Nucleus of returning players form core on the court: Albion women's basketball team and its new head coach shoot for intense, fun season
By Nora Wiltse
Staff Writer

After years of new coaches and changing playing styles, the women's basketball team may finally find stability.

New head coach Cathy Henkenberns is excited about the season, and said she found a "good fit" with Albion's team.

"What really pulled me in here was the emphasis on teaching. Wins and losses, that wasn't the important part."

She said Albion showed high commitment to teaching, both on and off the court.

Henkenberns, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, has coached at Ashland University, Illinois Central College and Eastern Michigan University. Last year she worked for the University of Michigan in corporate fitness. How is this season going?

"In terms of where we are right now, I'm very, very pleased."

During a team meeting earlier in the year, the women met their new coach and decided on these team goals: 1) Improve intensity of play, both in practice and games.
2) Build teamwork, team unity and support.
3) Have fun.
4) Finish in MIAA's top three.

"I think if we work on the first three [goals], down the road the fourth can be accomplished," Henkenberns said. "It might take us a while to get there, but what we're focusing on now is the process."

Henkenberns' "process" is using intense practices to bring unity to the team and learn how to utilize Albion's strengths of speed and experience.

"We're not very big, but we have a quick, fast team. We have to run the fast break - that's what will make the difference for us," said Kristina Fekete, Grosse Ile senior and co-captain.

Another team strength is senior experience. "Leadership has been incredible," Henkenberns said.

The three team-chosen captains, Christine Cleland, East Lansing senior, Darcey Durr, Grand Rapids senior, and Fekete, spoke of the season with excitement and enthusiasm. Team rapport was easy to see.

"It will show on the court that we're also close off the court," Fekete said. The 14 women on the team are: Cleland; Durr; Fekete; Jennifer Brock, Ludington freshman; Laura Carty, Grass Lake sophomore; Kelly Probert, Detroit sophomore; Lisa Edison, Canton sophomore; Piper Metz, Brighton freshman; Eloise Whitlock, Owosso freshman; Sarah Walbridge, Potterville sophomore; Karen Groulx, Livonia junior; Dara Reich, Kellyville, Okla., freshman; Amy Comer, Battle Creek senior; and Michelle Bilbie, Ann Arbor junior.

With a balance of experience and potential, Albion is ready to turn a few heads. "I think we will surprise a lot of people," Durr said.

Cleland added, "We picked up the intensity level. We have a good nucleus of returners, and we think our goals are very attainable."

The women will start off the season this weekend in Madison, Ind., playing Hanover, Transylvania and Marietta.

"The players are excited and I'm excited. Something's going to happen this year," Henkenberns said.