CANTON — Malone University is turning to a successful Wayne County high school coach to lead its women’s basketball team.
Former Norwayne head coach Jake Shoup has been hired as the Pioneers’ 17th women’s basketball coach. The 2020 Malone alum replaces Selana Ickes, who is now an NCAA Division I assistant coach at Eastern Michigan.
Shoup led the Bobcats to back-to-back state tournament appearances during his three seasons at Norwayne. They were state runners-up in 2025.
“Jake embodies Malone’s core values and brings a clear, competitive vision to our women’s basketball program,” Malone athletic director Tanya Hockman said in a release issued by the university. “Dedicated to both athletic excellence and spiritual growth, he is an eager leader ready for this next professional chapter. We have full confidence in his character and commitment to faith-based athletics.”
Shoup was selected the 2026 Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association State Coach of the Year and the 2026 Wayne County Athletic League Coach of the Year. He had a 64-17 record at Norwayne.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head women’s basketball coach at Malone University,” Shoup said in a statement. “Malone has played a significant role in shaping my life, and it is a privilege to give back to a place that has had such a profound impact on me. I look forward to building upon a program so deeply rooted in faith, excellence and genuine relationships while continuing the tradition of developing student-athletes who make a lasting impact both on and off the court.”
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The Canton Repository sports department can be contacted via email at sports@cantonrep.com.
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