Tell us about your background and how you ended up coaching at UIS:
I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I grew up playing basketball at a young age against my older brother. This is when my competitive side started and my goal was to beat him every chance I could get. These rough games carried over onto the court and my passion started to grow for all sports!
I was grateful to be a part of a winning high school program. We won two Gold basketballs at the Wisconsin state tournament. I lost two games during my entire high school career. This was just the start to my career and what basketball brought into my life. I had the honor of playing for one of the all-time winningest high school coaches in the state Wisconsin, Jimmy Myers. He is a mentor to me and continues to have a huge impact on my life.
I continued to play in college for four years at Lakeland (College) University. The basketball success continued at the next level. We won three conference championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances.Now I was playing for a female coach, April Arvan, and she was amazing! I was captivated by how powerful she was both on and off the court. She assisted in molding me into the coach/person I am today. We remain in contact and brainstorm many ideas with her about my current team. Coach A was the person who called me and got me started in coaching world. She said “Hey, I know of a coaching position that just opened up. It starts in two weeks… and she needs an assistant…You need to go!” Next thing I know, I was packing my car and moving to Illinois to be a collegiate coach.
I was in Illinois for a year as a part-time Assistant at MacMurray College. Then I applied for a full-time position at Carthage College. I spent the next three years gathering all kinds of information and preparing to attain a head coaching position. I pursued a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Leadership while being a full-time coach. Then a head coach position opened up about twenty-five minutes from my home town (family) at Edgewood College located in Madison, Wis. I was a young coach and only had four years as an assistant coach, but I was determined to be a head coach. I got the position and was a head coach there for seven seasons. I became the all-time winningest coach and won 57% of all conference games. We reached postseason play four seasons while I was at Edgewood. I loved being close to home while doing a job I enjoyed, but something was missing. I wanted a new challenge and decided to try to move up a division. I was coaching at the Division III level for eleven seasons, I wanted to see what Division II was like. I applied for an assistant job at Northern Michigan University.
Northern Michigan University was a great fit. I was an assistant for two seasons. We achieve postseason play each season. Then the third season, I was promoted to Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NMU. That season (2018-19), we made it to the GLIAC women’s basketball tournament championship. We qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament. We won the first round of the tournament against Ashland. This ignited my passion to have my own program again. I applied for this position at UIS as the head women’s basketball coach.
UIS is a great place. The day of my on-campus interview, I had the opportunity to meet with many coaches, staff members, and the Chancellor. Everyone was extremely positive and shared what the vision was for UIS women’s basketball. I got to meet with the players and they expressed what they expected/ needed. I was on my way home to Michigan and I called my mom and said I think I am moving to Illinois. I was enthusiastic about this opportunity before I even had an offer for the position.Then I got the call and now I am here.
What do you like best about the sport you coach:
There are so many things I love about basketball it is really hard to pick one. One thing I truly enjoy about the game is how this sport brings people together and it takes everyone involved to be successful. This is the best part because the staff makes an impact. The players, the trainer, strength and conditioning coaches, game operations personal, academic services staff, the food service members, the fans…when everyone is working together it is the BEST feeling!
What has been the top moment/game of your coaching career:
Top moments at UIS-
Beating Maryville on Senior night. We played our hearts out and we took control of the game from the very tip. It took our whole team to win against a very good team who was ahead of us in the GLVC standings on our home court. We had friends and family there and it was a great night!
Then to follow having this team collect the highest GPA in program history with a 3.58. We had multiple players reaching their personal-best this year academically.
Top career moment-
Making it to the NCAA tournament with Northern Michigan University. We took a charter flight straight to Drury and won the first round against Ashland University in the NCAA tournament. It was one of the greatest things to ever witness.
What’s the best thing about coaching at UIS:
The people- this place is very special. The support system we have for our student-athletes and staff is exceptional. The athletic department are willing to do “whatever it takes” to assist each other. We come together for special events and campus events. The whole campus works together to help each other succeed. I think this is the best part about UIS and grateful to be a part of it.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not coaching:
I enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, biking, exercising, and playing cards. I love adventures and trying new things to keep my mind stimulated.
