Feb. 14, 2008

PORTSMOUTH, OH - The 8th ranked Shawnee State Women's Basketball Team gave Coach Robin Hagen-Smith her 500th career victory at the NAIA level with a 100-61 win over Wilberforce on Wednesday evening.  Shawnee State improves to 23-2 (11-0 AMC) on the season.  Wilberforce falls to 5-18 (1-10 AMC).

Coach Hagen-Smith began her career at Shawnee State Community College in 1983.  After posting a 76-52 record in the junior college ranks, she oversaw Shawnee State's transition to the four-year university level and the NAIA in 1988.  Since that transition, Coach Smith, along with her husband Gregg, has coached the Bears to a record of 500-126. 

"The entire Shawnee State community congratulates Robin Hagen-Smith on her 500th win as SSU's women's basketball coach," said Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris. "Robin exemplifies the dedication to students that is at the heart of our mission at Shawnee State. Not only is Robin a successful basketball coach she is also a full-time faculty member who makes a difference in the lives of the students she touches."

Coach Hagen-Smith has coached the Bears to eight regular season conference championships and five conference tournament championships.  Her 1998-1999 squad won the NAIA Division II National Championship.  She has been named conference coach of the year on six occasions.  She was named the WBCA IKON Coach of the Year in 1998 and the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1999.

"All of the players over the years, the starters, the role players, the walk-ons, are all a part of this accomplishment.  They all made this possible," said Coach Hagen-Smith.  "I've been a part of a lot of really big wins over the years and this is one of those wins.  But my real wins in life are my husband and my two children."

Shawnee State overcame a sluggish first period of play and started the second half with a 17-5 run to take a 51-27 lead.  The margin was never closer than 20 points the rest of the way and the Bears cruised to victory. 

Six bears reached double figures.  Jennifer Grandy led the way with 19 points.  Whitney Williams and Mallory Albers had 13 points apiece.  Kelly Wagner added 12 points.  Karen Diehl and Alison Meyer had 10 points each.

Janicia Anderson led Wilberforce with 18 points and 6 rebounds.

Shawnee State shot 50.7% (38-75) from the field compared to 34% (25-74) for Wilberforce.  SSU connected on 14-of-27 three-pointers while the Bulldogs made just 5-of-19 from beyond the arc.  The Bears dominated the glass 56-31.

"Robin Hagen-Smith epitomizes the word coach," said Shawnee State Athletic Director Jim Arnzen.  "She could coach any sport at any level and be successful.   She relates well with her players, has great passion for the game, and has an uncanny knack for staying cool under pressure.   On top of all that, she balances basketball with her family and her other responsibilities as well as any coach I know.  Young coaches would be wise to copy her style. I hope she stays with us for another 500 wins."

Shawnee State travels to 14th ranked Ohio Dominican (17-7, 7-3 AMC) on Saturday.  The Bears defeated Ohio Dominican 71-69 in Portsmouth on January 26.  Game time is 2:00 p.m.