Golden Eagles News
 
Women's Basketball - Tue, Oct. 18, 2011
The Golden Eagles were picked to finish third in the WHAC.  CU finished 3rd last year and will have to overcome the loss of All-Conference performer Brooke Carter.  Melissa and Robyn Veltkamp look to lead the team in their senior year to a third appearance to the national tournament in the last four years.  The Veltkamps were also selected to the pre-season all-conference team. 
After making its mark on the national level last year, the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) coaches picked Concordia University as the top team in the conference in the preseason poll. The Cardinals qualified for the national tournament and ended the season ranked first in total blocks (210), seventh in field goal percentage (.445), and tenth in total assists (522).
1. Concordia (23-11/12/4) - The Cardinals bring back nine of their top 10 players who accounted for 94% of their total offense. Third team All-American Kortni Elsworth will anchor the backcourt with transfer Brittany Gibson (Northwood University). Forwards Hannah Sabol (Jr.) and Brittany Simmons (Sr.) received All-Conference honors last year and Simmons was tabbed newcomer of the year.
Head Coach - Andrea Gorski (4 yrs: 49-46) Bradley ‘92
2. Davenport University (37-1/16-0) - Last year's national runner-up will be without two first team All-Americans, but returning 10 of its top 13 scorers will help. Senior Carrie Grubius will resume guard duties after earning Third Team All-Conference honors. The Panthers will need to adjust to a new head coach to take back the top spot.
Head Coach - Mike Williams (first year) Wisconsin-Stevens Point ‘87
3. Cornerstone University (22-10/10-6) - The Golden Eagles find themselves where they finished last year - third in the conference. The Veltkamp twins return for their senior years and bring 27 points between them. Robyn earned All-American Honorable Mention and Melissa was a third-team All-Conference selection.
Head Coach - Carla Fles (12 yrs: 287-115) Central Michigan ‘93
4. Indiana Tech (16-15/8-8) - Second team All-Conference performer Yasmine Coleman hopes to continue the momentum Tech had last year. A healthy Brittnay Jones will provide an immediate impact and the Warriors added depth in the backcourt.
Head Coach - Rodney Hamilton (3 yrs: 27-35) Georgia State ‘98
5. Madonna University (12-12/7-9) - The Crusaders lost just one starter and have a solid core returning. A young but eager recruiting class will need a little time to gel, but should provide depth. Kaylee McGrath, third-team All-Conference, returns for her junior year and is joined by All-Newcomer Team member Rachel Melcher.
Head Coach - Carl Graves (5 yrs: 60-82) Concordia ‘96
6. University of Northwestern Ohio (15-16/7-9) - Amanda Francis earned All-American honorable mention honors as a junior and looks to break into the top of the honors for her senior campaign. UNOH is relying on a group of junior college transfers to add depth.
Head Coach - Kyle Menchhofer (1 yr: 13-13) Ohio State ‘81
7. Aquinas College (9-22/5-11) - A couple of All-State freshmen will need to make an immediate impact to help a trio of juniors - Taelor Sanders, Shelby Carter, and Ann Marie Shumaker.
Head Coach - Linda Nash (15 yrs: 268-195) Central Michigan ‘82
8. Siena Heights University (11-20/6-10) - Led by senior Nikki Hughes, SHU returns a number of players who saw valuable playing time. The inside game looks to be the meal ticket with three 6'1 players in the paint.
Head Coach - Sue Syljebeck (7 yrs: 92-120) New Orleans ‘97
9. Lourdes University - It's history in the making as the Gray Wolves begin their inaugural season in women's basketball. The focus will be on team work and learning the up-tempo style to put pressure on opponents.
Head Coach - Zareth Gray (first year) Michigan State ‘00
10. University of Michigan-Dearborn (4-25/1-15) - Seniors Ashley Fausneaucht and LaDwan Jones lead a team balanced with upper and lower classmen. A new coaching staff will give UMD a new look.
Head Coach - Sheri Washington (first year) Michigan ‘92
Click here to view the preseason poll with points and first-place votes.
Preseason All-Conference
Kortni Elsworth, Concordia
Robyn Veltkamp, Cornerstone
Amanda Francis, UNOH
Yasmine Coleman, Indiana Tech
Carrie Grubius, Davenport
Brittany Simmons, Concorida
Kaylee McGrath, Madonna
Melissa Veltkamp, Cornerstone
Hannah Sabol, Concoria
Riana Hensley, Davenport