Ever since Jaymee Acton decided she wanted to be a basketball coach, she poured her heart into that passion.
She started off as a nursing student at the University of North Georgia (UNG), but realized she wanted a career in the sport that has shaped her life in so many ways. UNG women's basketball head coach Buffie Burson supported Acton's change of course and has served as Acton's mentor for a decade.
Years later, UNG players knew the type of approach to expect from Acton, who served as an assistant coach for the Nighthawks.
"I come from a place of caring, but I'm very competitive," Acton said. "Our players are going to get the truth from me."
She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 honoree, presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, in March 2021.
The 2021-22 season marked Acton's eighth and final year on Burson's staff, the first two as a graduate assistant. Through that season, the Nighthawks won four of the past five Peach Belt Conference (PBC) tournament titles, went to four straight NCAA regional finals and earned five consecutive NCAA postseason appearances. They made the Final Four in 2022.
While the on-court success was tangible proof of the coaching staff's success, Acton thrived on individual relationships and how she helped players grow personally.
"All of our players don't respond the same way," she said. "You can't lead them without getting to know them."
After playing for a year at Wake Forest University, the Gainesville, Georgia, native starred for Burson's team for three seasons, including a record-breaking sophomore season. Acton averaged a school-record 25 points per game and won NCAA Division II national, Southeast Region, and PBC player of the year honors in 2011-12.
Between her playing days and coaching experience at UNG, Acton said her coaching job came naturally.
"I couldn't think of a better person to learn from and work under," Acton said. "Coach Burson has built a great culture here. It's all about family and the team first. It's not just something we say. We show it every day. Our success is built on that. When I'm talking about North Georgia, it's very genuine. This is home, and it really is a special place."
