Smith sees heart, desire
Tom Fox - Lock Haven Express
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Sports
One glance around the hardwood court, and Jennifer Smith can see it.
Entering her third season as leader of the Lock Haven University women's basketball program, the head coach can see the heart and desire of the Lady Eagles entering the 2009-2010 season.
"They know what we expect and they want to give it to us," Smith said. "I think they fully understand what it's going to take to turn our program around and get the wins.
It comes down to working harder, more dedication and sacrificing for the program. This has definitely been our strongest preseason.
Everyone is more enthusiastic and everyone is working harder than before. Everyone seems a little more driven and willing to sacrifice now so we can win later."
Some key components have graduated.
Gone is 3-point threat and 14 point-per-game scorer Lauren Kelshaw.
But Smith has a talented class of sophomores and freshmen, in addition to the return of Marisa Elliot and Kristen Kudrick - who both sustained season-ending injuries at the start of the 2008-2009 campaign.
"We have tried to not put a lot of pressure on them," Smith said.
"They are still getting back into the swing of things. I can't imagine how hard it is coming back from not playing a game in one whole year. They have worked so hard from last December to now. I have so much respect for them. I hope they both have great seasons. They gave us some much. They are great role models for the younger kids. Having them will be huge for us."
Back is guard-forward Casi Donelan, who was second on the team in scoring and averaged close to 32 minutes each game.
She started in all 27 games, and was also the team's leading rebounder.
"She works so hard, and she is vocal," Smith said of Donelan. "She wants to win, and she's the first player that I have ever had that I've coached for four years. She is an extension of me on the court. She can play any position, and is very versatile."
Entering her third season as leader of the Lock Haven University women's basketball program, the head coach can see the heart and desire of the Lady Eagles entering the 2009-2010 season.
"They know what we expect and they want to give it to us," Smith said. "I think they fully understand what it's going to take to turn our program around and get the wins.
It comes down to working harder, more dedication and sacrificing for the program. This has definitely been our strongest preseason.
Everyone is more enthusiastic and everyone is working harder than before. Everyone seems a little more driven and willing to sacrifice now so we can win later."
Some key components have graduated.
Gone is 3-point threat and 14 point-per-game scorer Lauren Kelshaw.
But Smith has a talented class of sophomores and freshmen, in addition to the return of Marisa Elliot and Kristen Kudrick - who both sustained season-ending injuries at the start of the 2008-2009 campaign.
"We have tried to not put a lot of pressure on them," Smith said.
"They are still getting back into the swing of things. I can't imagine how hard it is coming back from not playing a game in one whole year. They have worked so hard from last December to now. I have so much respect for them. I hope they both have great seasons. They gave us some much. They are great role models for the younger kids. Having them will be huge for us."
Back is guard-forward Casi Donelan, who was second on the team in scoring and averaged close to 32 minutes each game.
She started in all 27 games, and was also the team's leading rebounder.
"She works so hard, and she is vocal," Smith said of Donelan. "She wants to win, and she's the first player that I have ever had that I've coached for four years. She is an extension of me on the court. She can play any position, and is very versatile."
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