“[Coach Kara] brought out the best in me that I didn’t know I had.” Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa joined the Nothing but Net crew after locking up the 2025 ACC Tournament Title.

Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa sat down with the Nothing But Net crew after their thrilling victory in the 2025 ACC Tournament. The joy of winning the prestigious title was evident, but what stood out even more were their reflections on the role their coach, Coach Kara, played in their personal growth and success.

Jackson, a standout guard known for her quick thinking and explosive athleticism, spoke first. “Coach Kara brought out the best in me that I didn’t know I had,” she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and awe. Okananwa, the team’s dominant forward with an impressive combination of size, skill, and leadership, echoed Jackson’s sentiment. “She pushed me in ways that made me see my potential in a new light,” Okananwa added. Together, the duo had not only led their team to a triumphant ACC Championship but had also grown individually, unlocking aspects of their game that were previously untapped.

The 2025 ACC Tournament was a proving ground for both players. It was a culmination of years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. In a league as competitive as the ACC, securing a tournament championship is no small feat. Yet, it wasn’t just the final victory that stood out to Jackson and Okananwa; it was the journey and the influence of Coach Kara, who had cultivated a winning mindset in them and their teammates.

The Role of Coach Kara

Coach Kara’s impact on the team had been transformative. She joined the program with a clear vision: to instill a culture of mental toughness, unity, and relentless effort. Early on, it was clear that Coach Kara’s coaching philosophy wasn’t just about basketball; it was about developing players as people. She emphasized the importance of both individual growth and collective success, making sure that every player understood their role and saw the bigger picture.

For Jackson, who had always been a dynamic player but sometimes struggled with consistency, Coach Kara’s approach had been a revelation. Jackson recalled times when she felt uncertain about her abilities, but Coach Kara’s belief in her was unwavering. “She had this way of helping me see things differently. It was more than just basketball IQ—she made me believe in myself and my capacity to lead,” Jackson reflected.

For Okananwa, Coach Kara had been the key to unlocking the mental and physical aspects of her game that she didn’t even know she was capable of. “Coach Kara pushed me to become more than just a player who could score and rebound,” Okananwa said. “She made me understand the importance of being a vocal leader, setting an example, and doing the little things that impact the game beyond the stats.”

This holistic approach to development was central to the team’s success in the 2025 ACC Tournament. It wasn’t just about putting up big numbers on the stat sheet; it was about playing as a unit, executing in critical moments, and maintaining composure under pressure. Jackson and Okananwa were not only key contributors in the tournament but also the driving forces of the team’s collective identity.

The Path to the 2025 ACC Tournament Title

The road to the 2025 ACC Tournament Championship was paved with challenges. The season had not always been easy, with injuries, tough losses, and periods of inconsistency. However, Coach Kara and her staff had built a resilient squad that was able to weather these setbacks.

The team’s journey through the tournament itself was a microcosm of their season. They faced a series of challenging opponents, each one more formidable than the last. The opening rounds of the tournament were marked by intense competition, but Coach Kara’s guidance kept the team grounded. She was a steadying presence, reminding her players of the lessons they had learned throughout the season.

For Jackson and Okananwa, the most important game of the tournament was the championship clash. It was a highly anticipated matchup, and tensions were high. The team’s confidence had grown over the course of the tournament, but they knew they were going up against one of the best teams in the country. The final game tested everything they had learned—both as individual players and as a team.

Jackson’s Clutch Performance

Jackson’s performance in the championship game was nothing short of spectacular. She had always been known for her speed and ability to create opportunities, but on this night, she showcased her full range of skills. Whether it was hitting clutch shots, setting up her teammates, or locking down on defense, Jackson’s all-around game was on display.

Her biggest moment came in the final minutes of the game when the team was clinging to a narrow lead. With the pressure mounting, Jackson hit a critical three-pointer, silencing the opposition and giving her team a vital cushion. But her impact was felt far beyond the box score. Jackson’s leadership on the court was evident as she calmed her teammates during the most stressful moments.

“I just knew we had to stick to the plan,” Jackson said, reflecting on the final stretch of the game. “Coach Kara always told us that in those moments, it’s about staying composed, trusting in each other, and believing we’re capable of doing something special. That’s what I tried to bring to the court in those final minutes.”

Okananwa’s Dominance Inside

While Jackson’s outside shooting and playmaking were crucial, Okananwa was the anchor in the paint, dominating on both ends of the floor. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and physicality wore down the opposition throughout the game. Her presence in the paint was a constant threat, forcing opponents to adjust their game plan and open up opportunities for her teammates.

Okananwa’s defense was particularly critical in the final moments of the game. With the opponent closing in, Okananwa stepped up with a huge block and secured an important rebound, allowing her team to maintain their lead and control the game. Her performance on both sides of the ball was a testament to her growth as a player under Coach Kara’s tutelage.

Okananwa was quick to credit her coach for her development. “Coach Kara helped me see the game differently,” Okananwa said. “She made me realize that my value is not just in scoring or rebounding, but in every aspect of the game. She pushed me to be a better communicator, to set the tone for our defense, and to be a leader.”

The Celebration and Reflection

When the final buzzer sounded, signaling the team’s 2025 ACC Tournament Championship, the celebration was one of pure joy and relief. The players rushed onto the court, embracing one another and celebrating a season’s worth of hard work. For Jackson and Okananwa, the victory was especially sweet. It wasn’t just the culmination of their season; it was the result of their personal growth, the development of their games, and the support they had received from Coach Kara.

As they spoke with the Nothing But Net crew, their reflections were filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. “This is the kind of moment you dream about,” Jackson said, her voice full of emotion. “But it wouldn’t have been possible without the belief that Coach Kara had in me and all of us. She showed us how to be better players, but more importantly, she showed us how to be better people.”

Okananwa nodded in agreement. “We owe so much of this to Coach Kara. She helped us realize that we are capable of achieving more than we ever imagined. This championship is as much hers as it is ours.”

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Jackson and Okananwa

Despite their success, both Jackson and Okananwa know that the work is far from over. The 2025 ACC Tournament Championship is a huge accomplishment, but both players have set their sights on even greater goals. Jackson is looking to further refine her playmaking ability, develop her leadership skills, and continue to grow as a scorer. Okananwa is focused on becoming an even more complete player, working on her outside shooting and improving her overall basketball IQ.

Both players also acknowledge the bigger picture: the NCAA Tournament, which represents the ultimate challenge for any college basketball team. With their newfound confidence, improved skills, and the lessons they’ve learned under Coach Kara’s guidance, Jackson and Okananwa are ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

As they left the interview, both players were already thinking about the next step in their journey. They had just secured the 2025 ACC Tournament Title, but their eyes were firmly fixed on achieving even more. Together, with Coach Kara at the helm, they were ready to continue their ascent, confident that the best was yet to come.

The 2025 ACC Tournament Championship was not just a moment of glory for Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa—it was the result of years of dedication, growth, and coaching. Coach Kara’s influence on their development was undeniable, and her ability to bring out the best in her players was a key factor in their triumph. As Jackson and Okananwa celebrated their victory and reflected on their journey, it was clear that this championship was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting future.