Iowa Girls Coaches Association Established 1984

The Iowa Girls' Coaches Association (IGCA) is the only association of athletic directors and girls' coaches dedicated to promoting the achievements of the Iowa Girl, her coach and all those that support them. Members of the IGCA also are members of the oldest high school coaches association in the nation, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA), governed exclusively by active coaches.
Thursday, July 7, 2005
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Upcoming Date

"You Can" Award Winners

2004-05

Softball

Brittany Manders -- Davenport North High School

Brittany is a starting pitcher and outfielder for North High School and earned her third varsity letter at the completion of the 2004 season. That is amazing considering Brittany has lived with a severe epileptic
seizure disorder since age seven. This disorder causes her to sufferapproximately 25 to 30 seizures every year. Throughout the years herillness has made it difficult to participate in other sports, but despite this, she developed a love for the game of softball refusing to quit. There have been games and seasons where her seizures have caused her to beunable to continue, but each time she bounces back and contributes to the
team. She is an inspiration for her teammates and coaches teaching themcompassion and understanding of the difficult situations we all encounterin life. She missed the last two weeks of the 2004 season to have surgery that will help lessen the severity of her seizures. She was missed by all her teammates, but promised to be back for her senior year in 2005. I'm very proud to have her on my team and more importantly as my daughter.

--Nominated by her father and coach, Jeff Manders.

 

 

Basketball

Rachel Gerking, Spirit Lake (Junior)

Rachel is a junior player that has started for us all year. In 2002 (8th grade year) she tore her ACL and had surgery to repair it. She played briefly in her freshman year and has since had 4 other surgeries on her knee. She is back playing the point position and doing very well. Averaging 9.5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. She was recently named a 2nd team all Lakes Conference player. Without her desire, dedication, and extreme hard work, Rachel would not have been where she is today.

--nominated by BJ Mayer, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Spirit Lake

Kendra Thomas, Rockwell-Swaledale (Senior)

Kendra exemplifies teamwork and a positive attitude in both games and practices. She only plays a few minutes if the game is out of hand and has been the best in practice where she is known as "shooter" because she is always the person who shoots during rebound and fast break drills. When I asked her role for the team she simply stated "Coach, I will do whatever you want me to do for the team." Quite refreshing wouldn't you say?

--nominated by Doug Sheriff, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Rockwell-Swaledale

Rachel Nemmers, Walnut Ridge (Senior)

Rachel has been profoundly deaf since childbirth. She has been involved with basketball all her life. Rachel has overcome her physical challenges with courage, strength, and grace. She has used a signing interpreter to understand instructions from her coaches and teammates, but invested herself with learning to lip read excellently and equipped herself with the knowledge to succeed on the court. Rachel is an honor student and member of the Natinal Honor Society at her school. Rachel plans to continue her basketball career in college. Rachel is the essence of class, character, and courage.

--nominated by Kris Irey, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Walnut Ridge

Kirsten Nystrom, Mason City Newman (Senior)

Kirsten has been out for basketball for four years. She was born with a condition called brachial plexus palsy which gives her limited movement in her right arm. Although her playing time has been limited, she has never complained and has put the "team" ahead of herself. She comes to practice everyday with the attitude, "what can I do for the team". Never has she expected things because she was a senior. Her selfless attitude makes her a great role model for younger kids.

--nominated by Brad Till, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Newman High School

Emily Foura, Interstate 35 (Senior)

Emily has participated in every sport offered at Interstate 35. She has lettered 3 years in volleyball, 3 years in basketball, 4 years in track and softball. She is #1 in her class with a 4.0 GPA. Emily has also been active in NHS, student council and has held many class offices. She also teaches Sunday School. This is an outstanding individual who I believe represents everything this award is about.

--nominated by Jeff Douglas, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Interstate 35

Audrey Cory, North Polk (Junior)

During the 2003-04 basketbaall season, North Polk lost their starting center in a roll over car accident on January 2nd. Audrey was taken to the emergency room where doctors found a fracture of the 5th vertebrae. On March 4th she had neck surgery. The doctors took a piece of bone and put it between the 5th and 6th vertebrae, put a plate on the front of the vertebrae and put four screws into the vertebrae. She was in a neck brace until April 14th. She was released to play sports in May. Audrey was a letterwinner in softball last summer. She was 2nd team All Conference in volleyball and a starter on this year's basketball team. She has maintained straight A's and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society while going through rehab. Audrey was a role model for the other students at North Polk.

--nominated by Rick Dillinger, Head Girls Basketball Coach, North Polk

Kayla Peterson, Humboldt (Senior)

Kayla is a senior and amember of the Humboldt girl's basketball team. Kayla has Type 2 diabetes. A basketball season presents challenges for all of us, but for someone with diabetes those challenges also include constantly trying to find the right balance of food, insulin and exercise. Although living with diabetes can be hard, Kayla has managed to lead an active life. She is also active in track, National Honor Society, JETS, Spanish club, Flags and is a counselor at a youth diabetic camp.

It was John Wooden who said "Sports don't build character, they reveal it." He might have been talking about Kayla showing us that although things might not be easy, hard work, determination, and dedication always make you a winner.

--nominated by Rodd Mooney, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Humboldt

Mandy Crino, Davenport Assumption (Senior)

Mandy is a 3 year letter winner. As a sophomore and junior she came off the bench and was vital to our success. This season the job was hers and she was doing great. In our 3rd game versus Western Dubuque, Mandy partly tore her ACL and after sitting out the next 7 games and getting enough mobility to play, she is back running our team. She knows she isn't where she once was in terms of mobility, but she brings a lot of leadership and courage to the team. And all of our players feed off of Mandy

--nominated by Todd A Borrison, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Davenport Assumption

Andrea Clark, Guthrie Center (Sophomore)

Andrea has been our team leader for 2 years. She averages 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. She is extremely unselfish and truly doesn't care who scores. What makes all of this so special is that she is a Type 1 diabetic. She probably pricks her finger 12 times during a game. She works as hard as she can and never makes excuses. Every game is different for her. One game she may have her blood sugar counts perfectly normal. The next game she may be high or low. She knows that her teammates are counting on her and she never lets her diabetic condition stand in her way.

--nominated by Steve Brand, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Guthrie Center

Alicia Zieser, Ashley Hayes, Emily Burr, Guthrie Center (Seniors)

This group of players has been out for basketball for four years. None of them have ever started a game. In many games they never got to play. During those 4 years I have never heard one complaint from this group. They have been perfect examples of team players. We could not practice if it was not for them and they show up and work hard every night. The quality that is rare among these three is that they never complained or never quit!! They are proof that "You Can" be an essential part of a team and not play that much.

--nominated by Steve Brand, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Guthrie Center

Nicole Nelsen, Audubon (Senior)

On her birthday of her sophomore year she tore her ACL. She rehabbed and came back for her junior season. She was having a solid season when lightning struck again. During our last practice before Christmas break she tore her ACL in the other leg. She rehabbed again all summer and came back out for her senior season. A year in which she served as our captain and gave us solid play and leadership all year long. And believe it or not, she did all this while having diabetes.

--nominated by Tony Vis, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Audubon

Erin Jones, Murray (Senior)

After hurting both ankles and missing a lot of the volleyball season, she came back to be a leader for the basketball team. She was third in scoring, first in rebounds, and she always left everything she had on the floor.

--nominated by Jerry Shields, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Murray

Allison Osmundson, Marshalltown (Senior)

Allie did not make the varsity team as a sophomore, despite the fact that two of her equally talented teammates did. Instead I left "Oz" on the sophomore team to grow mentally and emotionally. She handled this very well and as a junior came back and saw extensive playing time as our "6th" man, playing behind an all-state guard. This year she stepped into the starting role and fulfilled every expectation as a team captain. She is a shining example of how a player can develop through hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. I am proud of the example she has set for future Bobcat players who may not necessarily be the "star" at a young age.

-nominated by Missy Sharer, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Marshalltown

Paige Hays, Glenwood (Sophomore)

What Paige lacks in size and strength she makes up for with an incredible inner drive. A heart condition prohibits her from being able to play in long stretches of games, and she needs to come out every 2-3 minutes because her heart (doctors are not sure what it is) begins to shut down and she physically cannot go without passing out. This from a girl who plays with more energy and zeal, and truly wants to go beyond her "time" but can't. Paige leads our team by words and example. She is well respected as a teammate and as a friend, both on and off the court. She is our starting point guard in the very competitive Hawkeye 10 Conference. Miss Hays may not have the strong "physical" heart, but to measure her "heart" you would see stamina, strength, determination, resolve, and passion. Size means little when inside burns those qualities.

--nominated by Brian Bertini, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Glenwood

Basketball Coaches

Mike Vint, Pella

Coach Vint recently got his 300th victory. Coach Vint's knowledge and passion for teaching the game of basketball poitively effects all those who come in contact with him.

--nominated by Assistant Coach David DeJong, Pella

Erin Hjelle, Underwood

Coach Hjelle has been our head coach for five years. In two short years, Coach Hjelle had his team in the state tournament. The next two seasons saw his team go undefeated against Iowa teams and capture two state championships. Because of Coach Hjelle's commitment to the students and athletes of Underwood I would like to nominate him for this award.

--nominated by Lewie Curtis, Principal/AD, Underwood

Missy Sharer, Marshalltown

Coach Sharer has taken her team from the bottom of the CIML league to the top in just three short years. In her first year they were 6-16. During the second season they improved to 12-10. This season they have been ranked in the 4A top 10 and tied for the CIML Iowa Conference title with a 8-2 record. Coach Sharer has also done many things to involve the Bobcat players in youth leagues and city wide events. This has not only helped the program but given back respect to Marshalltown girls basketball.

--nominated by Mark Tiby, Urbandale Girls Basketball Coach

Jeff Douglas, Interstate 35

Coach Douglas uses a player-centered approach to coaching basketball. In the three years I have worked with Coach Douglas, our players knowledge of basketball, sense of court and general team togehterness have increased significantly. We ended the season second in the Pride of Iowa conference, district champions and new holders of our school's win record with 19 wins and 3 losses.

--nominated by Melissa Linhart, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach, Interstate 35

Jason Ogden, Moulton-Udell

Jason has only been coaching a couple of years, but has turned the program around this year. Last year they went 6-15 and ended up 7th in the Blue Grass Conference. This season, with only 8 girls out for basketball (one junior, the rest freshmen and sophomores), they finished 14-8 overall and tied for 2nd in the Conference. Jason is also the Assistant Boys Coach.

--nominated by Jerry Shields, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Murray

Steve Angell, Decorah

I came into the school as only the third coach in school history. The previous two coaches had outstanding records and had done great things with the program. I inherited a group who had little or no varsity experience. I knew it would be a challenge to geth this group ready to play in the very tough Northeast Iowa Conference. With a renewed summer commitment to basketball the girls have experienced a successful season and have accomplished far more than anyone has given us credit for.

--nominated by Steve Angell

Charles Bailey, Des Moines North

On November 27th I earned my 300th win as a head coach. I have built successful programs at Bayard, Eldora, Western Dubuque and Northeast Hamilton. If I had chose to stay at Northeast Hamilton or accepted a couple other opportunities, I am sure I would have reached the 300 mark much sooner. However, I accepted the challenge to coach Des Moines North in the fall of 1995. We have made great progress that has not shown up in the win column. Even though it took me longer to get to 300 wins. I have had many wins with young people while at North High and they are more important than the 300 wins in basketball.

--nominated by Chuck Bailey

Virgil Hovden, Dunkerton

In the four years Coach Hovden has been at Dunkerton there have been many challenges with the girls basketball program. In his first year (and only eight girls out) they won 5 games. The next season they were not able to field a varsity team. Last season they were back playing varsity, but went 0-22 with a very young team. However, this season, with a renewed commitment and playing style, they climbed to 12-11 and placed second in the Iowa Star Conference. This teams only loses one senior and has a bright future ahead.

--nominated by Brendt Bernard, Tripoli Girls Coach

Chris Guess, Waukee

Chris is in his second year at Waukee. During his first year, they won only one game. During that time he continued to work on developing positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and success on the part of the student athletes. As a result of Chris's effort the team won 15 games this year.

--nominated by Bernie Van Roekel, Waukee High School Principal

Scott Willman, Spalding Catholic

The Spalding Catholic Spartans completed their most successful season since the inception of five girl basketball at the school since 1992. The Spalding team finished 9-14, only one year removed from ending a 52 game losing streak.

 

 

 

 

 

2003-04

Golf

Kayla Wiele, West Liberty

In December of 2001, Kayla developed some pain in her right knee while playing 8th grade basketball. In 2002, she had her right knee scoped. Spring of 2002 her left knee begins to have the same type of pain and is scoped in July of 2002.

Freshman year (02-03), she skips volleyball so she can be ready for basketball, she participates in golf for the first time ever that spring. The entire year she was having pain and finally in the summer of 2003 she had surgery to raise her right knee cap. She spends two months on crutches and then had a fight with the incision getting infected. On August 28th, she again has surgery to drain the area around the incision. She spends six weeks on antibiotics and in September she has another surgery to remove infection from the bone. When she had surgery in August, they removed the screws from her bone because of the infection. Kayla is now scheduled for another surgery on the 18th of December to remove bone from her hip to fill in the gap in her leg and have the screws replaced.

Through all of this she has been able to keep a smile on her face and her biggest fear is that she will not get to play golf again this spring.

--nominated by Greg Guinn, Girls Golf Coach, West Liberty

Molly Kappos, Forest City

Molly is a senior on our squad who has worked very hard to improve her golf game. As a freshman, Molly's best score was 72. As a sophomore, she made the varsity squad and averaged 57.1 and helped the team finish 2nd in regionals which was Forest City's best finish as a team. During her junior year, Molly was an important member of our class 2A state 3rd place finish. She lowered her average to 51.8. This year Molly is averaging 49.9 and has earned all-conference honors. Her dedication to her golf game and her desire to contribute to our team are some of the reasons I believe Molly would be a good choice for this award.

--nominated by Tom Pauley, Girls Golf Coach, Forest City

Amy Charlson, Forest City

Amy started out as a freshman junior varsity player who rarely broke 60. She wasn't very enthused about the game of golf and played very little outside of regular practice. As a sophomore, she averaged 53.1 and began to be one of our most consistent golfers. She still did not have a lot of confidence in herself, but she earned all-conference honors and helped Forest City win its first conference championship in many years. As a junior, she really began to blossom and finished the year averaging 50 and she was the third lowest scorer we had at the state meet, shooting consecutive career lows in the tourney at Jester Park despite having some physical problems that mainfested themselves late in the summer before her senior year. Amy was hospitalized shortly before school started this year and missed the first 6-8 weeks of school with a ruptured appendics andother related problems. She kept up with her school work, managed to maintain her class rank and eventually returned to school. She has struggled with her golf game a little this year, but, through it all, she still is a vital part of our varsity team, once again earning all-conference honors and helping us to the district golf title.

--nominated by Tom Pauley, Girls Golf Coach, Forest City

Coaches

Coach Curt Thomas, Dunkerton

Curt Thomas the girls and boys golf coach at Dunkerton, has been coaching for 16 years and will retire from teaching this year, but will continue to coach both the boys and the girls. He does a good job getting kids out and promoting the sport even though we have no golf course in town. He will retire this spring with 30-35 years teaching and coaching experience. He has been the athletic director at Dunkerton for at least 8 years and has coached numerous other sports while at Dunkerton.

--nominated by Virgil Hovden

Coach Janice Shanno, Sidney

Coach Shanno coaches both the girls and boys teams. She has some golfers who are out for track, so she will stay late and help them after track. Our golf teams had an outstanding season. Both the boys and the girls teams qualified for the 2nd round of the team competition. This was the first time our boys have made it out of the first round of districts and only the second time for the girls.

--nominated by Kent Larsen, Athletic Director

 

Basketball

Nicole VanderPol, Grundy Center
Nicole was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 2000. She was educated by the doctors and nurses at Mayo and was told if she followed a strict diet and fitness routine that she could continue to play sports. Discipline, a set routine, dedication, and knowledge of the disease have allowed her to continue to play. Nicole checks her blood sugar one hour before game time, 10 minutes before game time and at half time. It takes more preparation on Nicole and her teammates part but dealing with the disease and playing sports at a very high level is attainable as Nicole has proven. Since that day in 2000, Nicole has received All State honors in basketball and volleyball. She has led her team to the state volleyball and basketball tournaments. In addition, she has qualified for the state tennis meet as a doubles player on two different occasions.
--nominated by Al Jones, Girls Basketball Coach, Grundy Center

Abby Morey, Emmetsburg

Abby is a four year starter at point guard. In her early years, she would have to gain respect of her older teammates and provide quality leadership. These qualities also helped Abby letter four times in four sports at Emmetsburg. Outside the basketball arena through student government, vocal music, and other leadership activities Abby has been the role model that most of the youth of Emmetsburg have looked up to.
--nominated by Ted Rile, Girls Basketball Coach, Emmetsburg

Mindi Watters, Rockwell-Swaledale

Mindi had a fantastic season as a first year starter. She averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds and exhibits a tremendous work ethic in practice. Mandi works her "tail" off and is a super role model for younger players. Mandi does not thrive on individual recognition or awards. She works hard for the good of the team and leads by example.
--nominated by Doug Sheriff, Girls Basketball Coach, Rockwell-Swaledale

Megan Wittkop, Ankeny

Megan is our 6th player but would start at many teams. She is averaging 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds off the bench and is a 75% free throw shooter. She leads the team in 3 point field goals made. She is an outstanding player and role model.
--nominated by Scott DeJong, Girls Basketball Coach, Ankeny

Cassie Mossier, Urbandale

In the 2002-03 season, Urbandale lost their starting center in the first game due to injury. Cassia Mossier stepped into the starting role for the rest of the year. In 03-04, the injured player returned and Cassie's role went from starter to back-up again. While many players would have had a hard time accepting this role, Cassia continued to work hard and contribute to the team both in practice and in games. Cassia displayed a positive attitude throughout the season and was a vocal leader on the bench.
--nominated by Mark Tiby, Girls Basketball Coach, Urbandale

Allison Ripperger, Urbandale

Allison is a two year starter and team captain. Allison is not one of the top scorers, rebounders or assist leaders on the team. She does not receive as much recognition as other players. What she does display is character. When shots are not falling, she continues to play great defense. When teammates struggle, she picks them up. While she rests on the bench, she encourages those on the floor. She helps younger players without being resentful. Allison has shown character, sportsmanship, and honor in her career at Urbandale High School, sacrificing personal goals for the good of the team.
--nominated by Mark Tiby, Girls Basketball Coach, Urbandale

Ashlie Imming, Fort Dodge

Ashlie has been deaf since birth and has never let this hinder her sports career in any way. She has been active in volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. Ashlie started her senior year in volleyball and basketball and her junior year she was the DH on the state qualifying state softball team. She has never let her hearing interfere with her athletics. Most opponents don't even realize she has a hearing loss. She has shown a great amount of dedication and desire.
--nominated by Kim Vaughn

Kelsey Clemens, St. Edmond High School

As a freshman at St. Edmond, Kelsey was a starter finishing the season with very impressive stats. But during a preseason scrimmage just before her sophomore season she tore the ACL of her knee. After surgery and months of rehab she returned to play again the next summer, only to tear the ACL of the other knee before the season started. More surgery and physical therapy resulted in Kelsey coming back in the last half of her junior season. She finished strong and was Honorable Mention All Conference helping her team to a second place conference finish and a district championship. Just prior to Kelsey's senior year, Jeff Clemens' job in Homeland Security, took him to Colorado. Kelsey stayed to finish her senior year in Iowa playing for a new coach, with her dad only able to encourage from a distance. Kelsey has been the floor general on a conference and district championship team and put up very impressive stats in the process.

--nominated by Craig Carlson, Girls Basketball Coach, St. Edmond High School

Libby Cottey, Davis County

Libby attended Fox Valley Schools for 11 years until it was forced to close at the end of the 2001-02 year. Just as the 2002-03 school year began, Libby's father was tragically killed in a motorcycle wreck. Despite this hardship Libby has carried on with her life. She has had a very good career at Davis County. She is a two year starter. This year she has set season records for most rebounds and set the Davis County single game record for points scored and best shooting percentage. She was captain of her team and picked first team all conference. Her teammates picked Libby as "player of the year". She also received the Mustang award which is given to the player who is respected the most by her teammates on and off the court.

--nominated by Jeff Miller, Girls Basketball Coach, Davis County High School

Randi Ransom, Harris-Lake Park

As a freshman, Randi was the starting point guard and led the team in three categories. She was voted MVP. In her sophomore season she was selected first team all conference. During her junior season, in the third game of the season, Randi suffered an ACL tear and tore her medial meniscus. Surgery occurred in December of 2003 along with physical therapy. After the fourth game of her softball season she was having pain in the knee again and had a second surgery to repair damaged cartilage that hadn't healed. After surgery she was told to sit out of athletics for six months. The time was hard but with her positive attitude, she worked hard at therapy once again. In the fall of 2003 she experienced another tragedy, when one of her dear friends was killed in a car collision. Again, though with her positive and upbeat approach to life, she went became a comforter to others who were grieving, including visiting this friend's parents a number of times to comfort them. In November, Randi's doctor gave her clearance to start playing again. She has been the leader on the court and off. The girls' team has obtained the best record since 1993, with much of the credit to Randi because of the extra time and leadership she has put in. With two weeks remaining in this season, Randi tore the same meniscus. A third surgery was done on the 6th of February. Her surgeon told her that, knowing her, she would be ready to play again in two weeks or less. Randi has shown what a person can accomplish by maintaining a positive attitude, even in the midst of adversity.

--nominated by Tom Ransom, Girls Basketball Coach, Harris-Lake Park
Bree Kane, Dunkerton
Bree has been the heart and soul of the Dunkerton girls athletics for 2-3 years. With a very young team this season she knew that her leadership was going to be very important. Bree is not a real vocal leader but the rest of the team responds to her because of her efforts and determination. They know Bree will play all out all the time. During the second game of the season after helping out a teammate and running down a loose ball, Bree planted to go up for a lay-up and dislocated her knee. The silence that fell over a large crowd only explains what she has meant to the girls sports teams at Dunkerton. All winter she has worked hard and we think she will get to run some track meets yet this spring. When the injury first happened the doctors thought her athletic career may be over but she has worked so hard that they think she will be strong enough to compete this spring.
--nominated by Virgil Hovden, Girls Basketball Coach, Dunkerton
Tara Peska, Newton
As a junior, Tara was a starter on the varsity team. In her first varsity start in the first quarter, she tore her left ACL. After surgery in January of that year, she made a quick recovery. Tara went on to play softball that summer and volleyball that next fall. Then came her senior season in basketball. In her second game she went for a loose ball and got tangled up and blew out the same ACL. Tara had some tough decisions to make as to what to do with her senior season. Basketball is her favorite sport and she had hoped to play in college. So she decided to get fitted for a brace and try to play. She led the team in scoring, field goal and free throw percentage and was the leading rebounder. In February, she had surgery on the same knee 13 months after the first surgery.
--nominated by Judy Nissly, Girls Basketball Coach, Newton
Coaches
Brian O'Donnell, Springville
0-22 two years ago and 14-5 Tri-Rivers Conference Champions this year.
Tom Goodwin, Williamsburg
Varsity record in 21-23 after an 0-22 season 2 years ago.
Scott Moenck, Anamosa
Two years ago they were 0-20. This year they won the conference and were rated all year.
Kevin Klein, Des Moines Christian
Team finished third in the West Central Activities Conference. He has guided the team to a school record in victories and he has done it with only 9 players out for 9-12 basketball.
Brad Till, Mason City Newman Catholic
His team achieved their first winning season since 1995. With only one senior on the team and being a 1A in a 2A and 3A conference, the Knights finished 12-9.
Bruce Subbert, Stanton
Good turnaround season ending up 22-2 and ranked as high as 6th in the state in 1A. Last year's record was 8-11.
Rob Arnold, Clarksville
The Clarksville team was 11-11 this year and that is the first .500 record or better since 5 player ball started. Rob seems to have them going in the right direction, losing many games by close margins throughout the season.
Don Martindale, Spencer
Don has spent 14 years as an assistance in the boys program before he took over the girls program, Spencer had never reached a regional final. He has done that in four of his five seasons. Don took over a 1-20 team and this year they qualified for the state tournament.
Volleyball

 

Amy Pausley, Grandview Park Baptist

Amy started on varsity her freshman through junior year and during her junior year she was selected 1st Team All-State and All-Tournament at the state volleyball tournament. She helped guide the Defenders to the 2002 Class 1A State Championship. During the 2002-03 basketball season, Amy sustained an ACL injury and had surgery in April. She was scheduled to return to volleyball action at the beginning of October. Amy was the only returning starter and the only player that had substantial varsity experience. At the beginning of the season, the team struggled to a 4-9 record without Amy. Amy returned in September (3 weeks early). The team went 15-10 with Amy and finished the 19-19. Amy brought leadership to the young squad. She showed determination, intensity and also a calming effect on the team. Amy has tremendous heart for competition and for her team.

--nominated by her coach, Matt Thompson

Coaches

Gary Thompson, Nodaway Valley
Gary is the head volleyball coach at Nodaway Valley in Greenfield. He has coached her for the last five years. In the four years that Gary has run the volleyball program, steady improvement has occurred. Gary really cares about the kids in his program and his numbers are consistently above 30 participants. This past season, the Wolverines reached the regional finals and finished with a 24-2 record.
--nominated by activities director, Dave Huff
Paula Rotta, Forest City
Eric Crawford, Pleasant Valley
Eric came out of retirement and won first conference title in school's history.
Donna Carhill, Jefferson-Scranton
Donna took Jefferson-Scranton to the first state tournament in the school's history.
Randy Nordheim, Waukon
After 11 years, Randy took Waukon to the first state tournament in the school's history.
2002-03 Winners
Softball
Maggie Harms, Oskaloosa
Maggie grew up around the sport of softball and looked forward to playing ever since she was a little girl. During her 8th grade basketball season she tore her ACL. She was not able to participate in softball as an 8th grader. So she spent the summer being the statistician. Maggie had reconstructive surgery to repair the damaged knee. Her freshman year, Maggie was released to play with a brace and things were going well. Then during the basketball season of her sophomore year, she again tore her ACL. After much discussion about having surgery and missing yet another softball season, we decided to forego surgery and go through rehab to strengthen the knee so she could play softball. She did play softball and only had to sit out 8 games due to soreness and swelling of the knee. This past summer (her junior year), Maggie played in all 42 games and only had to sit out 4 innings the entire summer. Having been her coach and knowing how hard she had to work to be able to play softball in spite of the difficulties that she has had to deal with because of her knee mean more to me than she will probably know. She is truly a remarkable young lady and I am so lucky to have her on my team--but better yet--to have her as my daughter.
--nominated by her coach and father, Jay Harms
Ashley Yeoman, Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne
Ashley was a starting outfielder as a freshman while also catching for the JV. The starting varsity catcher that year was a senior, so she was looking to take over the varsity catching spot in her sophomore year. In October of 2002, Ashley tore the ACL of her right knee during warm-ups for a volleyball match. She missed the rest of the volleyball season and the entire basketball season due to injury. The first day of softball practice was six months to the day after her surgery, but because of her rehab work she was cleared to catch two weeks before the season started. Ashley took the starting catching spot from day one and caught all but a handful of innings during the entire season. She also finished the season by being named Honorable Mention All-Conference for her sophomore season.
--nominated by her coach, Bristol Priebe
Coaches
Larry Achenbach, Albia
Coach Achenbach went 15-23 his first year, losing the first 10 games of the season and finishing 15-13 after breaking the losing streak. Before he arrived, the Lady Dees had one winning season in the previous seven seasons. Coach Achenbach's Albia team finished with a 34-6 record in the summer of 2003. He was named the SE Iowa Softball Coach of the Year and the Lady Dees won the District Championship in 2003 and ended up one game from state.
Golf
Lacey Weier, Junior, Rockwell-Swaledale
As a freshman, Lacey was not one of the top four members of the team, but because of her hard work and dedication her golf game has since reached new heights. So far this season she has been either a medalist or runner-up in 5 meets and is her team's number 1 golfer. Lacey is very active in school and demonstrates strong morals, values and leadership qualities.
-nominated by girl's coach, Doug Sheriff
Basketball
Kelsey Clemens, Junior, Fort Dodge St. Edmonds
Kelsey started as a freshman then tore her ACL and MCL of her left knee right at the beginning of her sophomore season. She spent 6 months in rehab so she could play her junior year. At a camp this past summer, she tore her ACL of her right knee. She did make it back to the team this year. St. Edmonds was rated during this past season.
-nominated by her coach, Jeff Clemens
Adrienne Trauger, Senior, Twin River Valley
Adrienne started as a freshman, during her freshman season she hurt her MCL and ACL of her right knee. In March of 2000, she underwent reconstructive surgery to fix her right knee. Four games into her sophomore season, she tore her ACL in her left knee. Since that time she had her right knee scoped two more times. She did make it back for this season and is on track to score 1000 points for her career. She was a co-captain both junior and senior seasons. Adrienne is also an honor roll student.
-nominated by coach Dan Bennett
Rachelle Zenor, Senior, Stanton
As a freshman and sophomore, Rachelle received honors in volleyball, basketball, softball and ran at the state track meet. During her junior volleyball season, she tore her ACL in her left knee. She missed the entire season but rehabbed very hard. She was able to run track in the spring and had a good softball season. This past fall, during a volleyball game, she tore her ACL in her right knee. She played in her first basketball game in two years on January 28th and in her third game back scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. During the time she was injured she never missed a practice or a game and did all she could to support her team.
-nominated by coach Bruce Subbert
Kristin Kanaskie, Senior, Valley West Des Moines
Kristin tore her ACL in December of last year and only played in five games. After rehab and getting past the mental blocks, she had a fine senior year.
-nominated by coach Eric Boyle
Krista Kielsmeier, Union (LaPorte City)
At a very young age Krista was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which limits her range of motion, even today, and does not allow her arms to completely straighten. The disease hurt her bone development which resulted in jaw surgery, physical therapy, wearing braces on her arms, taking pills, and having regular check-ups to date. Despite all of this she is a four-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, tennis and softball. She is a varsity starter in each of these sports. She has been an inspiration to her coaches and teammates.
-nominated by Erin Wittenburg, Union High School Physical Education/Tennis Coach
Coaches
Eric Boyle, West Des Moines Valley
Third season as a coach; first winning season Valley has had since 1995-96.
Haywood Boston, Jr., Des Moines Hoover
Finished 15-6, ranked #9. Hoover's most wins in a season since 1987. Most wins in five player basketball, only second winning season since 1997.
Chris Honeck, PCM
First year coaching PCM and qualified for the state tournament. PCM has had four coaching changes in as many years. Chris took a very young team and had success right away.
Brian DeJong, Charter Oak-Ute
2000-01 record was 6-16, this year it was 19-3. They won the Boyer Conference for the first time since 1981. First winning season since the school went to five player. The senior members of this squad were 9-57 their first 3 years. 1 win as freshmen, 2 as sophomores, 6 as juniors, and 19 this year.
Curt Klaahsen, Cherokee High School
Last year Cherokee tied for last in the Lakes Conference. This year they won the Lakes Conference with only 1 loss.
Volleyball
Jodi Klein, Senior, Roland Story
A week before the season started her father, in his 40's, suddenly passed away. During this trying time she held her head high, she was a starter on the volleyball team that had many young capable athletes competing for her position. She continued to compete and overcome her personal loss at a very trying time.
-nominated by Jenna Dowling, Gilbert Volleyball Coach
Nikki Kuethc, Senior, Waverly Shell Rock
Nikki was in a terrible accident on August 1, 2001. She missed the entire 2001 season. Nikki was in a terrible accident, "they" lost her once at the scene of the accident and once in the helicopter but they were able to resuscitate both times. She had all ribs cracked on her left side, as well as cracking her pelvis in several places. Her spleen was removed and she had knee surgery. In addition, she had to overcome head trauma. She was back playing basketball and volleyball by January of 2002. She has been a great leader for the volleyball team this season. She has seen action as a starter. Nikki worked very hard in the weight room all summer to play. She has been an inspiration to be around.
-nominated by Waverly Shell Rock Volleyball Coach
Megan Rohrssen, Iowa Valley
Megan was faced with a hardship that only those of us that have been affected by cancer can truly understand. Megan's father was diagnosed with cancer and was expected to die. Megan was forced to deal with the chance that her father would die as a result of this awful disease. With help from above her father beat cancer, or is in remission for the time being. While dealing with all of this in her personal life, Megan maintained a GPA and ACT score high enough to receive 2002 Academic All State Volleyball Team. In addition, Megan was involved in honor choir, school musical, jazz band, speech, track, softball, and volleyball.
Haley Ellis, Senior-Solon
Haley tore her hamstring just a couple of days into the volleyball season. In all likelihood, she would not be back in time to play in the last game of the season. She remained hopeful and worked very hard in physical therapy. Most importantly, she continued to come to all practices including those that were at 6:00 a.m. Her commitment to her teammates by attending practices, games, tournaments, team dinners, and other off court team activities was admirable. In addition, she found ways to lead by making locker signs, special treats, etc. It seemed she was always doing something to encourage, motivate, and support our team.
Haley never played a single game, this, her senior season. I know I speak for the entire team in that we honor her commitment, heart, and exemplary character for not just sticking it out, but by being a great role model under such unfortunate circumstances.
Kristen Wilhelm, Senior, Cedar Rapids Jefferson
Kristen tore her ACL her junior season. Kristen had surgery in November of 2001. She went to physical therapy religiously and did exactly what her therapist told her to do so she could play the following season. She was cleared in January to begin running and lifting. By the summer of 2002 she was leading our weight room in attendance lifting 4 days per week. Kristen is the setter for my team this season. She is the person who lifts up the team when spirits are low and keeps momentum going when we have it. Kristen deserves recognition for the vision she had and accomplishing the goal of keeping her starting position. She overcame a situation that she had no control of and made the best of it for herself. I am very thankful to have Kristen on my team.
-nominated by Kelly Phelan, Volleyball Coach Cedar Rapids Jefferson
Coaches
Steve Baas, West Des Moines Dowling, Head Volleyball Coach
Steve took over the Dowling volleyball program in 2000 and posted a 3-21-4 record. The program grew to a record of 10-14 in 2001. The turnaround was completed in 2002 with Dowling posting one of their best seasons in many years with a a 22-10-2 record. The Des Moines register spotted Steve's accomplishments and recognized him in a feature volleyball article in October.
Kara Meyer, Iowa Valley, Head Volleyball Coach
Kara was a first year coach at Iowa Valley and accomplished the ultimate; last to first. Not only was that significant, it was the first volleyball conference title for Iowa Valley. Kara started many new traditions that helped promote character and teamwork. She created a caring family atmosphere. One new tradition was started when the varsity team sang the national anthem before each game.
Scott Mitchell, Galva-Holstein Head Volleyball Coach
The three year record at Galva Holstein before Scott's arrival was 5-59. In the past seven years they have gone 155-54, averaging 28 victories per season. The record includes many tournament titles, two conference titles and one state semi-final appearance. Scott has high expectations and demands good sportsmanship. His 2000 state tournament team won the Sportsmanship Award. His two assistants attribute their success to Scott demonstrating "a day to day positive and professional commitment to encouraging those around him to excel."
Brian Wedemeyer, Tri-Center-Neola, Head Volleyball Coach
In the five years before Brian's arrival, Tri-Center was 55-61 and had never finished above 3rd place in the conference. In 2001 they were 14-12-1 and in 2002 finished 31-5-2. They won the Western Iowa regular season and tournament championship, an accomplishment not done at Tri-Center since 1987. In just Brian's second season, he led them to the regional final only to lose to Maple Valley. Brian's team may be back next year as his JV team posted a 14-2 record!
 
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