Melissa Jackson (coach) Biography: Husband, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Age, Height, Parents, Awards, Instagram

Melissa Jackson is a basketball coach and former collegiate athlete who rose to prominence through her leadership in the Ohio coaching circuit.

She gained widespread recognition during her tenure at the University of Akron, where she became the first coach in the program’s history to maintain a winning career record, establishing herself as a respected figure in NCAA Division I women’s basketball.

Her professional profile expanded when she assumed the head coaching role at Youngstown State University, solidifying her reputation for strategic focus on defense, player development, and program building.

Jackson’s influence is particularly noted within the Horizon League and the Mid-American Conference, where she has guided teams to competitive success and postseason appearances.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Melissa Jackson
• Date of Birth: N/A
• Age: N/A
• Gender: Female
• Place of Birth: Hazleton, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: College Basketball Coach
• Hair Color: Blonde
• Parents: Jerry Dymek (father) and Marybeth Dymek (mother)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Drew Jackson
• Children: Luke Jackson, Ben Jackson, Cameron Jackson
• Relationship Status: Married
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: White
• Net Worth: $1,500,000

Early Life and Education

Melissa Jackson was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and spent her formative years in the Hazle Township area.

She attended Hazleton Area High School, excelling as a student-athlete and earning all-state honors while setting a school record with 1,471 career points.

Her parents, Jerry and Marybeth Dymek, provided consistent support throughout her athletic development.

She is white and practices Christianity.

After high school, Jackson attended the University of Richmond, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

During her collegiate career, she was a key contributor to the women’s basketball team, helping lead them to two WNIT appearances.

Following graduation, she completed the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association So You Want To Be A Coach program, transitioning into her professional coaching career.

Personal Life

Melissa Jackson is married to Drew Jackson, and the couple has built a family centered on sports and shared values.

They have three children: sons Luke and Ben, and daughter Cameron.

The family resides in Northeast Ohio, where Jackson has spent the majority of her coaching career.

Career

Melissa Jackson began her coaching career as an assistant at the University of Delaware from 2004 to 2008, contributing to the team’s 2007 NCAA Tournament appearance.

In 2008, she joined the University of Akron as an assistant and later as associate head coach.

She was promoted to head coach of the Akron Zips in 2018, leading the program for five seasons with a 72–69 record and a WNIT appearance in 2022.

Following her time at Akron, Jackson served as an assistant coach at Cleveland State University during the 2023–2024 season, helping the Vikings capture a Horizon League regular-season title.

In March 2024, she was named head coach at Youngstown State University, and by early 2026, she reached the milestone of 100 career victories as a head coach.

Awards

• MAC Coach of the Year Finalist (2019)
• MAC Coach of the Year Finalist (2022)

Net Worth

Melissa Jackson has an estimated net worth of $1,500,000.

Her earnings are primarily derived from her base salary at Youngstown State University, approximately $183,000 annually, as well as previous contracts at Akron and Cleveland State, supplemented by performance bonuses and coaching camps.

Social Media

• Instagram: @m_jackson11
• X: @CoachJacksonYSU