Lake Forest College Sports Information
April 16, 2002
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

2004-05 Preview: Seniors Look to Go Out on Top
  

Kandyce Green and the other seniors plan to end this season like they did their freshman season: as Conference Champions.
LAKE FOREST, IL - One of the most difficult things a college coach has to deal with is the annual farewell to that year’s senior class. After four seasons in the program, seniors become extensions of the coach and lead the team to whatever level of success it achieves. Forester Head Coach Jackie Slaats is certainly not looking forward to that moment following the 2004-05 season.

Lake Forest’s seven juniors in 2003-04 combined for more than 60% of the team’s points and more than half of its rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. After losing two starters and a top reserve to graduation in May, the upcoming group of seniors will need to take on even more responsibility for the team’s success.

“We knew we had a great freshman class three years ago when we won our last conference title,” recalls Slaats. “Each player in the group has worked hard and improved since then and they’re determined to go out as champions as well.”

Highlighting the class is two-time First Team All-Midwest Conference forward Shannon Clerkin, who led the team with 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots per game last season while setting a school record with a .583 field goal percentage. Guard Kandyce Green also earned first team honors while scoring 13.2 points per contest and leading the squad in steals and shooting percentage from both three-point range and the foul line. The third-leading scorer was guard Kristy Freeman, who scored 9.5 points per game, led the team in assists, and has knocked down 117 three-pointers in her career. Alissa Mildebrath, Kristen Fink, and Tiffany Delahanty also made valuable contributions to the team’s 57-18 overall record and 38-10 league mark over the last three years.

While there will be large shoes to fill, the cupboard will not be bare after the 2004-05 season. Guard Devon Liebl played her way into the starting lineup as a sophomore last season and rookie forward Ashley Matthias saw significant playing time in the post.

“We’ve become a much deeper team in the last four or five years”, comments Slaats. “Our depth has led to a more consistent level of success and, since more players are contributing significantly on the court, there is also a greater level of commitment from each member of the team.”