07/20/12

Story by Tyler Cundith

W. Basketball – JCCC team earns academic honor

OVERLAND PARK, KS – The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) recently announced its top 12 honor roll for the 2011-12 academic year and the Johnson County Community College women’s basketball team finished 11th in the community college division. The Lady Cavaliers posted a team grade point average of 3.079. This marks the third time in four years for head coach Ben Conrad’s team to be recognized for academic excellence. 

The Lady Cavaliers have also been extremely successful on the court under Conrad’s leadership, going 113-26 (.813) over the past four years, including three straight 30-win seasons. Last season, JCCC finished 32-3, reached the Elite Eight at Nationals, and captured the East Jayhawk Conference title with a perfect 18-0 mark. 

“This recognition is so validating for us,” Conrad said. “It really shows the commitment of our players to get it done in the classroom. We really value building teams that can excel both on the floor and in the classroom at JCCC. For this group to go out and win 32 games, go undefeated in the Jayhawk and then land on the WBCA Academic Honor Roll is really the perfect way to put last season to rest.” 

Additionally, two members of the team were honored by the NJCAA for academic excellence. Sophomore guard Mary Pat Specht earned the Pinnacle Award for Excellence with a 4.00 grade point average. Sophomore center Kylie Cooper earned the Exemplary Academic Achievement honor for posing a grade point between 3.60 and 3.79.

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