Stiles returns to bench while undergoing cancer treatment

By AP
Published

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Scoring legend Jackie Stiles is returning to the bench as an assistant for Missouri State while awaiting cancer surgery.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that Stiles will be back on the sidelines Friday after a nearly three-week absence. She is undergoing treatment for ocular melanoma and will undergo surgery Feb. 2. Stiles says her prognosis ''remains very good'' and expressed thanks for ''all the support so far.'' A news release announcing her cancer said it was caught early.

Stiles was the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's basketball history until Kelsey Plum broke her record last season. Stiles led Missouri State to the NCAA Final Four in 2001.

Stiles says she plans on waiting to share her experience until she returns to full-time coaching.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com