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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. LOUIS SURGE ANNOUNCES NEW COACHING STAFF FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Head Coach Petra Jackson and Associate Head Coach Justin Tatum


(ST. LOUIS, MO): The St. Louis Surge announced today the addition of Petra Jackson and Justin Tatum who will lead the Surge for its 10th anniversary season which is slated to begin in May 2022. Jackson, head coach, and Tatum, associate head coach, are both St. Louis natives with prominent basketball and coaching careers. Duez Henderson has shifted solely to the role of Surge General Manager, while former assistant coach, Steve Allen, relocated for another coaching opportunity.

“As we continue to grow the franchise, attract top talent and impact the St Louis community, there is no doubt the 10th anniversary season will be great for our fans and the city.” said Duez Henderson, Surge General Manager.

This will not be Jackson’s first time with the St. Louis Surge, as she previously held the role of an associate head coach in 2013. Jackson also played a role as assistant coach and helped lead the Surge to its first National Championship title win in 2014. 

Tatum is in his 7th season as the boys’ head basketball coach at his alma mater of Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School. Tatum ranks as one of the premier head coaches in the State of Missouri with a record of 216 wins and 94 loses over the past 12 years.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity Khalia has given me as the Head Coach of the St. Louis Surge. To return to St. Louis in time for the 10th Anniversary Season of this organization makes my heart sing. “We will be something special and nothing short of”. If the Windy City can win a championship, we definitely have one coming to the Show Me State.” said Jackson, Surge Head Coach.

Jackson’s Basketball and Coaching Career Highlights

Jackson, a University City High School alumna, made her mark as a well-rounded athlete, receiving letters in basketball, volleyball, softball and track and field. Following high school, Jackson attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC) where she had 1,475 career points and was ranked fourth on SIU’s all-time scoring list. In 1991, she was inducted into the SIUC Hall of Fame.

Jackson’s coaching history is far from scarce. She began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Harris-Stowe University in 1988. In 1992 she served as head coach at Block Yeshiva High School for six seasons. Jackson began her collegiate head coaching career at St. Louis Community College – Forest Park (199 8-2000); and continued as head coach at Shoreline Community College (2002-2005) located in Seattle, Washington where she posted a 45-32 record and was nominated for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Region 8 Coach of the Year. Jackson returned to St. Louis as an assistant coach at Saint Louis University (2005-2008).

Tatum’s Basketball Career and Coaching Highlights

Tatum has had success in basketball as a graduate of Christian Brothers College High School (CBC)  where he played basketball and went on to play Division 1 basketball at Saint Louis University (SLU). While playing at the collegiate level, Tatum was recognized as Conference USA First Team All Defense Player and is ranked in SLU basketball history for blocked shots. 

Tatum’s coaching history consists of 216 wins and only 94 losses over a span of 15 years. Leading several state and district championships, Tatum led the Soldan High School Tigers to a state championship in 2012 and his alma mater, the CBC Cadets in 2014.Tatum also has coached his son, Jayson Tatum current professional NBA player of the Boston Celtics, along with countlessDivision 1 basketball players.

About the St. Louis Surge

The St. Louis Surge Professional Basketball Team is a member of the Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA) and is the only professional basketball team in St. Louis, MO. Founded in 2011, the St. Louis Surge has won six Regional Championships and two National Championships. The Surge builds leaders of today and tomorrow while empowering men and women of all ages by serving as role models and mentors; recruiting character first, without sacrificing talent. For more information about the St. Louis Surge, visit www.stlsurgebasketball.com. Follow the Surge on Facebook and Instagram.