The Shawnee State University Women’s Basketball Team looks to continue its proud and successful tradition in the 2002-2003 season.  The Bears are looking for their fourth consecutive American Mideast Conference Tournament Title, seventh straight regular season conference championship, and tenth straight trip to the NAIA Division II National Tournament.  Once in Sioux City, the Bears hope to redeem themselves following last season’s first ever first-round tournament loss.  With the help of some new talented freshman and a strong returning class, Coach Robin Hagen-Smith believes these goals are well within reach.  “With a strong nucleus returning and a great freshman class added to that, I look for the us to continue to be a powerhouse.” 

The Bears enter the 2002-2003 season hoping to not only use their ability to score inside and out as a threat, but also by dominating their opponents with new defensive styles.  “We have a balanced offensive attack with our strong post game and perimeter play,” states 4-time AMC Coach of the Year, Robin Hagen Smith.  “We have added much more depth at every position this year which will allow us to turn up the defensive pressure full court, and play a more up-tempo style.  We want to force turnovers and create some easy baskets.” 

The Bears’ look to seniors Camey Geiman (Alexandria, KY), Ashley See (Wheelersburg, OH, and Angie Ingram (Eaton, OH) for leadership on and off the court this year.  “It is very important that they use their experience and knowledge to set the tone for the young team,” said Smith.  Also returning for the Bears are sophomores Heather Schilling (Columbus, OH), Nikki Tucker (Logan, OH), Natalie Gill (Xenia, OH), and Sarah Tackett (Greenup, KY).   Geiman (10.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.1 apg), Ingram (11.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg), and Schilling (18.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) each earned All-AMC honors last season.  Schilling was named 3^rd Team All-American.

Joining the squad are very talented freshmen Mandy Deal (Lancaster, OH), Tara Walker (Hillsboro, OH), Shannon Thomas (Carey, OH), Jeanna Diamond (Proctorville, OH), Anna Ramey (Oak Hill, OH), Mandy Wagner (South Shore, KY).  “We have recruited an extremely competitive and very talented group of freshman, who will all contribute immediately," said Coach Smith.

It will take more than talent for the Bears to reach the pinnacle as they did in 1999 when they won the National Championship, and Coach Smith thinks this group might just have that extra something.  “They have such good chemistry and they are learning very quickly how to play as a team.  I really like their togetherness.  Most of all, I am excited about their attitude and work ethic, not to mention their talent.”

The Bears open their season on the road November 1, at Freed-Hardemen where they will take on Cumberland College.  They open their home schedule on November 15 in the opening round of the SSU Classic.  The Bears take on Siena Heights at 8:00 p.m. the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center.