| Former players join Lady Cougar
staff after Wonnacott and Hoyle move on. |
| Maureen Welch Brown
and Gretchen Klein join Cougar staff |
|
The search ended close to home.
Very close!
Maureen (Welch) Brown has joined the Lady Cougar staff
and will work with Coach Gillette with the perimeter players, in
addition to assuming some of the pre-season and post season conditioning
and weight training duties formerly handled by coach Emily Hoyle who has
accepted a full time position in her chosen field after graduation from
Western Michigan University. "Mo played here for two years on some
outstanding teams and has national tournament experience, in addition to
honing her coaching skills at the high school level for the last two
years." Commented her father - and new boss, Coach Welch. "I'm
very comfortable with Mo, obviously. I know exactly what we're
getting and what she's capable of and I'm excited about having the
opportunity to work hand in hand with her to continue this
program's excellence and her growth as a coach. I know that she's
very enthused about the opportunity. She loves coaching - whatever
the level - just like her Dad!"
Also joining the staff is the former post player from
Colon, who transferred back to KVCC from Hope College and helped the
Cougars to a Conference, State and Regional championship and a trip to
the national tournament in her one year as a player here. The Lady
Cougars lost in the National Semi-Final game that year. She went
on to play at Saginaw Valley for a year before a leg injury that
effectively ended her college career. She returned to the
Kalamazoo area and received her degree from Western Michigan University
and is currently substitute teaching.
"Gretchen was our gentle giant when she was here
and really blossomed as a post player under Coach Wonnacott's tutalege.
She is really looking forward to working with the posts - or "trees" as
we like to call them - here at Valley. We're pleased she was able
to re-arrange her schedule and make it work," said Coach Welch. "
She will join Coach Thornton working with our posts and I'm looking
forward to seeing the results they produce."
Coach Welch concluded by saying, "These two
coaches have excellent knowledge and enthusiasm and have been part
of what goes on here. They know what is expected from our players
and our coaches, but probably the best part about each is that they are
great people. We are looking forward to their tenure here!" |
A
Ron Welch Commentary
