Phoenix College Finding Success
No. 2 Lady Bears Extending a hand

BY: Jose E. Garcia of The Arizona Republic, Published Dec. 27, 2002
(also view this article at azcentral.com)

A giddy Breana Stewart recently sat on the center circle of Phoenix College's gymnasium, opening her Christmas presents while the Lady Bears basketball team stood in the background cherishing the moment.

Breana, a 6-year-old experiencing the ill affects of her parent's divorce, was all smiles on this particular night.

Since coach Liza Oakley took over Phoenix College's program three seasons ago, she's encouraged her players to donate their time to a worthy cause.

This year Phoenix College picked Breana, who came to Oakley's attention after a friend from a community shelter told Oakley about Breana's problems at home.

"We have to make our players realize they are on scholarship," Phoenix College assistant coach Lori Demski said. "Their school is free. The food is paid for.

"We need to remind them that they need to extend a hand."

That extra effort is also paying off for Phoenix College on the court.

The Division II team is nationally ranked (No. 2) and sits atop its conference with an 8-1 record, 11-1 overall. Led by the nation's sixth leading scorer, 5-foot-10 sophomore guard Kelly McRee (22 points per game), Phoenix College has a good chance of advancing to the national tournament held in Maryland in March.

"It's a great team," Oakley said. "They are all students of the game, and they share the ball."

Oakley is the reason why Phoenix College is learning to distribute the ball and gifts, Demski said.

"I can't even begin to tell you what (Oakley) has brought to the program," Demski said.

"Her experience and knowledge of the game is incredible. And she has such a huge heart."

Oakley started the school's Adopt a Cub program that helps kids like Breana, who will also get to sit on the team's bench during games as a ballgirl.

"This was a blessing," Breana's mom, Lorita, said about Phoenix College's helping hand. "I always want my daughter to be around women role models."