By Jaci Kohn
IV Leader Sports Editor, Nov. 5, 2009
The women's basketball team kicks off its regular season Friday, Nov. 6 in the Waubonsee Tournament.
The team, which posted a school best 27-7 record last year, faces adjustments this season after the death of coach Steve Crick.
Former Hall High School coach Pat Cinotte has been hired to lead the Eagles this season. Cinotte, who has coached for 15 years, was a previous men's assistant at IVCC and also coached boys basketball at DePue before leading the Lady Red Devils in four successful seasons with a state tournament appearance and three regional championships.
Cinotte believes he has a strong team returning. Leading the list of returning players is Virginia Trotter, who was named a first team pick on the preseason NJCAA Division II All-American list.
The 5-5 Trotter of Rockford averaged 16 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.4 steals last season for the
Eagles.
"For Virginia to be recognized as one of the top players in the country is a great honor for her and the IVCC women's basketball program," said Cinotte.
Joining Trotter as returning players are Melissa Clements of Serena, Amy Gumm of Seneca, Helen Muleya of DeKalb, Audrianna Blake from Rockford Auburn, Beth Prostko from L-P and Kelsey Thorsen of Serena.
Incoming freshmen are Christine Nesti from Ottawa Marquette, Kourtney Ewald from Ottawa, Kayli O’Flanagan from Seneca, Shannon Washington from Sarasota, Fla., Traci Osby from Rantoul and Ashley Schwingle from La Moille.
"There's a good mix between the returning players and the incoming freshman," Cinotte said. The team's strengths, he said, should be quickness and shooting although there are improvements that can be made.
Cinotte said the players are learning to work together: "It will take some time, but they're coming along great as a team.”
Cinotte has high expectations for his team, hoping for Arrowhead Conference and Region IV titles.
The Eagles home opener will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 vs. Lincoln.