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Women’s Basketball Pre-Season Outlook
The 2002-2003 Cardinals are looking to repeat the success of their historical 2001-2002 season, and build on the experience of being competitive at the national level. Last season the Cardinals finished 23-9 overall and placed second in the Heart of America Athletic Conference with a conference record of 15-5. The Cardinals made history as the first women’s basketball team at William Jewell to qualify for the NAIA DII national tournament! Northwestern of Iowa ousted them in the first round of the tournament, but the experience has given Jewell’s returning players valuable experience and a thirst for national success.
The Cardinal’s return three seniors who were all honored with acclamations last year. Katie Helwig is looking to improve on her successful 2001-2002 season, where she was selected Honorable Mention All-American as well as First Team All-Conference. Helwig also led the nation in free throw percentage shooting 85.7%. Morgan Williams was able to achieve Honorable Mention All-Conference honors after transferring from Washburn University. Williams helped the Cardinals lead the nation in three-pointers made with her incredible shooting! Erin Jenkins also returns as a senior looking to avenge the first round national tournament loss. Jenkins was selected as an Academic All-American last year, and also broke her own school record with 71 blocks.
Also returning from the national qualifying team is junior Jamie Johnson, and sophomores Kim Lichtenauer and Jessica Heath. The Cardinals also brought in a solid recruiting class including Northwest Missouri State transfer Stacy McAlexander. Jewell was also successful recruiting freshmen Britni Cone from Olathe East High School, Casey Courtney from East Newton High School, Ashley Fann from Marshall High School, and Lauren Wright from Lawrence Free State, who all will be helpful in the Cardinal’s 2002-2003 campaign. Freshman walk-on Heidi Strobel also joins the team from Russellville High School.
The 2002-2003 coaching staff spotlights Head Coach Jill Cress in her seventh season. Assistant coach Larry Williams returns for his fourth year, and William Jewell grad J.D. Gravina returns for his second season as assistant coach for the Cardinals. Senior Megan Pederson, a member of the national qualifying team last year, joins the coaching staff as a student assistant.
The Cardinals have set lofty goals, including a conference championship and improvement in the national tournament. They will prove to be an exciting team to watch with an up-tempo style of play, sharp shooting, and aggressive defense.
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