Kougars serve up a win at Nationals

After winning the Division II Junior College Championship just weeks ago, the Kishwaukee Kougars travelled to Toledo, Ohio and captured and exciting third place win the in national championship.

  Head Coach Steve Bailey knew that his team had the potential and skill to do well and they did moving up and beyond their expectations to prove as a team they were good.  Coach Bailey was beyond pleased with the season the girls had this year.  As a Coach, you can hope that your team does well, however Bailey said that: “there aren’t too many coaches out there that wouldn’t be happy with a third place finish.”  The experience for the team to see the level of play needed to compete and do well was fulfilling.  It only brings on the intensity of team play and working hard to do well by the experience gained.

  Bailey was extremely happy to see that Mackenzie Johnson who is a freshman on the team got nominated for the All-Tournament Team, which is quite an honor for a freshman player Bailey hopes that next year’s group will go in with the necessary experience to, as he calls, “takes care of business.”

The team worked hard to reach this point. They took first place in the Division II Junior College League which is quite an honor in itself.  All the scores, stats, pictures and even live game play can be downloaded from the National Junior College Athletic Association website (njcaa.com); you can view how the Kougars did as a team and individually.

There isn’t just one player that makes a team, it’s each and every individual who works hard, has a great attitude, is athletically inclined, communicates well, is trustworthy and works together that makes a team what it is,

“It would only be fair to recognize each player for the third place win as Bailey has asked.  There are two key players on the team.  Mackenzie Johnson played the “right” position.  Mackenzie plans to return to the team next fall.  Toni Cole, a second year student played the “middle” position.  She will not be returning and will be missed.  Dakota Flesner, completed her freshman year, will return playing the “OH” position.  Janelle Gerds, also completing her freshman year, will return playing the “MB” position.  Chelsea Neave, completing her sophomore year with the team, as a “setter” will not be returning and missed as well.  Samantha Smith, completing the year as a freshman, playing the “Lib” position will return in the fall.  Gretchen Freise, completing the year as a freshman, playing the “OH/RS position will return in the fall, Kayla Waddell, completing as a freshman playing the “OH” position will return in the fall, Ariel Listebarger, completing as a freshman, playing the “OH” position, will return in the fall, and last but not least, Darian Peyton, completing the year as a sophomore in the “DS/S” position.”

Coach Bailey, Assistant Coach Steve Williams, Karen Wylie from the Athletic Department and the rest of the faculty would like to congratulate each and every player, the support of family and students that encouraged the women’s team all the way to success.