Simone Jelks promoted, is 7th woman to be full-time NBA ref

Simone Jelks was one of three referees promoted to full-time status by NBA on Wednesday, making her fifth woman on current lineup of officials.

Jelks joins group of female NBA referees that also includes Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder. Jelks becomes seventh female full-time ref in NBA history, with current five preceded by Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer.

Jelks worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a n-staff official last season. former USC player has also worked games in G League for last three seasons.

Suyash Mehta and Andy Nagy were also promoted to full-time Wednesday. y have a combined 11 years of G League experience and each worked 13 NBA games in n-staff roles last season.

“We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff,” said Monty McCutchen, NBA's senior vice president overseeing referee development and training. “y have demonstrated through growth and quality of ir performance, y warrant working NBA games on a regular basis.”