White Team

RUTH RILEY
COACH
MACY, IN
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
SAN ANTONIO SILVERSTARS

Accomplishments:

Ruth Riley was born in Ransom, Kansas and grew up in Macy, Indiana. She attended North Miami High School outside Denver, Indiana, where she played basketball and volleyball and ran track.

The 6'5 center accepted an athletic scholarship to Notre Dame, where she started all four years. In both her junior and senior years, she was an Associated Press First Team All-American selection. As a senior, she won the Naismith Award and was the Associated Press Player of the Year. In addition, she was the 2000-01 Verizon Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.

The highlight of her college career came in the 2001 NCAA tournament. In the championship game, Notre Dame was trailing Purdue, 66-64, when Riley scored the tying field goal. Then, with 5.8 seconds left and the score still tied, Riley drew a foul. She made both free throws to give Notre Dame its final 68-66 edge and its first women's national championship. Riley was the Most Outstanding Player of that year's Final Four. This was the same year that Jackie Stiles led Southwest Missouri State University to the Final Four.

Riley graduated from Notre Dame in 2001 with a degree in Psychology, having made the Dean's List every semester. She finished her Notre Dame career with 2,072 points and school records for rebounds (1,007), blocked shots (370), and field goal percentage (.632).

Ruth went on to play basketball in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL). In both cases, her team won championships and she was the first person in history to win the MVP awards in both the NCAA and WNBA championships.

In addition, Ruth Riley was a gold medalist as part of the 2004 USA Olympic team. She is currently playing for the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Touched By Cancer

"My great-grandmother died from breast cancer."

Why I Participated

"I want to help raise breast cancer awareness and get access to care for women in rural areas who can't afford it. As athletes, we get to play in games all the time. This was an opportunity to play in a game that really means something."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then let me impress on you the value of hard work and believing in yourself, even if the odds are against you. You will encounter tough times, but celebrate the victories along the way."

KRISTI LEEPER-MEIS
COACH
PROTECTION, KS
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Accomplishments:

Kristi Leeper-Meis grew up in Protection, Kansas and attended Protection High School. She played basketball all four years and received first-team all-state honors her senior year.

Leeper-Meis accepted a full athletic scholarship to Fort Hays State University for basketball and served as team captain senior year. In '91, the year she was captain, her team won NCAA Division II National Championship.

Kristi is currently living in Cimarron, Kansas and working for JAG Construction.

Touched By Cancer

"My grandfather, David Leeper, passed away a year and half ago from cancer. My mother-in-Law, Jeannie Meis, is a breast cancer survivor."

Why I Participated

"I helped coach these teams because it is a huge honor to be able to be standing beside such great players and coaches. And to be able to give back to a cause that touches so many women's lives."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then I'll tell you not to be afraid to dream. Don't think you have to be the greatest, just remember that it makes no difference where you come from. The difference is in your willingness to work hard and make a commitment to your dream."

MARLIES GIPSON, #51
6'0, FORWARD
McPHERSON, KS
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Accomplishments:

Marlies Gipson was born in Hays, Kansas and moved to McPherson when she was 1 year old. She played for four years at McPherson High School and the Bullpups were one of the best teams in the state during her career. They got second place in 2003, 2004 at the 5A Class State championships.

In the 2005-2006 season, Gipson was the only Kansas State Wildcat to start all 34 games. She averaged 26.5 minutes per game, .466 field goal percentage, .438 3-point percentage, .674 free throw percentage, 6.4 rebounds per game, 54 assists, 76 turnovers, 62 blocks, 41 steals, 282 points, an average of 8.3 per game. The Wildcats went 24-10 and won the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

In the 2006-2007 season, Gipson went down with a season ending injury. She averaged 28.4 minutes per game in the 16 she played, .473 field goal percentage, .571 3-point percentage, .706 free throw percentage, 8.3 rebounds per game, 25 assists, 37 turnovers, 39 blocks, 20 steals and 204 points, an average of 12.8 per game. The Wildcats went 19-15 and were in the final four of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. She has won numerous awards such as 2005-2006 Big 12 Conference all rookie team.

Touched By Cancer

"My great uncle is currently battling lymphatic cancer."

Why I Participated

"This is a great cause. If there is anything I can do to help find a cure for cancer, I wanted to help. Cancer is something so much bigger than a game of basketball, so it is inspiring it can be used raise money to stop cancer from spreading. Any minute of my time is worth raising money for people who are battling such a deadly disease."

If I Am Your Hero...

"My advice to you is to never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. There will always be someone that doubts you. Use that as motivation to prove them wrong. It will never be easy, but as long as you are having fun along the way, it is worth it in the end. Never let anyone squash your dreams because as long as you believe in yourself, YOUR dream will stay alive."

REBECCA FEICKERT, #40
6'2, CENTER
GOODRICH, ND
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Accomplishments:

Rebecca Feickert grew up in Goodrich, N.D, where she played four years of high school basketball. She led the Goodrich High School Coyotes to three district runner-up finishes and was selected by the Minot Daily News as Player of the year. Feickert earned first team All-State honors as a junior and senior, and second team accolades as a sophomore. She was named North Dakota Miss Basketball and North Dakota Class B Senior Athlete of the Year, averaging 22 points, 15.5 rebounds, 4.25 blocks, 3.7 assists and 3.6 steals per game while shooting 56 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free throw line. She ended her high school career with totals of 1,798 points and 1,372 rebounds. She was excellent student who earned a 4.0 GPA and was named to the Academic All-State team.

Her senior year in high school, Rebecca took a senior trip New York with the only other person in her class, where they appeared on the "Today Show." It would not be the last time she went to New York.

By her third year at the University of Kansas, she saw action in 11 games. She was tabbed Academic All-Big 12 First Team while collecting a perfect 4.0 GPA; she earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll three straight seasons.

Feickert ended her Kansas playing career after three seasons to pursue her Master's Degree in Business. She has already accepted a position with Ernst and Young, one of the big three accounting firms in New York.

Touched By Cancer

"My grandma died from breast and ovarian cancers."

Why I Participated

"I think it's a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. I'm honored and thankful that my basketball ability allows me to contribute."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then work hard and never give up. I grew up in a tiny North Dakota town of less than 200 people. I had two people in my graduating class. Rather than hinder me, growing up in a small town taught me how to work hard. That level of work ethic is responsible for any success I've had. It is the reason I had the opportunity to be a Jayhawk."

IVANA CATIC, #3
5'8, GUARD
ZRENJANIN, SERBIA
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Accomplishments:

Ivana Catic is originally from Serbia, but graduated in 2005 from Mount deChantal Academy in Wheeling, W.V. In high school, she won the three-point competition and earned the Individual Sportsmanship Award at the Myrtle Beach Holiday Tournament. Prior to coming to the United States, Catic also played in the Serbia & Montenegro Junior National and National Team programs. As a 2001-02 European All-Star, she helped her team to a third place finish in the European Championships. She was named MVP of the Junior National Championship in 2002.

By her senior year at the University of Kansas, Catic saw action in all 36 games at KU, starting the final 26 of the season. She averaged a team-leading 3.7 assists per game, which also ranked sixth in the Big 12 Conference. Ivana led the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.2, which also ranked 12th in the NCAA. Her 134 assists on the season ranked 10th on the Kansas single-season assist chart. She finished her career tied for sixth place on the KU chart for games played with 122 in her four-year career. Catic had eight assists and just one turnover in KU's win over Nebraska (March 12, 2009) in the 2009 Big 12 Championship. She led KU in free throw percentage on the year at .853 (29-of-34).

Ivana made the Academic All-Big 12 First Team for three of the four years she was at KU, also earning a position on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for four consecutive years. She won the Presidential Honor for having a GPA over 4.0. She was also the recipient of the Lew Perkins Leadership Award.

Touched By Cancer

"My neighbor is a breast cancer survivor."

Why I Participated

"I support the cause. I want to help raise awareness and help those who cannot afford mammograms."

If I Am Your Hero...

"I will tell you not to be afraid of failure--you are a winner as long as you keep trying and believing in yourself!"

DARIA FRAZIER, #34
5'10, FORWARD
RICHFIELD, MN
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY

Accomplishments:

Daria Frazier was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she played four years of basketball at North High School. Her team won three consecutive Minnesota Class 3A State Championships and Frazier led her team in scoring in the first of those outings.

By the end of her time at Wichita State University, she was a leader on the court as the Shockers' small forward.

Off the court, she was named to both the Missouri Valley Conference Honor Roll and the AD's Honor Roll several times.

Touched By Cancer

"Two of my cousins each lost their battle with cancer."

Why I Participated

"Many people do not realize the continual rise in the number of cancer casualties. I wanted to be a part of something that is celebrating survival and the meaning of another chance as well as keeping people informed."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then know that everyone's perception of success is different. But one thing that is true across the board is work hard will get you there. Find your dream and run with it! Never let it be muted."

KAYLA HERD, #42
5'7", GUARD
BEAVER, OK
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Accomplishments:

Kayla Herd was raised in Beaver, Oklahoma. After high school, she attended Seward County Community College, where she averaged 19 points and 10.4 rebounds as a sophomore and set the single game scoring record (36 points against Colby Community College). She was selected to play in the East/West All Star Game and led the game in scoring with 19 points. She was also earned first team All-Jayhawk West Conference, as well as All-Region honors.

After junior college, Herd finished her basketball career at Kansas State University, where she averaged seven points and five rebounds as a senior starter and co-captain. During her senior year, the Wildcats were runner-up in the Big 12 Tournament and made it to the NCAA Tournament.

Kayla is married to Jeremy Herd and lives in Protection, Kansas, where she is a teacher and the head middle school boy's basketball coach.

Touched By Cancer

"My grandfather, Clyde Hester, died from prostate cancer in 2000."

Why I Participated

"I chose to play in this game because of what it stands for. We as women need to take care of our health. Women should not feel like it is a burden on their family if they go get a mammogram or a pap test. We need these types of tests to be affordable. In this area, we also need the technology that will give us faster and better results."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then always believe in yourself and never take anything for granted."

JAMIE CAVEY, #52
6'3, CENTER
MECHANICSVILLE, IA
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Accomplishments:

Jamie Cavey grew up in Mechanicsville, IA and played four years at North Cedar High School. During her time there, she averaged 18.8 ppg. She was a Quad City Times Athlete of the Year Finalist, selected as MVP for the Big East/Big Bend All-Star Game and was a Street & Smith Preseason Honorable Mention. She did all this while maintaining a place on the honor roll every semester and every quarter. She was a National Council on Youth Leadership semifinalist and honored with the United States National Leadership Merit Award.

During her time at the University of Iowa, she ranked 11th in career scoring (1,265), 15th in rebounding (506) and fourth in blocks (94). She ranked fifth in senior single season scoring (543) and second in blocks (58). She finished her career with ten double-doubles and scored a combined 1,030 points.

When she graduated from Iowa, Jamie played professional basketball in Europe with the FIBA league. When she was playing for CAB Madeira in Portugal, her team won the National Cup and Jamie was the MVP of the league. She also played in Thessalonikki, Greece and Leszno, Poland.

Jamie's sister, Ann, played basketball at Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU) and the two played against each other once during college. They faced each other for only the second time in history on October 30th in Ashland, Kansas.

Touched By Cancer

"Unfortunately, I have been touched by many who have dealt with cancer directly or who have been a support person for a loved one dealing with the disease. I have had friends, students, relatives and team fans who have been affected. Some lost their fight; some fought and are doing great; some are fighting right now."

Why I Participated

"When I heard what this game was about, it didn't take me long to decide it was something I wanted to participate in and support. If I can support those that have been struck by this disease or help others get medical attention to either prevent or attack the disease, then of course I would help. I feel very fortunate to have been able to help."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then I tell you to first determine what you want - I mean what exactly you want - and how important it is to you. When that is in place, you should do whatever it takes to make it happen. You have to go for it, 100%, with no regrets. Make the commitment and let nothing stand in your way. You have to commit to yourself as soon as you know what you want!"

TAHNEE BALERIO, #23
5'6, GUARD
BUHLER, KS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Accomplishments:

Tahnee Balerio was raised in Buhler, KS and played four years for the Buhler High School Crusaders. She attended Missouri State University from 2004 to 2008, where she led the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring with an average of 18.5 ppg. Her junior year, she led the Lady Bears in assists 26 times and scoring 19 times. She registered 25 double-digit scoring games and had 10 games with over 20 points. She scored 39 points against the University of Oregon, the 15th-highest single-game total in MSU history while her 519 points for one season ranks 12th all-time. At one point, she ranked 35th nationally in scoring. Balerio joined Jackie Stiles and Jenni Lingor as the only players in Lady Bear history to post four 30-point contests in a single season. Balerio also played a key role on Missouri State's 2005 WNIT national championship team and received All-Tournament recognition for her role in the Lady Bears' run to the 2006 State Farm MVC Tournament title and subsequent NCAA Tournament berth.

She maintained a 3.85 cumulative grade-point average and was named a Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete. She received the MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award and was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII Second Team.

Touched By Cancer

"This July, my grandma was diagnosed with lymphoma. Due to her age, chemotherapy was not possible. She was taken to the hospital two weeks later and passed away on August 11th."

Why I Participated

"I came to Ashland because cancer affects everyone. My grandma was one personal experience and it weighed on my decision to play. This game was also a great way to create awareness and prove that it doesn't matter the size of a community; there is always a way that a small number of people can make a big difference in any fight."

If I Am Your Hero...

"I will tell you that hard work should not be circumstantial. Even when you have a good game, you have to continue to work hard and get better every day. It doesn't matter where you live or where you came from, you can do anything you set out to do. You can create your own destiny and the opportunities that come along the way."

TARA EDIGER, #15
5'6, OUTSIDE GUARD
COLDWATER, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, '10

Background:

Tara Ediger is the daughter of Jeff and Jacque Ediger from Coldwater, KS. She has played basketball since the third grade. She's entering her fourth year playing at South Central High School.

Throughout school, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and been on the Honor Roll all three years. She got 9th in Doubles at the high school state tennis tournament her junior year.

After high school, she plans to attend Kansas State University and pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine.

Touched By Cancer

"My aunt has suffered with breast cancer for over six years."

Why I Am Playing

I'm played in this game for my aunt and also because love the cause. I was honored to play."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Then always be yourself. Don't ever let what other people say about you affect your perception of yourself. Always set your goals high."

LORA WOOLFOLK, #11
5'7", POST
PROTECTION, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL '10

Background:

Lora Woolfolk is the daughter of Sandy Moore and Sid Woolfolk of Protection, KS. She started playing basketball in 3rd grade and has played all the way through high school. This fall will mark her fourth year playing at South Central High School.

Throughout high school, she has maintained a perfect grade point average playing volleyball, basketball and running track. She is President of her local National Honor Society Chapter, President of her Senior Class and a member of the Student Council. She is on the ministry team for her youth group and she is President of the FCCLA.

When Woolfolk finishes high school, Lora plans on going to either John Brown University or Wichita State University to major in Elementary Education.

Touched By Cancer

"Bob Kozlowski, a family friend, has been fighting cancer for a while now. My Aunt Betty also had cancer. She passed away when I was in the third grade."

Why I Participated

"I wanted to play to unite our five communities behind a common cause. I was honored to be a part of something like this."

If I Am Your Hero...

"You can't allow life's obstacles to give you excuses for what you're to become. You must remember what you stand for in all circumstances and do everything whole-heartedly. Whatever you do, do it with pride and determination. You are who you choose to be."

CHRISSY SELZER, #00
5'8, POST
PROTECTION, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, '10

Background:

Chrissy Selzer is the daughter of Randy and Sally Selzer of Protection, KS. She played MAYB and Pee Wee basketball since 3rd grade and played all the way through junior high and high school. She is entering her fourth year playing for South Central High School.

She is currently on the 4.0 student Honor Roll, Vice President of the National Honor Society South Central High School chapter, and Secretary of the senior class.

When Chrissy graduates, she wants to attend Kansas State University to pursue a career in agriculture. She also has a desire to coach.

Touched By Cancer

"My two great aunts died from breast cancer. Gayle Coggins, a close family friend from Greensburg is in remission from breast cancer."

Why I Participated

"Seeing how breast cancer affects the lives of many young women, it was my privilege to be there. I am grateful to support families that are suffering from this disease."

If I Am Your Hero....

"When you are in high school do all the activities you can; it will build character when you are on your own. Keep up your grades and it will pay off."

JORDAN JARNAGIN, #10
5'4, GUARD
PROTECTION, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, 06

Background:

Jordan Jarnigan is the daughter of Kent and Susan Jarnigan from Protection, KS. She started playing MAYB basketball when she was 12 years old. She played four years at South Central High School where she earned All-League honors.

She was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated as Valedictorian, accepting a scholarship to play basketball at Southwestern College. This year will mark her fourth season playing at Southwestern where she has been an academic All American.

After college, Jordan plans on being a Registered Nurse. Eventually, she will be a CRNA.

Touched By Cancer

"My mother's mother died from breast cancer."

Why I Participated

"I played in this game because I love to support our communities. The cause is incredible. I played against Shalee Lehning in junior high school and enjoyed being involved with her again in this event."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Once you decide what it is you want to accomplish, stick to it. Don't settle for the easy route. Challenge yourself because everything that is worth doing requires hard work and dedication. Set goals for yourself and don't give up on them."

AMBER WAGNON. #21
5'9, FORWARD
PROTECTION, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY

Background:

Amber Wagnon was raised in Protection, Kansas and attended high school at South Central High School in Coldwater Kansas. She played sports all four years, earning All-State honors in volleyball, basketball and track. Wagnon received the Most Inspirational Female Athlete Award twice in high school.

After graduating in '02, she accepted a volleyball scholarship at Cowley County Junior College, where she was an Academic All American.

Wagnon then attended Wichita State University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in '06. She is currently an RN at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita and finishing her Master's Degree. Next spring, she will be a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Touched By Cancer

"My great grandmother lost her battle with cancer."

Why I Participated

"I think it is for a great cause and I am excited to be a part of something that helps so many people. Also, it was great to get a chance to come home and play one more time."

If I Am Your Hero...

"You can accomplish anything in life with a little hard work, discipline and faith. Never underestimate your capabilities."

CARMEN THOMPSON, #30
5'4", GUARD
COLDWATER, KS
SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, 09

Background:

Carmen Thompson is the daughter of Richard and Diana Thompson of Coldwater, KS. She has played basketball since the 2nd grade and played all the way through junior high and high school in the South Central District.

She graduated as Valedictorian of her senior class, involved in basketball, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, FCCLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Scholar's Bowl.

After high school, Carmen accepted a golf scholarship to Fort Hays State University where she is pursuing a career in healthcare. Her goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner.

Touched By Cancer

"Cancer has a big impact on a lot of people's lives. I have friends of the family whose lives have been affected by cancer, and it makes me sad to think that there's nothing that can be done for some of them. I had a great aunt who was affected by brain cancer, and to see her go downhill so fast made me very upset. She was a fun, loving, and outgoing person and got cancer. I wonder how she got it. It makes me sad to think someone like her can get cancer and lose their life so suddenly. Cancer affects many people, not just the one with cancer but the family members as well."

Why I Participated

"I heard about the WEPAC game through a close friend, Beverly Clark. She was telling me about how it got started and all the things that were going on. I immediately asked, "How can I get a chance to play?" I was very interested in the game because it would be a great honor if I got a chance to play. When I found out that I was chosen, I was very excited. I feel very blessed that I had the chance to play in the WEPAC game. It makes me happy to know that I participated in a game that helped raise money for women with certain needs."

If I Am Your Hero...

"Always pursue the joy that comes from knowing you have done something good for others. For me, the next step toward that goal is becoming a Nurse Practitioner."