Did you know there is a women’s’ basketball team at MCC-PV? The men’s team is revered through the hallways, but seldom do you hear about the women who play with pride at each game.

The Lady Scouts compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Regional XVI Conference. Since their opening season in 1994, the team have been two-time District runners-up, eight-time Champions, and Regional Champions once.

The Lady Scouts have been to Nationals six times, winning a ninth place, an eighth place, two seventh place and two second place awards. They look forward to a winning season this year under new head coach, Jeff Atkins.

A native of Kansas City, Coach Atkins started his career as coach of the junior varsity men’s program at his alma mater, Bishop Hogan High School, in the fall of 1991. In 1992 Atkins became head coach of Bishop Hogan's junior varsity girls, continuing through 1998.

In 1993, Atkins started the KC Lady Amateur Athletic Union Dream Team basketball program. “I also have a winning record in AAU ball. My teams have been state champions from 1999 to 2000, 2002, 2005 to 2007. Nationally my teams have taken thirteenth, seventh, fifth, second, and first place finishes.”

Since that time, Atkins has held coaching positions at Notre Dame de Sion High School (1999-2002) and Lincoln College Preparatory High School (2002-2006). At Lincoln he and his team brought back a state quarterfinalist plaque, as well as a second place state trophy.

Asked what he looks for in a potential player, Atkins says “I look for speed, quickness, dribbling ability, and shooting ability. These qualities are the makings of a good player.”

Tryouts begin at the end of the previous season to the beginning of first practice, usually from March to sometime in August or September.

Assistant Coach Monica Arredondo is planning to put the Lady Scouts to work. “This year the team is going to focus on defense, speed and having high energy for each game. We want the games to be fast. This helps to condition the players and wear out our opponents.”

As Penn Valley’s new coach, Atkins looks forward with working with the Lady Scouts. “Expect to see us at Nationals this season!” says Atkins.

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College