Bio

The 1999-2000 women’s basketball team was the first team ever to make it to an NCAA Division III championship tournament. Under the leadership of head coach James Stutzman and assistant coach Sue Harrison, the team finished the regular season with an overall 25-2 record and won the Commonwealth Coast Conference by defeating Colby Sawyer. This earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. Because of their record in the regular season, the team received a bye in the first round. In the second round of 32 teams, they hosted Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and beat them in a last minute finish. They earned a spot in the “Sweet 16” Atlantic Regional Finals where they lost to Rowan University.

Many of the players received Commonwealth Coast Conference recognition. Senior forward Melissa Christmas was named Conference MVP. Junior guard, Jodi Gardner was named to the first Conference Team while Kristy Smith was named to the Conference Second Team and also named CCC Rookie of the Year. Both Melissa and Jodi scored over 1,000 points that year. Nicole Braddock was a key player because of her strong defense. Toni Kabilian played the vital role of sixth-player, consistently coming off the bench at crucial times to maintain team cohesiveness.

The middle was dominated by Naomi (Jacobs) Rent who controlled the boards, allowing for a number of fast-break opportunities. Sophomore Kelly Taylor was a key role player who gave big minutes off the bench providing such a threat that the opponents did not know who to guard. Erin Leppenan, Lisa Delgado, Carissa Hatcher, and Young Cobb contributed in support roles throughout the season. Coach James Stutzman received the Coach of the Year award.

The Lady Crusader’s journey to the “Sweet 16” was a great achievement for ENC athletics.