Whatever happened to .......Virginia Tech's Lisa Witherspoon

    Lisa Witherspoon was the spark plug for Tech women’s basketball teams in the late 1990s. A natural point guard from Newton, N.C., she became one of the most popular players in school history, handing out assists in record-setting fashion. Last November, she was enshrined in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

    As a senior, she and her senior classmates were dubbed the “Working Class” prior to the 1998-99 season due to their extraordinary chemistry and emphasis on teamwork. With Witherspoon dishing out a school-record 246 assists and adding a school-best 86 steals, Tech posted its best season ever, registering a 28-3 record and advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

 

   Witherspoon's signature was her tenacity and toughness. As a junior she played in 30 games despite a stress fracture in her foot and finished the season with a school-record 200 assists.

   Witherspoon (now Dr. Lisa Hansen, PhD) is a professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa where she resides with her husband, Mike and her 7-month-old little girl MiKenzie Jade. She is heavily involved in the research field of active gaming and speaks internationally on the subject.

 
  Witherspoon still follows Hokie teams and was back twice last season for football games and a women's basketball game. 

"I am a Hokie through and true," she says.

 

"The Bible coming to life"

That's how Liberty point guard Dymond Morgan described the Lady Flames' upcoming two-week educational/spiritual/basketball trip to Israel. The team will depart on Saturday.

The Lady Flames will spend their first two days touring different locations around Israel, including Tiberias, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. They will then move on to Jerusalem and the surrounding area, where the team will visit the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Western Wall, Jewish Quarter, Via Dolorosa and the Garden Tomb, among other attractions. The trip will then conclude in Eilat, where the Friendship Games basketball tournament will be held.

“This trip is a dream opportunity for any Christian athlete,” stated head coach Carey Green. “It will feature spiritual enlightenment, a historical tour, an education of a different culture and basketball competition. I expect that lives will be impacted through this great opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Check the team's official site for updates on the trip from various team members over the next two weeks.

Attendance tracker

From the NCAA attendance report released Thursday, we learned that Tennessee led the nation once again (yawn), with UConn checking in at No. 2. But what about the Virginia schools? Here's a breakdown:

1. Virginia - 3,853 per game average
- Hot Dog! A wiener promotion and glamorous Tennessee as an opponent lured a record 11,895 to the John Paul Jones Arena, goosing the overall average considerably. Hey, Cavaliers, any thoughts on making Hot Dog Day an annual event?

2. Old Dominion - 3,007
- Another Colonial Athletic Association-leading figure, but 590 per game lower than the previous year and by far the lowest since the Lady Monarchs moved into the Constant Center in 2002-03.

3. Virginia Tech - 2,381
- A sleeping giant. If Tech can pick things up on the court, Hokie Nation has shown the capacity to double this figure...perhaps even triple it. No kidding.

4. James Madison - 2,348
- The Dukes averaged 1,316 in coach Kenny Brooks' first full season eight years ago. JMU has set season attendance records three of the last four years.

5. Hampton - 1,624
- Tremendous figure for a MEAC school - nine of the league's other 10 schools average less than 900.

6. George Mason - 1,052
- Trending up, like just about everything else connected with this program (the Patriots averaged 920 in 2008-09).

7. Liberty - 961
- Doesn't seem like much at first glance, especially given the quality of the Lady Flames' program. But that figure is nearly 400 more than the next highest-drawing Big South school (Charleston Southern).

8. William and Mary - 876
- Strong turnout by this program's standards; the Tribe averaged just 300 per game in 2008-09.

9. Norfolk State - 561
- Given the Spartans' struggles the past three years, it's quite a feat to get this many folks to come watch 'em play. Who says NSU fans aren't diehard?

10. VCU - 548
- Ugh.

11. Richmond - 397
- Let's just say the state capital isn't exactly the women's basketball capital.

12. Longwood - 371
- In the Lancers' defense, their hoops are a tough sell. Without a conference affiliation, Longwood games tend to have an exhibition feel to them.

13: Radford - 359
- Bet Radford students would show up if they told 'em they were throwing a party in the Dedmon Center.

JMU, Hampton in preseason WNIT

With most of their key players slated to return, conference tournament champions JMU and Hampton could both get the 2010-11 season off to a strong start in the Preseason WNIT, the 16-team tournament featuring a solid-but-unspectacular field.

In fact, assuming they have a healthy Dawn Evans, on paper at least the Dukes will go in as one of the favorites. JMU finished at No. 44 in the final RPI, second only to DePaul (35) among this year's WNIT entrants. No other team ranked in the Top 50, and nine of the 16 teams ended up the 2009-10 season outside the Top 100 (Hampton was at 130).

Of course, RPI numbers are just a guide, and teams can change dramatically from season to season. But there's clearly no heavyweight in this year's tournament the way there's been in years past. Last year, for example, Ohio State was ranked No. 3 in the country when it won the preseason WNIT. The year before that, No. 4 North Carolina won it all. And in 2007, No. 3 Maryland beat No. 4 LSU for the crown.

The event begins on Nov. 12-13, and each team is guaranteed three games. All contests will be played at home sites. First-round pairings will be announced in June.

In other scheduling news, Virginia will visit Ohio State (gulp!) and Virgnia Tech will travel to Minnesota (hmmm) on Dec. 2 as part of the 2010 ACC/Big Ten Women's Basketball Challenge. (By the way, the leagues alternate which conference's name comes first in the event's title. Last year, it was the Big Ten/ACC Challenge).

The Cavaliers are 3-0 in this annual event but will need a major effort to make it four in a row. The Buckeyes return all five starters - including three-time Big Ten Player of the Year Jantel Lavender - from a team that went 31-5 last season.

The Hokies have a less daunting assignment, as the Golden Gophers finished the 2009-10 campaign at 13-17 for their first losing season in nine years. Then again, Minnesota was 10-6 at Williams Arena where, despite the off-season, the Golden Gophers still finished among the nation's top 20 teams in average attendance (4,347).

Whatever happened to ......American coach Jeff Thatcher

LadySwish is tracking many of the former players and coaches from the programs across the state and asking them what they're doing now. We'll tell you what they told us. If there's someone you've wondered about, please let us know and we'll add them to the mix.

If you're a longtime follower of CAA basketball, you'll remember the name Jeff Thatcher. Thatcher coached American University from 1988-2000, guiding the Eagles to the conference title game in 1998. Thatcher received conference coach of the year honors that year, as American finished 23-7 and received its first postseason berth. The school let him go in 2000 after joining the Patriot League.

These days Thatcher works from his home in Germantown, Md., and runs a summer women's basketball league out of Marymount University in Arlington, Va. The Power Summer League draws around 100 college-age players from Division I to NAIA.

Thatcher confesses coaching is still in his blood, but after leaving American he vowed to be home more so that he could be a bigger part of his children's lives. His daughter Meaghan is 16 and son Colin is 15.  "I wouldn't trade any of my coaching memories for anything," he said. "But you know what? I wouldn't trade the last 10 years for anything, either."

And while nearly all of his memories are good ones, Thatcher admits he still get aggravated thinking about the NCAA Selection Committee's decision in 1998 to exclude American from the field of 64. AU had an RPI of 40 that season and defeated nationally ranked Virginia. Three of the Eagles' losses were to then-national powerhouse ODU.

"They say that time heals all wounds, but I can still get fired up today the same way I was 10 years ago over that. We worked very, very hard for 10 yers to make that happen," he said. "That's the only thing that sticks in my mind in a negative way.

But overall, Thatcher said, "I feel very blessed to have had some of the experiences I had."

The next episode - George Mason's Ondrea Shaw

Getting to know the incoming freshman on the women's college basketball teams in Virginia for the 2010-11 season - and what they're doing this summer to enhance their chances of making an impact right away.

Ondrea Shaw, George Mason
6-3 C, Moore Traditional High, Louisville
Averaged 13.2 points and 13.6 rebounds

Why we like Ondrea:

1. She's an aspiring dunker. A year ago, she'd progressed to where she could dunk a tennis ball. So tell us, Ondrea, are you throwing down the real thing yet? EDIT: Because of a shoulder injury, Ondrea says she's been advised to give the dunking pursuit a rest for now.

2. She has Virginia ties - Shaw spent her sophomore year at Oak Hill Academy before transferring back to Louisville early in her junior season.

3. She already knows what it's like to compete for her spot. Forty-three players were invited to try out for the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Classic on June 11. Only 12 made the cut - Ondrea was one of those 12.

Why Patriots fans will like Ondrea:

"Ondrea Shaw is a tremendous fit for our program at this time. Her length and athleticism along with her tenacity on the defensive side of the ball will give us a huge presence in the paint and allow us to stretch our perimeter defense out even further. Offensively, she gives us a true back to the basket presence as well as having developed a pretty consistent mid range jumper. Her impact on our program will be felt the moment she steps on the floor." - George Mason coach Jeri Porter

What Ondrea is doing this summer to get ready for the 2010-11 season

I have a personal trainer, and I'm part of the Kentucky all-star team so we will have some games and practices to hopefully keep me in shape. I sometimes take runs around my neighborhood when I have the time. And I'm going to play as much pick-up and organized basketball as I can.

Wanna be next?

A big shout out to all of you incoming freshmen ballers who have responded to our question (woot, woot!); your feature will be up soon. Those that haven't gotten around to it yet (what up with that?), there's still time. And if we haven't been able to reach you, reach us. Drop us a note about what you're doing this summer to prepare for the upcoming season. And keep checking out Ladyswish!

Also check out:
Victoria Willems, William and Mary
Zakia Williams, VCU

Hampton recruit keeps it all in the family

It was a natural decision for the nation's leading scorer Chikilra Goodman to pick Hampton over a plethora of colleges that came calling.

The next episode - William and Mary's Victoria Willems

Getting to know the incoming freshman on the women's college basketball teams in Virginia for the 2010-11 season - and what they're doing this summer to enhance their chances of making an impact right away.

Victoria Willems, William and Mary
6-2 G/F, MacArthur High (San Antonio, Texas)
Helped MacArthur to a 24-9 record and co-championship of the 26-5A District

Why we like Victoria
1. Can't stop chuckling about Willems' high school team's nickname - Lady Brahmas. "Isn't that funny?" coach Jennifer Meador said. "We're cows."
2. Academically, Willems has a 101 average. Not exactly sure what that means, but we always thought 100 was perfect. So does that mean Willems is...a little better than perfect? OK, she doesn't need that kind of pressure. Let's just say this is one smart kid. Hmmm...smart kid, William and Mary...we're not exactly breaking news here.
3. Willems played in the post at MacArthur but is more naturally suited for the perimeter and should see a lot more time there in college. "She has a lot of room for growth," Meador said.

Why Tribe fans will like Victoria
“She's versatile. She can play under the basket and shoot the 3. She runs the floor well; her game improves every time I see her. She's a great kid." - William and Mary coach Debbie Taylor

What Victoria is doing this summer to get ready for the 2010-11 season:
"I am currently working with the (WNBA's San Antonio) Silver Stars strength and conditioning coach three times a week. I am also working out with other signed seniors from San Antonio, to stay in shape. I work out twice a week with a skills coach, and I plan to go to a strength and conditioning camp this summer that is every weekday in the morning for the months of June and July."

Wanna be next?
A big shout out to all of you incoming freshmen ballers who have responded to our question (woot, woot!); your feature will be up soon. Those that haven't gotten around to it yet (what up with that?), there's still time. And if we haven't been able to reach you, reach us. Drop us a note about what you're doing this summer to prepare for the upcoming season. And keep checking out Ladyswish!

The next episode - VCU's Zakia Williams

Getting to know the incoming freshman on the women's college basketball teams in Virginia for the 2010-11 season - and what they're doing this summer to enhance their chances of making an impact right away.

Zakia Williams, VCU
5-8 G, Northside High (Columbus, Ga.)
Averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals
Led Northside to a 21-7 record and the Georgia Class AAA state quarterfinals

Why we like Zakia:
1. Comes complete with a catchy nickname: Z-Will.
  "My high school teammates gave it to me and it kinda stuck. If nobody else will make it happen, Z-Will."
2. Has Virginia ties already.
   "I have family in Virginia as well as a cousin and an uncle who attends VCU."
3. She's a Georgia Metro (AAU) - just like former All-CAA Rams D'Andra Moss and Kita Waller and current star Courtney Hurt.
   I grew up through the metros knowing D-moss, and Courtney. They both have always been older role models and it's always good to go somewhere where you know somebody.


Why Rams fans will like Zakia:
“Zakia's passion and intensity for the game and how hard she plays is second to none. She is a lockdown type of defender and a real playmaker on the offensive end of the floor. - Rams coach Beth Cunningham

What Zakia's doing this summer to get ready for the 2010-11 season
I have been working to gain more speed doing agility and endurance workouts. Also I have been working to develop a better three-point shot as well as mid-range. I will be participating in summer school that (started May 14) at VCU and attending summer workouts.

Wanna be next?
A big shout out to all of you incoming freshmen ballers who have responded to our question (woot, woot!); your feature will be up soon. Those that haven't gotten around to it yet (what up with that?), there's still time. And if we haven't been able to reach you, reach us. Drop us a note about what you're doing this summer to prepare for the upcoming season. And keep checking out Ladyswish!

Whatever happened to...Julie Sommer of William and Mary

For years, you know their every move. Then one day they move on to the next chapter in their lives. New faces take their place. Their statistics are in the archives. A new era begins. Often we wonder, "Whatever happened to....?"

LadySwish is tracking many of the former players and coaches from the programs across the state and asking them what they're doing now. We'll tell you what they told us. If there's someone you've wondered about, please let us know and we'll add her to the mix.

Today we focus on former William and Mary star Julie Sommer (now Julie Sommer Leach)

Claim to fame: A prolific scorer for the Tribe, Sommer finished her career with 1,216 points and ranks seventh on the program’s career scoring list. Sommer led W&M in scoring all four years (1994-99), averaging double figures every season. She is the school record holder for career three-point shooting percentage (.380) and ranks second in career free throw shooting percentage (.785).

What she's doing now (in her words):
"After graduation, I moved to the D.C. area and worked in marketing and sales for a couple of years. I worked for TAP Pharmaceuticals for the majority of that time. In 2003, my husband and I moved to Denver for his career in the NFL. (Mike Leach graduated from William and Mary in 2000 and has played for the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and is currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals. He is entering his 11th season in the NFL.) While in Denver, I went to graduate school and earned an MBA from Regis University. Soon after graduating from Regis, I had our first child. We now have two children: Ryan, 4, and Madeline, 2. In between having Ryan and Madeline, I did a one year part-time internship at the University of Denver's Athletic Department. I am currently a stay-at-home mom, but I am active in the Arizona Cardinals wives charities as well. I plan on going back to work once Mike's football career is over and both children are in school full time."