2008 Woodie Awards
Women welcome Miss. State transfer to team
By: Dave Jones
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Sports
A weak post defense and rebounding woes have plagued the women's basketball team in its entire Mid-American Conference schedule.
So when forward Katherine Young decided to transfer to Central, coach Sue Guevara was overjoyed. Young, a 6-foot, 3-inch Michigan native who played at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, started her freshman season at Mississippi State University.
She must sit out this season because of NCAA rules.
"I wish she was playing now," Guevara said. "She's a presence in the post that we don't have now. She'll primarily be used for shot blocks and rebounds."
Young was offered full-ride scholarships to stay in-state, but decided to leave and join a Southeastern Conference team.
But it was a shaky start.
She saw very limited playing time in Miss. State's games, as she was buried behind the team's more experienced post players.
Young came off the bench in three games, and totaled just five minutes. She never scored in just one field goal attempt.
Young said she transferred because she did not believe Mississippi State coach Sharon Fanning was going to alter her coaching style.
"(Fanning) doesn't really believe in change even if something is going wrong," she said. "I liked Coach G's style. She has a winning attitude. I've gotten to know the team. I feel like I can make an impact as soon as I'm eligible."
Young had other ties to the women's basketball team as well. She played under assistant coach Ayesha Whitfield in high school and AAU youth league.
Young has quickly found comfort with her new team. She has been participating in practice, showcasing her talent and making an impression on both coaches and players.
"She definitely can add strength to the position," said sophomore guard Kendra Holman. "Being big and strong - just being a big body and she can definitely score down low - she has great moves. She's a great addition."
Former cmu coach dies
Former women's basketball coach Laura Golden's tenure at Central Michigan was brief - just three seasons.
But it was full of accomplishments. In 1984, she led CMU to its last MAC Tournament title. It was the team's second consecutive.
Golden died Jan. 26 at age 67 in Morganton, N.C. She retired in 1990 after coaching Colorado College and the University of Illinois.
CMU recognized Golden with a moment of silence before its game Saturday against Miami.
In the 1983-84 season, Golden led her team to a record 26 consecutive wins and finished the season 27-2. CMU gained its only NCAA Tournament berth.
sports@cm-life.com
So when forward Katherine Young decided to transfer to Central, coach Sue Guevara was overjoyed. Young, a 6-foot, 3-inch Michigan native who played at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, started her freshman season at Mississippi State University.
She must sit out this season because of NCAA rules.
"I wish she was playing now," Guevara said. "She's a presence in the post that we don't have now. She'll primarily be used for shot blocks and rebounds."
Young was offered full-ride scholarships to stay in-state, but decided to leave and join a Southeastern Conference team.
But it was a shaky start.
She saw very limited playing time in Miss. State's games, as she was buried behind the team's more experienced post players.
Young came off the bench in three games, and totaled just five minutes. She never scored in just one field goal attempt.
Young said she transferred because she did not believe Mississippi State coach Sharon Fanning was going to alter her coaching style.
"(Fanning) doesn't really believe in change even if something is going wrong," she said. "I liked Coach G's style. She has a winning attitude. I've gotten to know the team. I feel like I can make an impact as soon as I'm eligible."
Young had other ties to the women's basketball team as well. She played under assistant coach Ayesha Whitfield in high school and AAU youth league.
Young has quickly found comfort with her new team. She has been participating in practice, showcasing her talent and making an impression on both coaches and players.
"She definitely can add strength to the position," said sophomore guard Kendra Holman. "Being big and strong - just being a big body and she can definitely score down low - she has great moves. She's a great addition."
Former cmu coach dies
Former women's basketball coach Laura Golden's tenure at Central Michigan was brief - just three seasons.
But it was full of accomplishments. In 1984, she led CMU to its last MAC Tournament title. It was the team's second consecutive.
Golden died Jan. 26 at age 67 in Morganton, N.C. She retired in 1990 after coaching Colorado College and the University of Illinois.
CMU recognized Golden with a moment of silence before its game Saturday against Miami.
In the 1983-84 season, Golden led her team to a record 26 consecutive wins and finished the season 27-2. CMU gained its only NCAA Tournament berth.
sports@cm-life.com
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