Players hope to reach postseason in ’07

Katy Serafin goes up for two.

Most college athletes enter their sophomore season with modest goals like finding some playing time off the bench or competing for a starting job. But Katy Serafin knew that her team would need much more out of her than a typical sophomore. A group made up entirely of underclassmen needed a leader and they tabbed #25 as their captain.

On the court, they need a proven go-to player to score in the paint and grab those critical rebounds. No problem for #25. Serafin shared the regular season rebounding crown in the New England Small College Athletic Conference, pulling down 10.5 boards per game. Offensively, Serafin poured in 14 points per game and shot 51 percent from the field, ranking her among the top ten in the league for both. She reached double figures in scoring and rebounding in 14 of her 24 games.

Off the court the team needed someone who could keep everyone positive, foster unity and set a positive example on campus. For Serafin, team building was something she was prepared for.

“We are truly a team this year,” Serafin said. “We get together and watch movies together. We go out to dinner. We are a close knit group on and off the court.”

Growing up in a household with two sisters and one brother, Serafin was prepared to work with others and lead with her solid work ethic.

“My dad taught us how to play,” Serafin said. “My older brother Bobby played at NYU.”

For Serafin, rebounding is a form of artistry. She rarely loses her position and almost always beats her opponent to a loose ball. She consistently comes up with a key rebound just when the team needs her the most.

“I try to use my size to my advantage,” Serafin she said. “I try to be as big as possible. Boxing out is a fundamental that people forget about.”

The Camels finished the season 9-15 but they gained experience as a team and will return the entire roster for the 2006-2007 season. Feb.1, Serafin ripped down a season-high 16 rebounds in a 68-65 victory against local rival Coast Guard. The come-from-behind victory was an important one for a young group that is gaining confidence for the future.

Serafin understands that every team has to go through some growing pains and keeps the team focused on the long-term goals of reaching the postseason.

“It’s been a building year for us,” Serafin said. “No one likes to lose. But as long as we work really hard, we will keep getting better. I’m optimistic that we will make the NESCAC Championship tournament by my senior year.”

The Camels' 2005-06 women's basketball team.

The entire starting lineup is made up of sophomores. Lindsay Michel averaged 8.4 points and 6.1 rebounds playing the four-forward position. On the perimeter, Kate Kenly canned a team-high 40 three-pointers and averaged 8.6 points a game from the three.

The backcourt is comprised of Maegan Hoover and Devon Kearns. Hoover quarterbacked the offense, dishing out 61 assists from the point while Kearns contributed 9.8 points per game from the two-guard.

“Everyone is accepting their roles,” Serafin said. The freshmen have also done a nice job.” Serafin has utilized the tutelage of her coach, Laura Hungerford, along with assistants Shannon Underwood and Jess Baker to become a better player.

“We’ve been having productive practices,” Serafin said. “Shannon (Underwood) played the post so it’s been fun to work with her.”

Hungerford is impressed with Serafin’s leadership and her productivity on the court.

“Katy has proven to be a cornerstone of our basketball program and her work ethic and leadership has made a great impact on the success of the program this year,” Hungerford said.

During the application process, Serafin was looking for a program with a strong academic reputation in the liberal arts and athletics. She has found that balance at Connecticut College. Serafin has selected environmental studies as her academic major. She has already been accepted into the Goodwin-Niering Center for Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies and is excited about her future at CC.

“This is a great learning environment for me,” Serafin said.

The Camels may be playing catch-up to some teams in their conference but the challenge is an exciting one for Serafin, who believes in the team and its ability to compete in the NESCAC.

“It’s fun to work with a program and make an impact,” Serafin stated. “Being the underdog, it makes it a bit sweeter.”