Pink Team
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JACKIE STILES
COACH
CLAFLIN, KS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, '01 -
Accomplishments:
Jackie Stiles grew up in Claflin, Kansas and attended Claflin High School. As a junior at CHS, she scored 61 points in 17 minutes of the opening game of the season. By the end of her senior year she became the leading scorer for boys and girls in Kansas High School history. Jackie is the state record holder with 71 points in one game.
At Missouri State, she was known for her spinning jump shots, driving lay ups and 3-pointers. She is the all time leading scorer in NCAA division one basketball history with 3,393 points. Her career at MSU culminated in the 2001 NCAA Tournament where she led the Lady Bears to a final four appearance. In the sweet-sixteen game she scored 41 points in an 81 - 71 shocker against top-ranked Duke. Jackie remains the only woman to score more than 1,000 points in a single season. In her college career she procured a number of outstanding awards including: Three time Missouri Valley Player of the year, won the Wade Trophy for best female basketball player in the nation, and the Broderick cup for college women athlete of the year in 2001. Verizon Academic All American 1st team and the Kodak 1st team All American.
In the 2001 WNBA draft, she was picked fourth by the Portland Fire. She captured the Rookie of the Year title that summer with a scoring average of 14.9 points. She was named to the 2001 WNBA All-Star team and was picked WNBA Player of the Week averaging 22 points on 54% shooting. In 2002 she scored a season high 18 points for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jackie was one of 11 honorees inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2007.
Touched By Cancer
"My great grandma, Millie Heinze had breast cancer."
Why I Participated
"I feel so honored that I was asked to be a part of such a wonderful event. I had the privilege of working with some of the greatest players to ever play in the state of Kansas. This group of talented players may only come together once. I was privileged to help put on a great show to contribute to this worthy cause that promotes women's health and honors Coach Kay Yow."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then believe that if I can do it, anyone can. I am just a small, small-town girl. It does not matter how big you are, where you are from, etc... If you have a dream, you work hard, and believe in yourself you can accomplish everything you ever dreamed of and then some. I am living proof. I don't regret one second of the time I spent working on my game, because I got to experience so much. I've traveled all over the world, met many amazing people, and went to college for free; I've never had to get a real job and the list goes on and on. You never want to look back and say "what if" or have any regrets. You just have to go after every opportunity with everything you got. I hope I am sitting in the stands when one of you is breaking my record of being the NCAA all-time leading scorer. It can happen to you. Believe it!!"
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CYNTHIA COOPER
COACH
LOS ANGELES, CA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -
Accomplishments:
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke grew up in South Central Los Angeles, California. She attended Locke High School before enrolling at the University of Southern California.
Cooper was a four-year letter winner at guard at USC, where she led her team to back-to-back NCAA tournament titles. Cooper ranks eighth on USC's all-time scoring list with 1,559 points, fifth in assists (381), and third in steals (256). She graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After college, Cooper played for USA Basketball as part of the 1987 USA Women's Pan American Team, which won a gold medal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cooper was a member of the gold medalist 1988 US Olympic Women's Basketball Team and the Bronze Medal team in 1992.
Cooper was voted the WNBA's MVP in 1997 and 1998 and also won four WNBA Championships with the Houston Comets. She was named MVP in each of those WNBA Finals. Cooper was named the 1998 Sportswoman of the Year (in the team category) by the Women's Sports Foundation. When she retired in 2000, she became the first player in WNBA history to score 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 2,500 career points. She scored 30 or more points in 16 of her 120 games and had a 92-game double-figure scoring streak from 1997-2000. She went on to coach the Phoenix Mercury for one and a half seasons. Cooper returned as an active player in the 2003 season, but announced her final retirement from professional basketball in 2004. Afterwards, she served as a TV analyst and halftime reporter for the Houston Rockets of the NBA.
In May 2005, Cooper was named Head Coach of the women's basketball team at Prairie View A&M University. Cooper's impact at Prairie View was immediate. In just her second season, Cooper led the underdog Panthers to the SWAC tournament title, netting the school it's first-ever Women's NCAA Tournament bid.
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. She is a personal hero of Jackie Stiles. In the October 30th game, they coached together for the first time
Touched By Cancer
When Cynthia's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, she took charge of her care, making frequent trips back and forth to chemotherapy and checking in with her after every Comets game. Cynthia's mom and hero, Mary Cobbs, succumbed to breast cancer in February of 1999.
Why I Participated
In her mother's honor, Cooper founded the Mary Cobbs "Building Dream" Foundation which helps raise funds for breast cancer research. She played for her.
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then win in sports and win in life. Academics come first and foremost. You need to get your degree and not let your sports use you, but use your sports in order to further your education. Don't look at other places for success but look within. Work hard and hang tough in the tough moments that life brings. Go the distance and be a finisher in whatever you do."
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SHALEE LEHNING, #5
5'9, GUARD
SUBLETTE, KS
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
ATLANTA DREAM -
Accomplishments:
Shalee Lehning is from Sublette, KS and played four years at Sublette High School. She ranks as the fourth all-time leading scorer in Kansas Girls Basketball history with 2,510 career points. Additionally, she holds the state all-time career records for rebounds (1,336), assists (804) and steals (543). She holds the school records for career scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. She was named Gatorade Player of the Year and Miss Kansas Basketball Player of the Year.
She played four years at Kansas State University where she holds the school record and is fifth in the Big 12 in career assists with 71. She ranks seventh in school history for career steals with 213 and ranks fourth in school history in career rebounds with 823. She is the only player in Big 12 history to register 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 700 assists. She has had 48 double figure scoring games, 27 double figure rebound games and 20 double digit assist games. Her 17 career double doubles ranks sixth in school history. In addition, she holds the K-State and Big 12 record for career triple-doubles (4) and triple-doubles in a single season (2). Among active players, she started 110 consecutive games, ranking second in the nation.
Shalee was selected to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII third team, the 2007-08 Academic All-Big 12 first team, and the Fall 2007 Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA.
Lehning was selected in the second round, 25th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Shalee played in her first WNBA game on May 27, 2009. It was a 76-73 victory against the Connecticut Sun. She played nine minutes, and had three assists and one steal.
Touched By Cancer
"My maternal grandmother, Margaret Schmeidler died of colon cancer and Dee Beaudet, the mother of my dear friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Our family friend, Barb Lamborn from Sublette, KS also has breast cancer."
Why I Participated
"I played because all of us have been affected by cancer in some way or another. This is an event that allowed us all to come together to celebrate all the loved ones we have lost because of this disease and it gave us hope that together, we can make a difference. The more people that get involved in efforts like this, the bigger impact we can all have together."
If I Am Your Hero...
"My advice is that success is something that is earned and not something that is given to you. Attitude is contagious and a positive attitude is something that will open many doors in your life. Also, believing in your dreams is the key ingredient to success. There will be setbacks in life but it is how you respond to those moments that truly make a person special. Anything can be achieved if you have the commitment to work hard and the faith to believe it can be achieved."
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MARCY SUDBECK, #20
6'1, FORWARD
SENECA, KS
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY -
Accomplishments:
Marcy Sudbeck grew up in Seneca, KS and attended B & B High School in Baileyville. She was a two-time all-state first team selection, named to the all-league team three consecutive times, selected to the all-class, all-state second team as a senior. Marcy was named Miss Basketball Showcase All-American and was a member of the 1,000-point club, averaging 19.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.1 steals and 4.3 blocks per game. She helped lead her team to the Kansas Class 1A State Tournament as a junior and senior, with a third-place finish her junior season. She was a Wendy's High School Heisman state finalist, named a Kansas Honor Scholar, and graduated with a 3.98 GPA as class valedictorian and was elected class president. She was the first student-athlete from B & B High School to ever sign with a Division I basketball program.
At Wichita State, Marcy played center and power forward, where she was ninth among MVC players with 6.0 rebounds per contest. She led the squad in rebounding 12 times her junior year, the most of any player and led the team in scoring twice. She recorded three double-digit scoring games.
Marcy received Honorable Mention selection to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, was the recipient of the Missouri Valley Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award and was named to the MVC Honor Roll following the 2007-08 academic year. She was named to both the AD's Honor Roll and the Dean's Honor Roll following both the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 semesters, including a perfect 4.0 GPA in Spring 2008.
Touched By Cancer
"I have an Aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and my maternal grandmother and first cousin had colon cancer. My maternal grandfather is currently fighting prostate cancer. There are also several women in my small town that are currently fighting breast cancer."
Why I Participated
"Helping others is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Dedicating one night to playing basketball doesn't even compare to all of the time, energy and suffering endured by women who are suffering with breast cancer. I have always believed that to get the most out of life, you must GIVE first. Events like this show the power of giving and the impact a few people can make on a whole community."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then never give up. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and most of all, keep fighting! Don't let anyone tell you that you're not good enough, that you went to too small of a school, or that you won't make it at a higher level. One of my favorite quotes is, "If there's a will, there's a way!" I live by those words. Of course there will be tough days, but if you have the desire, you will find a way to reach your accomplishments!"
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KATIE SMITH, #22
5'10, GUARD
OMAHA, NE
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS -
Accomplishments:
Katie Smith was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Her father played football at the University of Nebraska. She attended Skutt Catholic High School, where she helped her team to a Class B runner-up finish at the state tournament as a junior and senior. She was named All-State First Team Captain Class B and was a member of the 2005 All-Nebraska basketball team. She was named Academic All-Conference for four years in high school.
At KU, she made the Athletic Director's Honor Roll all four years and Academic All-Big 12 First Team her senior year. Three years in a row, she earned the Ms. Jayhawk Award as a player who embodied the spirit and vision of the Kansas women's basketball program.
Touched By Cancer
"My grandmother died of cancer."
Why I Participated
"I came to the event to help increase awareness of cancer prevention and treatment and I am happy that my ability to play basketball helped provide access to mammograms and other testing for women in southwest Kansas who cannot afford it."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Never let anyone tell you you're not good enough to accomplish something. Just believe in yourself. Set a goal and go after it with no limits and no excuses."
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TASHA TRUNDLE, # 14
5'9, SHOOTING GUARD
HIAWATHA, KS
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI -
Accomplishments
Tasha Trundle grew up in Hiawatha, Kansas and played four years of basketball at Hiawatha High School. After a successful career, she was invited her senior year to play at the Olympic Trials in Champaign, Illinois.
Following high school, Trundle went on to play at Garden City Community College. During her two years there, she led the nation in three-point shooting for NCAA Junior College women's basketball. She was voted 1st team All-Conference and was team captain her second year.
After junior college, Tasha went on to play at the University of Missouri, where she was co-captain during her senior year. Her fondest memory at Mizzou was beating Iowa State in 1997 when they were ranked in the Top 10 in the NCAA.
Following college, Tasha took up high school coaching in Kansas and has led South Gray High School to two state championships.
Touched By Cancer
"I have lost family members to cancer over the years. I also know survivors of breast cancer and find strength and courage in their stories."
Why I Participated
"I chose to play in this game because I wanted to help this great cause. I was honored to represent the University of Missouri-Columbia and all the people who have or are currently battling cancer."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then my message to you is, "Practice, Practice, Practice." Set your goals high because if you set them too low you just might achieve them."
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SHAHIDRAH ROBERTS-COWGILL, #24
5'9, GUARD
OVERLAND PARK, KS
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA -
Accomplishments:
Shahidrah Roberts was born in Berkeley, California and played four years of high school basketball at Blue Valley North in Overland Park, Kansas. She earned Miss Basketball honors in Kansas after averaging 14 points, six rebounds and five steals per game as a senior in 1998-99. Roberts claimed first-team all-state honors and helped lead Blue Valley North to a state runner-up finish in 1999. She captured the DiRenna Award, given to the outstanding player in the Kansas City metro area and earned an invitation to the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Classic. Roberts also earned honorable-mention Kansas Player-of-the-Year honors from USA Today. She became the first player in Blue Valley North High School history to cross the 1,000-point barrier. She accomplished all of this as an honor roll student.
In spite of injuries, Roberts finished her career with 501 points and 268 rebounds, while ranking among NU's career top 10 with 65 made three-pointers. She played in 90 games with 29 career starts, earning significant starting time as a sophomore and senior.
Touched By Cancer
"My grandmother had breast cancer. My cousin is currently fighting breast cancer. I'm a counselor and one of my clients is currently fighting breast cancer."
Why I Participated
"It is an amazing cause. If I'm ever asked to do anything to support this cause, my answer is 'yes.'"
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then never give up on your dreams. Remember that basketball is a fun sport. It is a game that teaches you life lessons. If you continue on to another occupation, the game will always be something that will impact your life."
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ANN CAVEY-JAMESON, #52
6'3, CENTER
MECHANICSVILLE, IA
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY -
Accomplishments:
Ann Cavey grew up in Mechanicsville, IA and played at North Cedar High School. During her high school years, she was first-team all-state her junior and senior year, MVP of the Big East Conference, and Iowa's all-time leading rebounder. She led her team to the state tournament twice and the state championship once. Her sophomore year marked the first time in school history that North Cedar had ever made it to the tournament.
She played at Missouri State from '98-'02 and was team captain during the 2001-2002 season. She averaged seven points and six rebounds her senior season and was given the Prestige award her senior season, the highest award given to a Missouri State athlete. Her junior year, she and Jackie Stiles led their team to a Final Four appearance.
Ann's sister Jamie played basketball for the University of Iowa and the two sisters faced each other one time in college. The October 30th event marked only the second time the two sisters have ever faced each other.
Touched By Cancer
"I know someone who has breast cancer. I also know many people who have dealt with a form of cancer or are currently dealing with a form of cancer. My heart goes out to each of them."
Why I Participated
"It isn't often that we are able to help others. When asked about being a part of this game to support others, I was certain I needed to do what I could to help. Sitting on the sidelines doesn't help anyone - I wanted to do my part to help others."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Then know that if you feel strongly about what you want to achieve, you can turn that drive and desire into the results you want. Don't let anyone stand in your way, not even for one minute. Surround yourself with others who believe in you and want what's best for you. Don't ever stop trying; every ounce of effort you put into achieving your dream will be worth it. If you give up, you will always wonder what might have been."
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JANNICA SHULTZE, #11
5'5, GUARD
OSBORNE, KS
STERLING COLLEGE -
Accomplishments:
Jannica Schultze grew up near Osborne, KS and played basketball at Osborne High School. She averaged 21.2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3.4 assists per game. She also was a four year varsity starter and MCL All-League for three years. Schultze was recognized all over Kansas with All-State honors her junior and senior seasons. She was also on the Academic Honor Roll and in the National Honor Society for three years. She received the Principal's Academic Certificate for three years, was Who's Who among American High School Students and graduated with a 3.75 G.P.A.
Jannica is currently playing basketball at Sterling College in Sterling, KS. Her coach cleared her to play three weeks ago.
Touched By Cancer
"My Aunt Betty was diagnosed with lung cancer and lost the fight. Currently my cousin Marlin is battling melanoma cancer."
Why I Participated
"This is a great chance to help people become more aware of cancer prevention. I am honored that I was even asked to play in this game and love the opportunity to help find ways to cure this terrible disease."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Always work hard and believe in yourself. Through the ups and downs, never give up and always give God the glory."
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MOLLY CARTER, #33
5'6, GUARD
SPRINGFIELD, MO
DRURY UNIVERSITY -
Accomplishments:
Molly Carter was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She played basketball for four years at Kickapoo High School, where she earned All-State honors and led the team to two state titles, winning 89.8 percent of her games during her career there.
Carter attended Drury University, where she totaled an impressive 1,570 points (second in Drury history), 372 rebounds (sixth), 439 assists (second) and 407 steals (second). Carter also set a single-season record with her 129 assists as a senior, completing a career that included a 112-19 record and four NCAA-II Tournament appearances (including one Elite Eight trip) in her four seasons as a Lady Panther.
Touched By Cancer
"My Aunt lost the fight against breast cancer."
Why I Participated
"When I was asked to play for this great cause, I was honored. Today, almost everyone can relate to the horrible circumstances that cancer brings. My Aunt Pam had breast cancer and if I can donate my time to help others fight and prevent the disease, then it is more than worth my time."
If I Am Your Hero...
"My dad always told me the better you get at basketball the more fun the game becomes, but the only way to get better is to practice. This statement holds to be true. Give 110% in anything you do and most importantly, HAVE FUN as you develop into a great basketball player."
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KELSEY KONRADE, #21
5'5, GUARD
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 10 -
Background:
Kelsey Konrade is the daughter of Larry and Suzie Konrade from Ashland KS. She started playing MAYB basketball in 5th grade. She has continued through junior high and high school and is about to start her fourth year on the Ashland High School girls basketball team.
Konrade is a part of the Bass Pro Shops Next Generation Pro Team, a group of five young people from across the United States that promote kids' involvement in outdoor activities. The show is featured on the Outdoor Channel.
All throughout high school, Konrade has been on the honor roll, maintaining an A/B average.
When she's done with high school, Kelsey plans on attending Fort Hays State University to pursue a degree in Business Administration.
Touched By Cancer
"My grandmother is currently fighting cancer. She is from Dodge City and will be attending the game."
Why I Participated
"I played in this game because it is a great cause and I love the game of basketball. I have never played a game on television before and I really enjoyed the experience."
If I Am Your Hero...
"I urge you to follow your dreams and never give up. My dream is to one day have as many girls and women involved in the outdoors as boys and men. I'll continue working toward helping achieve that goal until it happens."
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NAOMI BONILLA, #15
5'3, GUARD
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 10 -
Background:
Naomi Bonilla is the daughter of Lupe and Cesar Bonilla from Ashland KS. She started playing MAYB basketball in 4th grade. She has continued through junior high and high school and is about to start her fourth year on the Ashland High School girls basketball team.
Throughout high school, Bonilla has maintained an A/B average and has been on the honor roll her freshman and sophomore year.
After she is done with college, Bonilla plans to be a Pediatric Nurse.
Touched By Cancer
"Jerry Young was a friend of my family, loved by our community, and was a big supporter of Ashland school sports. A few months ago, he lost his battle with cancer. A few days before he passed, he was mowing the grass on our high school field. I'll remember him when I play in October."
Why I Participated
"I am played because I love the cause and the women I got to play with. Most of all, I played for Jerry Young."
If I Am Your Hero....
"Do everything you want to do and never give up."
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ASHLEY ODERMANN, #12
5'4, GUARD
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 10 -
Background:
Ashley Odermann is the daughter of Barbara and Greg Odermann of Ashland, KS. She has played MAYB basketball since the 6th grade and has played all the way through junior high and high school. She is entering her fourth year playing for Ashland High School.
Throughout high school, Odermann has maintained a 3.967 GPA and has been on the honor roll all four years.
After high school, she will attend the University of Kansas to pursue a degree in behavioral sciences.
Touched By Cancer
"I have known people with cancer through working at the nursing home at Ashland Health Center."
Why I Participated
"I love the cause and the game of basketball and this one was a lot of fun."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Work hard to pursue your dreams and don't let anyone else determine what are capable of because you determine your own destiny."
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KIRA HART, #13
5'2, POINT GUARD
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, '08 -
Background:
Kira Hart is the daughter of Jennie and Jamie Hart of Ashland, KS. She played four years of basketball at Ashland High School.
When she graduated, she went to Fort Hays State University, where she began pursuing a career in special education. Her goal is to be a teacher in rural western Kansas.
Touched By Cancer
"My friend's parent had cancer. I also saw its effects when I worked in the nursing home at Ashland Health Center."
Why I Participated
"I played because I love the cause and I wanted to honor the people I know who have fought the battle against cancer."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Don't take things in life so seriously. Work hard in practice and competition, but at the end of the game, remember that it's still a game. Have fun in life."
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NICOLE PREISNER, #10
5'9, POST
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 09 -
Background:
Nicole Preisner is the daughter of Rick and Jackie Preisner of Ashland, KS. She played MAYB basketball from 7th - 12th grade and played all the way through junior high and high school.
She was first-team all-league her junior and senior year and she was honorable mention All-State her senior year.
In high school, Nicole was a member of the National Honor Society and maintained an A/B average. She was on the honor roll all four years.
Preisner is currently pursuing a degree in Speech Pathology at Fort Hays State University.
Touched By Cancer
"My grandmother died from lung cancer before I was born. I am named after her."
Why I Participated
I played in this game to represent Ashland and join the fight against a disease plaguing so many women."
If I Am Your Hero...
"Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish your dream. You only have one life to live so dream big."
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MEGAN CUNNINGHAM, #33
5'8, GUARD
ASHLAND, KS
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL '08 -
Background
Megan Cunningham is the daughter of Phil and Maryann Cunningham of Ashland, KS. She played MAYB basketball from 6th - 10th grade and played all the way through junior high and high school.
Throughout high school, she was on the Honor Roll, maintaining a 3.8 GPA.
Cunningham is currently pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. During her freshman year, she was admitted into the Early-Admit program for Veterinary School. She hopes to practice in a rural community in western Kansas.
Touched By Cancer
"Both of my grandparents died from cancer."
Why I Participated
"I was so excited about playing in this game. It is such a great cause!"
If I Am Your Hero...
Then know that if you want to be good at something, it will take a lot of hard work."
