where she won the championship in both the high jump and triple jump, and qualified for the State Championships, an accomplishment that doesn't escape Jackson.
"I can look back to my time at Cerritos and how Coach Karen and Coach R (Kozlowski) taught me how to be a leader and be a team captain." said Jackson. "It's a surreal experience to be a head coach close to where I played college basketball. I am definitely excited and blessed to be so close to where it all started. I am close enough to ask Coach R (Kozlowski) for help or guidance during trying times. Close enough to where my family can come to support the team. Even my players in the program have been asking me if we can go visit and watch the Women's Basketball team play at Cerritos. I think they want to see those team pictures, but it definitely is a great team bonding experience we are looking forward to building together."
Coaching Note: Here is a list of former Cerritos College women's basketball players that are coaching:
Angela Pena (2011-13) - Current Cerritos College Assistant Coach
Michelle Warner (1986-88) - Head Coach at San Mateo College
Jackie Saiza (2012-14) - Head Coach at Santa Fe High
Nia Lateju (2012-14) - Varsity Assistant Coach at Norwalk High
Monty Washington (2009-11) - Varsity Assistant Coach at Bellflower High; former Cerritos College Assistant Coach (2015-20)
Rose Boatner (2009-11) - Southern California Splash player (US Basketball) (Former Cerritos assistant coach and now playing professionally)
