11.8.06

Winn turns UC into perennial power
November 8, 2006

By Lee France
Charleston Daily Mail

Four years ago, when University of Charleston Coach Sherry Winn took over the women's basketball program at her alma mater, it was mired in the cellar of the West Virginia Conference, finishing 12th the year before she arrived.

As Winn begins her fifth season at the helm, UC has established itself as an annual contender for conference championships and national titles.

In the last two seasons, Winn has led the Golden Eagles to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

"Going to the Elite Eight speaks highly of our work ethic here and the type of athletes we are bringing to the program," Winn said.

"It is also a compliment to our conference. The competition, great coaching and talent in our conference are great."
Although the squad lost in the first round of the Elite Eight tournament in both appearances, the fact that Winn took this program from the basement to the penthouse in only four seasons is a remarkable accomplishment.

"There is a moment when you get to a place like that and don't play your best, that it is devastating," Winn said.
"But when you get a better perspective, a chance to think about it, then you can sit back and reflect on the accomplishments and how well you did that season."

As the 2006-07 season gets underway, one of the most daunting tasks UC will face is replacing All-America selection Lisa Lee.

During her four-year career, Lee, the former Capital High standout, garnered national recognition and has etched her name near the top or at the top of the UC record books.

"First of all, you are never going to replace the person," Winn said.
"You have to look at the position. We will never get another Laura Kinsler or Mandy Ebel on our team either.
"You try to bring a different person and a different personality with different talents to the position. So, we are really not trying to replace Lisa (Lee)."

Senior forward Rachel Pike will be one of those players trying to fill the shoes of Lee.
Pike, who averaged 11.1 points per game last season, is anxious to start the season, but she is not feeling any pressure to lead this team back to a third consecutive Elite Eight appearance.

"I don't think there is any pressure for us to do anything this year," Pike said.
"The way we play, we just go out to do the best we can, have fun and win games. If that takes us to the Elite Eight, then great."

Pike certainly will not have to do all of the work for UC this season. She will be joined in the backcourt by senior Erica McElroy and junior Emily Jones.

McElroy averaged 7.2 points per game last year and dished out five assists per game, while Jones came off the bench and gave a spark with her accurate shooting.

"Erica is an outstanding defensive player, handles the ball and runs the tempo of the offense," Winn said. "She can penetrate and pitch or she can penetrate and score. She is extremely valuable to this program.

"I think Emily Jones' scoring average is going to go way up because her confidence level is going to go up with more playing time."

The Golden Eagles have been picked by the WVC coaches to finish second in the league, behind Glenville State. This year's crew also has been ranked 14th in the USA Today/ESPN preseason poll.

"I think polls are nice for one thing, and that is to bring attention to your school and your program," Winn said.
"Other than that, the polls don't mean anything, and I tell the players that."
UC will tip off the season on Nov. 17 versus Ohio Valley in a tournament in Findlay, Ohio.
In fact, the Golden Eagles will spend the month of November on the road before making their first home appearance on Dec. 2 against Concord