Jamie Garrison-women’s basketball preview
As the players run sprints to the single blow of a whistle, faces begin to glister with sweat and grunts of pain reflect hard work in practice, the Pierce College women’s basketball team prepares for the 2007-08 season.
With an exceptional record of 25-6 last year, the best in the history of Pierce College women’s basketball. Jim Couch, who is starting his 11th year as head coach, is turning the game up a notch by challenging his players to be the best this season. “Were the best talent wise this year,” said Couch. With weight training two days a week and running four days since the beginning of the semester, coach Couch is preparing his team against the opponent and their biggest opponent chemistry.”They all can play,it’s a matter of getting them to the same level,” said Couch.
He said that some players are often self-absorbed and parents have high expectation, because they believe their child should have gone to a four-year university right out of high school. “Most players think their ready to play at a division one college, but their not,” said Couch. “A junior college is a reality check.
His goals are to make sure his players are successful by creating the best student, student athlete, having the team aim high. Last season the coach was forced to forfeit 24 games due to clerical errors regarding some of the players.
“It was unfair and a black eye to women’s athletics the student athlete,” said Couch.
Despite the set back, this season the 20-player roster is equipped with shooters, rebounders and players who can move the ball up court.
“Main motivation I want to prove we have quality program at Pierce,” said Couch. “I want to prove we have a good athletic and academic program.”
Ralph Wesson, Asst. Coach, who is starting his seventh year goal for the team is to win conference and the championships.
“Everyday we are improving,” said Wesson. Who also hopes to inflict in each game “40- minutes of hell” to their opponent.
As the returning players complete their second season this year, Emmilee Ringelberg, (33) guard, whose goal is to transfer and become a nutritionist, stated that in the program a player can learn.” Samantha Session, (44) power forward, also plans to transfer and eventually direct a city recreational program. Marry Chirishayn,(4) guard, plans to transfer and step her game up from last season. She “Highly recommends” the program. Tiffanie Puente(1), Melodie Puente (2) will also transfer to a four year. Introducing this season are featured freshman’s: LaToya Corley (24), Nicole Portius (32),Taryn Sheman (12) ,Isimeme Okojie(15),Bridget Jenkins(3) and Tiara Richardson(23) a.k.a “Lucky” hopes to build her academic and game career at Pierce. “It will be a nice transition when you go to a bigger school,” said Richardson.
The first official game is against Victory Valley at Pierce Nov. 7 5:30 p.m.