Spartans Women's Basketball Spartans - Aurora University

SpartansWomen’s Basketball2006 – 2007

AU Media OutletsMeet the Head CoachLocal PrintAurora Beacon-News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 S. River, Aurora, IL 60506Todd Adams, Sports Editor 630-844-5911Fax: 630-844-1043Kane County Chronicle . . . . . . . . 1000 Randall Rd., Geneva, IL 60134Brian Schaumburg, Sports Editor 630-232-9222Fax: 630-232-4962Fox Valley Labor News . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 4155, Aurora, IL 60507Carter Crane, Editor 630-897-4022Fax: 630-892-3873Daily Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3805-A Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174630-587-8623Fax: 630-587-8639Kendall County Publications . . . . . 222 Bridge St., Yorkville, IL 60560630-533-7034Fax: 630-533-7085Oswego Ledger-Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Box #669, Oswego, IL 60611630-554-8565Fax: 630-554-7560Regional PrintChicago Tribune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611Metro Sports 312-222-3474Fax: 312-828-9392MICHELLE ROOFHead CoachSecond SeasonMichelle Roof enters her secondseason in charge of the AU women’sbasketball team. In her rookiecampaign, Roof led a dramatic turnaround in success. Roof’s team was 14-13, after going 7-20 prior to Coach Rooftaking the reigns. Roof came to AU after spending one seasonas an assistant at Lewis University.Prior to her stint at Lewis, Roof spent two years as anassistant at Saint Mary’s University (MN) and one season atGrinnell College (IA).Roof played two seasons at Eastern Illinois University(Division I) before spending a season as a student assistantcoach for the Panthers. She also was a student assistant at theUniversity of Wisconsin-LaCrosse for one season.A member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association(WBCA), Roof has worked several national camps, includingUniversity of Tennessee, Doug Bruno-DePaul basketballcamps, Syracuse University, Texas Tech University andUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison.Roof received a Bachelor of Science in physical educationin 2001 from Eastern Illinois University.Chicago Sun-Times . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 N. Orleans, Chicago, IL 60654College Sports 312-321-2247Radio/TVWSPY (107.1 fm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Broadcast Center, Plano, IL 60545WFXV (TV-30) 630-552-1000Greg Burks, Sports Director Fax: 630-552-9000Comcast (ch. 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 W. 5th Street, Naperville, IL 60563630-552-1000Wire ServicesAssociated Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60601Sports Desk 312-781-0500Fax: 312-781-1989All requests for interviews should be made throughBrian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, at 630-844-7575.Media should call in advance, as seating in the press area is limited.Naomi GuiseAU Women’s Basketball1

Meet theAssistant CoachKEITH PARRISAssistant CoachSecond SeasonKeith Parris enters his second seasonas an assistant coach for the Spartans.He came to Aurora University fromEdgewood College (Madison, WI), wherehe was an assistant coach in 2004-2005.While at Edgewood, Parris helped guide the Lady Eaglesto the Lake Michigan Conference championship and theirfirst NCAA tournament appearance in school history. Theyalso finished the year ranked 13th in the country among allDivision III women’s basketball programs in the category of“most-improved.”As a student-athlete, Parris played one year at NorthlandCommunity and Technical College, where he was a memberof the divisional championship team in his first season. Heaveraged 12 points and six rebounds per game and wasranked seventh nationally in field goal percentage.Parris completed his eligibility at the University ofDubuque, where he was a two-time captain and averaged 13points and six rebounds per game. He finished his careerranked as one of the school’s top field goal percentageshooters in history, shooting more than 50% for his career.“Keith comes from winning programs, both as a coachand as a player. He understands how much work it takes toestablish a winning program and is committed to moving thisSpartan program forward,” Roof said.In addition to his degree from University of Dubuque,Parris also holds a degree from the Keller Graduate School ofManagement. He and his wife, April, live in Aurora with theirchildren, Isaac Duane and Ivy Lynn Parris.2 AU Women’s Basketball

2006-2007Season PreviewNew Look for SuccessAurora University Spartan Women’s Basketball will have anew look in the 2006-2007 season under second-year HeadCoach Michelle Roof. Roof and the Spartans will be playing inthe renovated Thornton Gymnasium with a wood floor replacingthe original tartan surface as well as playing in the newlyformed Northern Athletics Conference.AU returns several key contributors from last season’s 14-13team. Senior guard Naomi Guise (Springfield, IL/SoutheastH.S.) and senior guard Beth Plucinski (Vernon Hills, IL/VernonHills H.S.) give Roof an experienced backcourt that has the abilityto create shots. “Beth will be our floor general and her experiencewill be key to our success and Naomi is one of the bestathletes at our level and creates mismatches every time shesteps on the court,” Roof stated. Guise and Plucinski were bothnamed 2005-2006 Northern Illinois-Iowa All-Conference andPlucinski was the AU MVP.Guise is the Spartan’s top returning scorer (17.0 points and7.2 rebounds per game) while Plucinski averaged 10.7 pointsand 5.6 assists per game. Plucinski enters the 2006-2007 seasonwith 909 career points, 91 shy of the 1,000 point club.Joining Guise and Plucinski as top returners for Roof is seniorforward Laura Wiesner (Des Plaines, IL/Maine West H.S./5.8points and 4.8 rebounds per game). She provides the Spartanswith a presence in the post, while sophomore guard Meagan Re(Belvidere, IL/Belvidere H.S.) and sophomore forward KathleenThanas (Plainfield, IL/Plainfield H.S.) were steady contributorslast season. Re averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds andThanas added 7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds.Junior guards Rachael Blanton (Vernon Hills, IL/VernonHills H.S.), Lexi Pioli (Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru H.S.), juniorcenter Alison Kohler (Sandwich, IL/Sandwich H.S.) and sophomoreforward Tiffani Gueste (Loves Park, IL/Christian Life H.S.)return with valuable experience for the Spartans.The top newcomers for AU are freshmen guards Jamila Tate(Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley H.S.) and center Brianna Leland(Beaver Dam, WI/Beaver Dam H.S.).Once again Roof will require a style of play from herSpartans that will provide a great deal of excitement for fans.Roof said, “We will be a team that has tremendous versatility,which will allow us to create match up problems with smalland big lineups against our opponents. We want to attack ouropponents on both ends of the court-offensively, force them tostop us in a half-court and fast-break game and defensively,pressure and create turnovers with defensive intensity.”AU once again will play a demanding nonconference scheduleleading up to the first season in the Northern AthleticsConference. “In order to win in the NAC, we must put togetheran entire 40 minutes of smart, aggressive basketball, and wemust be able to do this night in and night out. I do feel like ourtough, nonconference schedule will help prepare us for thecompetition we will face within the NAC,” Roof stated.AU Women’s Basketball3

2006-2007 AU RosterNO. NAME POS. HT. YR. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL12 Beth Plucinski Guard 5'6" Sr Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills21 Naomi Guise Guard 5'7" Jr Springfield, IL/Southeast22 Tiffani Gueste Forward 5'11" So Loves Park, IL/Christian Life23 Lexi Pioli Guard 5'4" Jr Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru30 Rachael Blanton Guard 5'8" Jr Vernon Hills, IL/Vernon Hills33 Meagan Re Guard 5'9" So Belvidere, IL/Belvidere34 Kathleen Thanas Guard 5'8" Fr Plainfield, IL/Plainfield Central43 Jamila Tate Guard 5'6" Fr Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley44 Emily Steinway Guard 5'6" Fr Elgin, IL/Elgin45 Brianna Leland Center 6'4" Fr Beaver Dam, WI/Beaver Dam50 Alison Kohler Center 6'0" Sr Sandwich, IL/Sandwich52 Lekiesha Byars Guard 5'5" So Decatur, IL/Eisenhower54 Laura Wiesner Forward 5'11" Sr Des Plaines, IL/Maine WestHead Coach: Michelle RoofAssistant Coaches: Keith Parris4 AU Women’s Basketball

Meet the Spartans#30 RACHAEL BLANTON, 5’8”, Jr, Guard,Vernon Hills, IN/ Vernon Hills HSCollege as a Sophomore (’05-’06): Started sixof the first seven games before being sidelinedwith an injury. College as a Freshman (’04-’05): Played in 25 games, averaged 2.0 pointsand grabbed 56 rebounds. High School:Attended Vernon Hills High School and playedfour years of varsity basketball under Coach Paul Brettner. Senioryear she was All-Area Honorable Mention and All-Conference.She played two years of varsity softball under Coach Greg Stilling,where she was All-Conference Honorable mention as a senior.Personal: Born 2/16/86 in Bloomington, IL. Parents: Roger andVictoria Blanton. She has one brother, Victor, and one sister,Rebecca. Hobbies: Movies and music. Major: Psychology.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG04-05 25 17-66 2-13 15-26 56 23 51 2.005-06 7 8-34 1-9 8-16 16 6 25 3.6#52 LEKIESHA BYARS, 5’5”, So, Guard,Decatur, IL/Eisenhower HSHigh School: Attended Eisenhower High Schooland played four years of basketball under CoachPotts. She also ran two years of track underCoach Bobby Jelks. Personal: Born 8/14/86 inDecatur, IL. Family: Thomas and GeorginaByars. She has four brothers: Marcus, Ryan, T.J.and Keith. Hobbies: Basketball, music and family. Major:Business Administration. Minors: Communication and CriminalJustice.#22 TIFFANI GUESTE, 5’11”, So, Forward,Rockford, IL/Christian Life HSCollege as a Freshman (’05-’06): Played in 25games, starting two and grabbed 58 rebounds.High School: Attended Christian Life HighSchool and played three years of varsitybasketball under Coach Donna Sheperd. Shewas named All-Conference Honorable Mentionher junior year and named First-Team All-Conference, Team MVP,Athlete of the Week and rebound leader all three years. Personal:Born 1/17/87 in Barrington, IL. Family: Walter and Yvetta Gueste.She has one brother, Chris. Hobbies: Playing sports, being active,coaching elementary and middle-school sports and refereeingelementary basketball. Major: Physical Education.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG05-06 25 16-34 0-0 3-9 58 3 35 1.4#21 NAOMI GUISE, 5’7”, Sr, Guard,Springfield, IL/Southeast HSCollege as a Junior (’05-’06): Played in 24games and averaged 17.0 points and 7.2rebounds. She led the team in both categoriesand was named All-NIIC. High School:Attended Southeast High School and playedthree years of varsity basketball under CoachJennifer Blongh. She was MVP her sophomore and senior year,Athlete of the Week her senior year, set a school record for mostdouble doubles her senior year, and was All-Region and All-Conference her senior year. She also ran two years of varsity trackunder Coach Thomas McBride. Family: Born 6/30/84 in Chicago.Family: Berrenice Guise. She has three brothers and four sisters.Hobbies: Watching TV and listening to music. Major: BusinessAdministration. Minor: Sports Management.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG05-06 24 168-331 12-30 59-86 172 27 407 17.0AU Women’s Basketball5

Meet the Spartans#50 ALISON KOHLER, 6’0”, Jr, Center,Sandwich, IL/Sandwich HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04-’05): Played in 27games, started 21. Averaged 7.4 points a gameand had 155 total rebounds. College as aFreshman (’03-’04): Played in 28 games,averaged 3.3 points and grabbed 78 rebounds.High School: Attended Sandwich High Schooland played three years of varsity basketball under Coach BrianHowell. Team captain and All-Academic team all three years.Played three years of varsity volleyball under Coach MarisaColgan, was All-Conference as a junior and captain as a junior andsenior. Personal: Born 12/14/84 in Sandwich, IL. Family: Bruceand Pam Kohler. She has a one brother, Jon. Her mother anduncle (Charles Westbrook) are Aurora University graduates.Hobbies: Spending time with friends and basketball.Major: Mathematics and Secondary Education.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG03-04 28 37-86 0-0 17-23 78 6 91 3.304-05 27 84-167 0-0 32-44 155 19 200 7.4#45 BRIANNA LELAND, 6’4”, Fr, Center,Beaver Dam, WI/Beaver Dam HSHigh School: Attended Beaver Dam HighSchool and played two years of varsitybasketball. She also participated in three yearsof varsity track under Coach Jodi Franke.Personal: Born 4/25/88 in Sheboygan, WI.Family: Roger and Rhonda Leland. She has onebrother, Jordan. Hobbies: Show dogs, watching football andboating. Major: Athletic Training.#23 LEXI PIOLI, 5’5”, Jr, Guard,Oglesby, IL/LaSalle-Peru HSCollege as a Sophomore (’05-’06): Played in 25games, recording 11 assists and averaging 5.1points per game. College as a Freshman (’04-’05): Played in 27 games, averaged 5.0 pointsand had 31 rebounds. High School: AttendedLaSalle-Peru High School and played threeyears of varsity basketball under Coach Haberkorn. She receivedSecond Team All-Conference and MVP her junior year andreceived First Team All-Conference, All-Area and MVP her senioryear. Personal: Born 9/19/85 in Peru, IL. Family: Ron and LauriPioli. She has three sisters, Jessica, Katrina, and Mamie. Hobbies:Softball, music and basketball.Major: Business.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG04-05 27 42-125 25-78 27-38 31 15 136 5.005-06 25 42-131 19-64 24-35 30 11 127 5.1#12 BETH PLUCINSKI, 5’6”, Sr, Guard,Vernon Hills, IL/ Vernon Hills HSCollege as a Junior (’05-’06): She was namedAll-NIIC. She played in, and started, 26 games.She recorded 279 points and led the team with146 assists. College as a Sophomore (’04-’05):Named Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference All-Conference. Played in 27 games, started all butone, had 147 assists, averaged 9.9 points a game and 119 totalrebounds. College as a Freshman (’03-’04): Named NorthernIllinois-Iowa Conference All-Conference. Played in 29 games,started all 29. Averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds. High School:Attended Vernon Hills High School and played three years ofvarsity basketball under Coach Paul Brettner. Named teamcaptain and All-Conference all three years and All-Area as asenior. Played three years of varsity volleyball under Coach SteveRochon. Was named team captain as a sophomore and senior,All-Conference as a junior, and All-Area as a junior and senior.Played three years of varsity softball under Coach Greg Stillingand was named captain, All-Conference and All-Area all threeseasons. Personal: Born 6/5/85 in Lake Forest, IL. Family: Mikeand Mary Plucinski. She has two sisters, Mary and Becky.Hobbies: Sports and movies. Major: Business Administration.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG03-04 29 124-361 74-234 42-56 101 122 364 12.604-05 27 88-324 54-209 36-54 119 147 266 9.905-06 26 97-282 25-88 60-77 147 146 279 10.76 AU Women’s Basketball

Meet the Spartans#33 MEAGAN RE, 5’9”, So, Guard,Belvidere, IL/Belvidere HSCollege as a Freshman (’05-’06): Appeared in 24games, starting five. She averaged 7.0 pointsand 3.8 rebounds per game. High School:Attended Belvidere High School and played twoyears of varsity basketball under Coach BenCommare. She was named captain, First-TeamAll-Conference, Rising Stars Participant and All-Tournament hersenior year. She also played two years of varsity softball underCoach Jody Flynn. She was named MVP and special mention hersenior year. Personal: Born 5/14/87 in Rockford, IL. Family: Franand Debbie Re. She has two brothers, Matthew and Michael, andone sister, Melissa. Hobbies: Playing all sports, eating andtraveling. Major: Undecided. Minor: Health and Coaching.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG05-06 24 61-137 23-69 23-37 91 29 168 7.0#44, EMILY STEINWAY, 5’6”, Fr, Guard,Elgin, IL/ Elgin HSHigh School: Attended Elgin High School andplayed two years of varsity basketball underCoaches Donna Streit and Angie Hudson.Played two years of varsity softball underCoach Peg Corcoran and was named All-Conference as a junior. Personal: Born 7/5/88in Elgin, IL. Family: Gordan and Jeanne Steinway. She has onesister, Danielle. Major: Elementary Education.#43 JAMILA TATE, 5’6”, Fr, Guard,Naperville, IL/ Neuqua Valley HSHigh School: Attended Neuque Valley HighSchool and played two years of varsitybasketball under Coach Mike Williams. Shewas named All-Conference Honorable Mentionas a senior. Personal: Born 5/19/88 in Winfield,IL. Family: Lawrence and Gail Tate. She hasone brother, Jeleni. Hobbies: Tennis, music and talking on thephone. Major: Communication. Minor: Spanish.#34 KATHLEEN THANAS , 5’8”, So, Guard,Plainfield, IL/Plainfield Central HSCollege as a Freshman (’05-’06): Appeared in14 games, starting one, and averaged 7.1points. High School: Attended Plainfield HighSchool and played three years of varsitybasketball under Coach Mark Krusz. As asenior, she was captain, All-Area and brokeschool records for points in a game (31), points in a season andfree-throw percentage. She was also named All-Conference as ajunior and senior. She played four years of varsity softball underCoach Anne Campbell. She was named captain, All-Area and All-Conference as a junior and senior. As a senior, was named to theChicago Tribune Top 100-Team. Personal: Born 6/24/87 in Joliet,IL. Family: Tom and Thea Thanas. She has one sister, Toni.Hobbies: Playing sports, traveling, eating, hanging out withfriends, the White Sox, Notre Dame and watching all kinds ofsports. Major: Physical Education. Minor: Health.YR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG05-06 14 39-96 3-12 19-28 56 12 100 7.1#54 LAURA WIESNER, 5’11”, Sr, Center,Des Plaines, IL/Maine West HSCollege as a Junior (’05-’06): Played in 27games, starting 25, and averaged 508 points pergame and grabbed 130 rebounds. College as aSophomore (’04-’05): Played in 26 games,averaged 7.7 points a game and pulled down atotal of 140 rebounds. College as a Freshman(’03-’04): Played in and started 28 games, averaged 5.7 points and4.6 rebounds. High School: Attended Maine West High School andplayed three years of varsity basketball under Coach Deril Kippand was named Most Improved as a senior. Played four years ofvarsity soccer under Coach Jim McGowan and was named teamcaptain as a junior and senior. Named All-Conference as asophomore, junior and senior. Played one year of varsityvolleyball under Coach Deanna Rip. Personal: Born 2/16/85 inPark Ridge, IL. Family: Howard and Renee Wiesner. She has onebrother, Ken. Hobbies: Movies, playing pool and sports. Major:Physical Education. Minor: HealthYR G FGM-A 3FGM-A FT-A R A TP PPG03-04 28 70-167 0-2 19-33 128 30 159 5.704-05 26 88-209 0-0 24-48 140 25 200 7.705-06 27 67-178 0-0 22-41 130 12 156 5.8AU Women’s Basketball 7

2005-2006Season Results(14-13 overall)Date H/A Result11/18 A Wheaton College 88 Aurora University 5311/19 A Ripon College 81 Aurora University 5711/22 H Aurora University 49 Carthage 4511/26 A Illinois Wesleyan 64 Aurora University 5311/29 A University of Chicago 94 Aurora University 7712/1 A Millikin University 79 Aurora University 4312/3 A Elmhurst College 79 Aurora University 50Northern Illinois IowaConference Champions:1988-1989; 1992-1993; 1993-1994; 1994-1995,1995-1996, 2000-2001; 2001-2002; 2002-200312/6 H North Central College 57 Aurora University 5012/10 H Aurora University 69 Webster University 6012/12 A Aurora University 64 North Park University 6112/17 A Olivet Nazarene Univ 101 Aurora University 8012/20 A Aurora University 77 Muskingum 7112/22 A Aurora University 72 Millsaps 601/3 H Aurora University 73 Blackburn College 521/7 A Judson College 72 Aurora University 691/14* A Rockford College 68 Aurora University 561/17* H Aurora University 75 Eureka College 651/21* H Aurora University 85 Concordia (IL) 581/25* H Aurora University 72 Clarke College 581/28* A Benedictine University 76 Aurora University 622/4* H Aurora University 75 Rockford College 672/7* A Eureka College 58 Aurora University 562/11* A Aurora University 80 Concordia (IL) 54NCAA Postseason Results1993-1994:First round (at Aurora, IL)-w. Wartburg (IA), 61-57Second round (at St. Louis)-l. Washington (MO), 77-681994-1995:First round (at Decorah, IA)-w. Luther, 72-68Second round (at St. Louis)-w. Washington (MO), 75-63Third round (at St. Paul, MN)-l. St. Benedict (MN), 80-462001-2002:First round (at St. Louis)-l. Webster University, 81-602003-2004:First round (at Greencastle, IN)-l. Depauw University, 88-442/15* A Aurora University 75 Clarke College 642/18* H Aurora University 77 Eureka College 742/21*# H Aurora University 69 Eureka College 612/23*# A Rockford College 64 Aurora University 54* Denotes NIIC Conference Game# Denotes NIIC Conference Tournament8 AU Women’s Basketball

2005-2006 Meet the SpartansSeason StatisticsName (GP) FG FG% 3FG 3FG% FT FT% TP PPGNaomi Guise (24) 168 .508 12 .400 59 .686 407 17.0Deisy Mena (27) 109 .356 57 .317 35 .586 310 11.5Beth Plucinski (26) 97 .344 25 .284 60 .779 279 10.7Kathleen Thanas (14) 39 .406 3 .250 19 .679 100 7.1Meagan Re (24) 61 .445 23 .333 23 .622 168 7.0Laura Wiesner (27) 67 .376 0 .000 22 .537 156 5.8Lexi Pioli (25) 42 .321 19 .297 24 .686 127 5.1Kisha Miller (18) 25 .305 3 .214 16 .516 69 3.8Rachel Blanton (7) 8 .235 1 .111 8 .500 25 3.6Stephanie Kiger(14) 10 .250 0 .000 6 .750 26 1.9Tiffani Gueste (25) 16 .471 0 .000 3 .333 35 1.4Caitlin Ebbinghaus (26) 12 .308 0 .000 7 .583 31 1.2Beth Sandon (26) 11 .229 0 .000 7 .778 29 1.1Lisa Hoover (11) 4 .250 1 .143 0 .000 9 0.8Abby Young (6) 0 .000 0 .000 1 .500 1 0.2Tanisha Hawkins (6) 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 0.0Misty Mitchell (2) 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 0.0Alex Contreras (3) 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 0.0Michelle Hard (3) 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 0.0Aurora University (27) 669 .379 144 .298 290 .656 1,772 65.6Opponents (27) 677 .390 153 .282 324 .652 1,831 67.8Name Reb. RPG PF/DQ A TO BLK STLNaomi Guise 172 7.2 52/0 27 88 5 69Deisy Mena 111 4.1 51/2 40 74 8 30Beth Plucinski 147 5.7 58/2 146 130 8 51Kathleen Thanas 56 4.0 22/0 12 25 1 14Meagan Re 91 3.8 46/1 29 49 6 48Laura Wiesner 130 4.8 67/2 12 40 9 21Lexi Pioli 30 1.2 8/0 11 32 1 11Kisha Miller 50 2.8 17/0 12 50 1 16Rachel Blanton 16 2.3 11/4 6 13 1 3Stephanie Kiger 45 3.2 17/0 7 15 2 6Tiffani Gueste 58 2.3 39/1 3 12 3 7Caitlin Ebbinghaus 33 1.3 32/0 4 7 2 0Beth Sandon 80 3.1 28/0 8 15 2 12Lisa Hoover 3 0.3 1/0 1 3 0 1Abby Young 1 0.2 0/0 1 0 0 0Tanisha Hawkins 4 0.7 0/0 0 1 0 0Misty Mitchell 0 0.0 1/0 0 2 0 0Alex Contreras 1 0.3 1/0 0 0 1 0Michelle Hard 3 1.0 1/0 0 2 0 0Aurora University 1,166 43.2 453/8 319 567 51 289Opponents 1,156 42.8 423/0 386 566 73 275

The NIICAU NIIC HonorsTEAMNIIC Record Overall Record1. Rockford College 7-3 13-132t. Benedictine University 7-3 21-7Aurora University 7-3 14-134. Concordia University 3-7 12-165t. Clarke College 3-7 8-18Eureka College 3-7 15-112005-2006 ALL-NIIC TEAM:Naomi Guise, Aurora UniversityBeth Plucinski, Aurora UniversityPaula Jones, Rockford CollegeKristi Strunz, Rockford CollegeAngie Butler, Rockford CollegeNicole Fisher, Eureka CollegeSarah Deakin, Eureka CollegeTamika Curtis, Benedictine UniversityJennison Cox, Benedictine UniversityAlison Sansone, Concordia UniversityJessi Briggs, Clarke CollegePlayer of the Year: Kristina Dorman (Rockford College) and TamikaCurtis (Benedictine University)Coach of the Year: Bob Amsberry (Rockford College)NewComer of the Year: Alison Sansone (Concordia University)AU All-NIIC Selections2005-2006 Beth Plucinski2005-2006 Naomi Guise2004-2005 Beth Plucinski2003-2004 Tina Brooks2003-2004 Beth Plucinski2002-2003 Tina Brooks2002-2003 Joanna Dietz2002-2003 Tina Brooks2001-2002* Molly Jones2001-2002 Michelle Lexow2000-2001 Kara Baysinger2000-2001 Molly Jones1999-2000 Erica Mullner1998-1999 Jaime Lawrence1997-1998 Jennifer Harms1997-1998 Jaime Lawrence1997-1998 Kristen Ericson1996-1997* Dana Lettow1996-1997 Diana Thompson1995-1996* Dana Lettow1995-1996 Beth Edwards1995-1996 Stephanie Calvesio1994-1995* Jennifer Gabel1994-1995 Dana Lettow1993-1994* Dana Lettow1993-19941993-19941992-1993*1992-19931992-19931991-1992*1990-19921990-1991*1990-19911989-19901988-19891987-19881986-19871985-1986*1985-19861984-19841984-19851983-19841982-19831982-19831980-19811978-19791978-19791977-1978Jennifer GabelSamantha HarrisJennifer GabelSamantha HarrisSona BedenianSona BedenianJennifer GabelCathy FlanaganKim SchaubelMelba MorrisBobette SchoenbeckBobette SchoenbeckKristen BennerCharlotte ShepherdSue CollinsCharlotte ShepherdChris HallbergSue CollinsSue CollinsBev TooneyLisa ThomKim ColweckGwen SmithGwen SmithThe coaches of the Northern Illinois-IowaConference (formerly known as the NorthernIllinois Intercollegiate Conference) selected anAurora University athlete as the NIIC’s women’sbasketball Player of the Year for sevenconsecutive years. The string began with CathyFlanagan, a junior, in 1990-1991 and continuedwith Sona Bedenian (who also won the award asa junior in 1991-1992), Jennifer Gabel (winningas a sophomore in 1991-1992) and freshmanDana Lettow in 1993-1994, Gabel again as asenior (1995-1996), and Lettow three-peating asa junior and senior in 1995-1996 and 1996-1997.During those seven years, the Spartans were 58-12 in NIIC play and won four titles (along withthree second-place finishes).1990-19911994-19951992-19931996-19971991-19921993-19941995-1996*Denotes NIIC Player of the Year

AU Year-By-YearIndividual RecordsOVER. NIIC NIICYEAR COACH RECORD REC PL.1977-1978 Karen Heiden 3-11 0-4 4th1978-1979 Karen Heiden 10-9 3-3 3rd(Heiden’s 2 yr. AU record: 13-20)1979-1980 Joe Carter 5-12 2-4 n/a1980-1981 Joe Carter 10-13 2-4 n/a(Carter’s 2 yr. AU record: 15-25)1981-1982 Nancy Schley 6-13 2-4 4th1982-1983 Nancy Schley 8-13 4-2 3rd(Schley’s 2 yr. AU record: 14-26)1983-1984 Jack Augustine 17-7 8-4 4th1984-1985 Jack Augustine 15-10 5-3 3rd(Augustine’s 2 yr. AU record: 32-17)1985-1986 Lester Foster 17-8 6-4 3rd1986-1987 Lester Foster 10-13 3-5 4th(Foster’s 2 yr. AU record: 27-21)1987-1988 Brenda Hillman 4-22 1-7 5th1988-1989 Brenda Hillman 9-14 6-2 1st1989-1990 Brenda Hillman 2-20 2-8 5th(Hillman’s 3 yr. AU record: 15-56)1990-1991 James Lancaster 8-14 6-4 2nd1991-1992 James Lancaster 12-14 8-2 2nd1992-1993 James Lancaster 16-9 9-1 1st tie1993-1994 James Lancaster 22-5 9-1 1st#(Lancaster’s 4 yr. AU record: 58-42)1994-1995 Doug Porter 22-6 9-1 1st#1995-1996 Doug Porter 14-11 9-1 1st(Porter’s 2 yr. AU record: 36-17)1996-1997 Linda Olson 15-10 8-2 2nd1997-1998 Julie Sexton 2-6 0-01998-1999 Frank McQuade 10-16(Sexton resigned with a 2-6 mark midwaythrough the 1997-1998 season)****** Frank McQuade 11-6 8-2 2nd(Assumed Head Coaching duties midseasontabulating an overall record of 11-6. Coachof the Year honors in the NIIC in 1997-1998.)1999-2000 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 6-20 4-8 4th2000-2001 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 13-12 9-3 1st2001-2002 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 16-10 11-1 1st2002-2003 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 17-10 12-0 1st2003-2004 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 11-18 7-5 4th******** (Buckley had a 6-9 record in the 2003-2004season due to absence from maturnity leave.Assistant Darlene Guyett went 5-9 in Buckley’sabsence.)2004-2005 Jennifer (Gabel)Buckley 7-20 6-6 4th2005-2006 Michelle Roof 14-13 7-3 2nd tie# NCAA post-season playoff participant******Spartans encountered two coaching changes andregistered an overall record of 13-12 and 8-2 in theNIIC in the 1997-1998 season.MOST POINTS SCORED:G: 44 Jennifer Harms 2/14/98 vs. RockfordS: 500 Dana Lettow 1994-1995 (28 games)C: 1,693 Dana Lettow 1993-1997 (94 games/18.0 ppg)BEST POINTS PER GAME AVERAGE:S: 21.0 Kristen Benner 1986-1987C: 18.0 Dana Lettow 1993-1997MOST FIELD GOALS MADE:G: 19 Dana Lettow 2/1/97 vs. Rockford (19-35)19 Jennifer Harms 2/14/98 vs. Rockford (19-36)S: 199 Charlotte Shepherd 1985-1986 (25 games)C: 624 Jennifer Gabel 1991-1995 (624-1274)MOST FIELD GOALS ATTEMPTED:G: 36 Jennifer Harms 2/14/98 vs. Rockford (19-36)S: 426 Jennifer Harms 1997-1998 (152-426)C: 1,366 Dana Lettow 1993-1997 (622-1366/45.5%)BEST FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE:S: 55.8 Cathy Flanagan 1990-1991 (150-269)C: 53.5 Cathy Flanagan 1990-1991,1993-1994 (227-424)MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS MADE:G: 7 Sona Bedenian 2/8/92 vs. RockfordDeisy Mena1/3/06 vs. BlackburnDeisy Mena1/25/06 vs. ClarkeS: 74 Beth Plucinski 2003-2004 (74-234)C: 205 Sona Bedenian 1989-1993 (205-563)MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS ATTEMPTED:G: 18 Sona Bedenian 2/17/92 vs. Elmhurst (5-18)S: 234 Beth Plucinski 2003-2004 (74-234)C: 563 Sona Bedenian 1989-1993 (205-563)MOST FREE THROWS MADE:G: 13 Dana Lettow vs. Washington, MO (13-15)S: 127 Dana Lettow 1994-1995 (127-172)C: 313 Dana Lettow 1993-1997 (313-436)BEST FREE THROW PERCENTAGE:S: 87.5 Lisa Thom 1982-1983 (21-24)C: 74.0 Kristen Benner 1985-1987 (142-192)MOST REBOUNDS:G: 29 Jennifer Gabel 1/30/92 vs. MillikinS: 358 Jennifer Gabel 1991-1992 (26 games)C: 1,136 Jennifer Gabel 1991-1995 (106 games)MOST ASSISTS:G: 12 Diana Thompson 2/25/97 vs. Rockford12 Beth Plucinski 2/3/05 vs. ClarkeS: 147 Beth Plucinski 2004-2005C: 408 Beth Plucinski 2003-PresentMOST BLOCKED SHOTS:G: 10 Joanna Dietz 2/1/03 vs. EurekaS: 78 Joanna Dietz 2002-2003C: 193 Joanna Dietz 2000-2003AU Women’s Basketball11

Team RecordsMOST POINTS:G: 111 vs. Trinity Int’l. (111-92) 2/20/96S: 2,137 1994-1995 (28 games)MOST POINTS, OPPONENT:G: 111 Simpson College 1997-1998S: 1,916 1991-1992 (26 games)MOST POINTS, COMBINED:G: 203 AU 111, Trinity Int’l 92 2/20/96FEWEST POINTS SCORED:G: 26 vs. North Central 12/4/04S: 1,155 1987-1988 (26 games)FEWEST POINTS SCORED, OPPONENT:G: 14 Cornell College 1976-1977S: 1,129 1976-1977LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY:G: 94 Cornell College (108-14) 1976-1977LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT:G: 53 Washington (Mo) 1997-1998(Washington 102, AU 49)BEST POINTS PER GAME AVERAGE:S: 77.0 1993-1994 2,079 pts. (27 games)LARGEST AVERAGE SCORING MARGIN:S: +17.8 1976-1977LARGEST AVERAGE SCORING MARGIN, OPPONENT:S: -13.3 1987-1988MOST FIELD GOALS MADE:G: 47 vs. Trinity College 1985-1986S: 825 1993-1994 (825-1,953)MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, OPPONENT:G: 50 Simpson College 1997-1998S: 736 1991-1992BEST FIELD GOAL %:S: 45.7 1986-1987MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS MADE:G: 12 Trinity International 1985-1986S: 152 1999-2000 (152-484)MOST 3-POINT ATTEMPTS:G: 29 vs. Judson 2/4/95 (4-29)S: 484 1999-2000 (152-484)BEST 3-POINT %:S: 36.4 1989-1990 (24-60)MOST FREE THROWS MADE:G: 35 Benedictine University 2/7/98 (35-43)S: 412 1994-1995 (412-622)MOST FREE THROWS MADE, OPPONENT:G: 36 Rockford College 1/24/98 (36-58)S: 390 1985-1986BEST FREE THROW %:S: 68.8 1986-1987MOST REBOUNDS:G: 68 Trinity College 1985-1986S: 1,281 1993-1994 (27 games)MOST REBOUNDS PER GAME:S: 51.1 1985-1986 1,277 rebs. (25 games)MOST REBOUNDS, OPPONENT:G: 63 Washington, Mo 12/5/9763 Puget Sound 12/9/91S: 1,252 1997-1998 (25 games)MOST CONSECUTIVE WINS:S: 12 1993-1994 (27 games)MOST VICTORIES:S: 22 1993-1994 (27 games)1994-1995 (28 games)Simply the Best!By the time Dana Lettow completed her AU careerin 1996-1997, she left as the most prolific player inSpartan history. Some of her career highlights includeAU’s all-time scoring leader(1,693 points.); two-time KodakAll-American; ColumbusMultimedia and Division IIINews All-American; three-timeAll-Region; four-year All-NIIC;three-time NIIC Player of the Year;AU single game scoring record(41 points.); four-time AU teamMost Valuable Player; double-digitscoring in 85 of 94 career games; 36 games with 20 pluspoints; and led the team in scoring in 66 of 94 games(70%).In recognition of her achievements, her #40 wasretired by Aurora University President Dr. Thomas H.Zarle immediately after her final game on 2/25/97,joining formerNBA star MickeyJohnson as theonly other AUathlete to havehis numberretired.12 AU Women’s Basketball

AU DirectoryAU Administration(All numbers are 630 area code)Sport/Department Coach/Contact PhoneDirector of Athletics Mark Walsh 844-5111Athletics BusinessManager Lisa Wisniowicz 844-4574Athletic Trainer Stevie Baker-Watson 844-5114Asst. Athletic Trainer Terry Smith 844-6173Baseball Shaun Neitzel 844-6515Basketball, Men James Lancaster 844-5144Basketball, Women Michelle Roof 844-5112Cross Country andTrack and Field James Kluckhohn 844-4573Events/EquipmentManager Jason Smith 844-6891Football Rich Duncan 844-5115Golf, Men John Donofrio 844-3855Golf, Women Chad Johansen 844-3849Soccer, Men Pete Watkins 844-5268Soccer, Women Kanute Drugan 844-4207Softball Mike McKenzie 844-4939Sports Information Brian Kipley 844-7575Tennis, Men and Women Paul Heinkel 844-5152Volleyball Jamie Walters 844-5261Other Important NumbersAdmission 844-5533Alumni Office 844-5486Physical Education Office 844-6181Campus Safety 844-5450Training Room 844-4891University Communications 844-5481Wellness Center 844-5434Rebecca L. SherrickPresidentCurrently in her seventh year as AuroraUniversity President, Rebecca Sherrick isa true Spartan booster and often attendsathletic events. She earned her B.A. fromIllinois Wesleyan University and Ph.D.from Northwestern University.Andrew ManionProvostPreviously Dean of the College of Artsand Sciences from 1998 to 2000, AndrewManion earned his B.A. from SaintNorbert College and his Ph.D. inexperimental psychology from AdelphiUniversity.Michael MoserVice President for Student LifeMichael Moser assumed the duties ofVice President for Student Life in March2004. He has a B.A. from North CentralCollege and a Master of Divinity fromGarrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.Mark WalshDirector of AthleticsMark Walsh was named Director ofAthletics in 1998. Previously, Walsh wasAU’s Head Baseball Coach from 1992-2002 and Assistant Coach from 1987-1992. Walsh led the Spartans to nine NIICConference Championships and nineNCAA Tournament appearances while posting a 320-85(.790) won-lost record in 10 seasons. Walsh also served asAssistant Football Coach at AU from 1986-1996 and waspart of the coaching staff who reinstated football after ithad been dropped in 1952. Walsh earned both his bachelor’sand master’s degrees from Aurora University.Brian KipleySports InformationDirectorAU Women’s Basketball13

This Is Aurora UniversityWhen you can’tattend games, catchALL the scores on theSPARTAN SPORTSHOTLINE630-844-3838touchtone phone requiredEckhart HallAurora University traces its origins to the 1893 founding of a seminary inthe small town of Mendota, IL. Though established initially to prepare graduatesfor ministry, the institution soon adopted a broader mission and moved to anew campus on the western edge of the nearby community of Aurora. With thischange came a different name and a growing enrollment. In 1985, the institutionwas rechristened Aurora University.In 1992, the Aurora and George Williams College traditions blended when thetwo institutions entered into the affiliation agreement that paved the way for amerger eight years later.Today Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commissionof the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s,and doctoral levels. The institution enrolls approximately 4,000 degree-seekingstudents a year on its Illinois and Wisconsin campuses.The Aurora campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs throughthe College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and the College ofProfessional Studies (including the Dunham School of Business, School ofNursing, School of Social Work and School of Health and Physical Education).The graduate programs offer areas of specialization, leading to master’s degreesin business administration, recreation administration, teaching and social work,as well as a doctorate in education.At AU, academic programs are enhanced through learning opportunities. TheDunham Scholars Program incorporates service learning and extracurricularactivities into its business curriculum. The Honors Program offers studentsadvanced coursework, innovative seminars and participation in special events.May Term is a three-week program offering opportunities to study abroad,research a science topic on campus or travel to Chicago to explore the city’s culture.AU offers its undergraduates a wide range of on- and off-campus learningexperiences. Students participate in more than 60 musical, literary, religious,social and service organizations and play active roles in campus governance.The university also fields18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. TheSpartans boast a winning tradition with 47 conference titles in recent years and27 regular appearances in national tournaments.The Alumni Hall of Physical Education features a racquetball court, climbingwall, complete locker room facilities, training room, weight room, aerobic-activitiesroom, classroom and coaches’ offices.Aurora University is located in west Aurora, within an hour’s drive of Chicagoand at the western end of the Illinois Research and Development Corridor. It isaccessible via Interstate 88 at the Orchard Road exit..statisticshighlightsupcoming gamesFor CompleteNACConference Standings,Results, Directionsand NewsLOG ON TOwww.northernathleticsconf.com

2006-2007Women’s Basketball ScheduleDate Opponent Time SiteNov. 17, Fri Wisconsin Lutheran Warrior Classic 6:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WIvs. Greenville CollegeNov. 18, Sat Wisconsin Lutheran Warrior Classic 1:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WIvs. Concordia University-AustinNov. 22,Wed AUGUSTANA COLLEGE 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILNov. 29, Wed UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILDec. 2, Sat Lakeland College* 2:00 p.m. Sheboygan, WIDec. 5, Tue WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE* 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILDec. 9, Sat Maranatha College* 2:00 p.m. Waterton, WIDec. 16, Sat Edgewood College* 2:00 p.m. Madison, WIDec. 19, Tue North Central College 7:00 p.m. Naperville, ILJan. 3, Wed Carthage College 7:30 p.m. Kenosha, WIJan. 6, Sat Marian College 2:00 p.m. Fond du Lac, WIJan. 14, Sat Rockford College* 7:00 p.m. Rockford, ILJan. 9, Tue DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY* 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILJan. 13, Sat ALVERNO COLLEGE* 2:00 p.m. AURORA, ILJan. 17, Wed Concordia University (IL)* 7:00 p.m. River Forest, ILJan. 20, Sat ROCKFORD COLLEGE* 2:00 p.m. AURORA, ILJan. 23, Tue Concordia University (WI)* 7:00 p.m. Mequon, WIJan. 25, Thu LAKELAND COLLEGE* 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILJan. 27, Sat BENEDICTINE COLLEGE* 2:00 p.m. AURORA, ILJan. 31, Wed Wisconsin Luthern College* 7:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WIFeb. 3, Sat MARIAN COLLEGE* 2:00 p.m. AURORA, ILFeb. 6, Tue MARANATHA BAPTIST COLLEGE* 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILFeb. 8, Thu EDGEWOOD COLLEGE* 7:00 p.m. AURORA, ILFeb. 10, Sat Dominican University* 2:00 p.m. River Forest, ILFeb. 14, Wed Alverno College* 7:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WIFeb. 17, Sat Rockford College* 2:00 p.m. Rockford, ILAll home games in BOLD* Denotes Northern Athletics Conference Game347 S. Gladstone Ave.Aurora, IL 60506-4892630-844-5533 or630-PICK AU-1www. aurora.edu