GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - On Saturday, Feb. 5, the
first Carol Hammerle Scholarship will be awarded to a Green Bay women's
basketball player who has demonstrated academic and athletic excellence as well
as leadership.
Hammerle was named the first
coach of the Phoenix in 1973. Throughout her 25 seasons as the head coach, she
led Green Bay to the program's first NCAA Tournament during the 1993-94 season.
At the helm of Green Bay, Hammerle compiled a 456-226 record while leading the
Phoenix to two NCAA Tournaments and one WNIT.
The presentation will be held at
halftime of the women's game against Youngstown State, which tips off at 2 p.m.
at the Kress Events Center. In addition to the Hammerle Scholarship
presentation, the halftime ceremony will include the introduction of all Green
Bay women's basketball alumni in attendance.
Alumni day is always a special
day for former and current Green Bay women's basketball players maybe in part because
of the program's storied success.
All-American Alumni...Green Bay has had four Academic All-Americans,
one First Team All-American and one Honorable Mention All-American.
Next Level Alumni...Green Bay is the lone Horizon League team to have
two players that have suited up for the WNBA: Chandra Johnson (Los Angeles
Sparks, 2003) and Natalie Berglin (Connecticut Sun, 2008). Overall, nine alumni
have continued their playing careers professionally.
Giving Back...Nine former players have passed on their knowledge as
assistant coaches for Green Bay, including current assistant Amanda Leonhard,
who is in her third season with the Phoenix. In addition, many former and
current players from the 38-year-old Green Bay women's basketball program also continue
to give back to the community in various ways, such as coaching at local high
schools.
Conference Dominance...From 1998-2007, six Green Bay players have
been selected as the Conference Player of the Year, more than any other team.
For fans interested, Green Bay
alumni will be participating in a basketball game at 11:00 a.m. at the Kress
Events Center Saturday, Feb. 5. Admission to the alumni game is free and open
to the public. The current No. 21/17 Green Bay (21-1, 10-0 HL) women's
basketball team will host Youngstown State (3-18, 1-9) at 2 p.m. at the Kress
Events Center. For tickets, click here.
