Connecticut
Women's Basketball
 Hall Of Fame

2003 Inductee Biographies

June M. Olah - High School Coach
June graduated from Bassick High School then attended Southern Connecticut State College (New Haven Teachers College).  There she studied Physical Education and played basketball her freshman year for Coach Mary Benedetto.  June credits Mary and her dedication to the game with sparking her own interest in basketball.  June also participated in Field Hockey and Softball while in college.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees from S.C.S.C., then went on to receive her Administrative Degree (6^th Year) from Fairfield University.

June coached the Weston High School Girls Basketball Team for ten years.  During this same time frame, she was also the Athletic Director and was responsible for developing a girl's sports program for this newly- created high school.  The first team to compete in the fall semester year was field hockey.  The plan was that each team would help support the team that would compete in the next season.  In other words, the girls playing field hockey would move on to basketball, then to softball, and so on.  Since Weston was such a small school, and the pool of girls to choose from was fairly small, the need to channel strong athletes from sport to sport was especially important.  This approach obviously worked well with basketball!  From 1972 – 1976 Weston captured five consecutive league titles.  The State Tournaments or Championships we're so familiar with today, only began in 1974.  Although Weston High School was a 'Class S' (small) School based on the number of students attending it, the high level of talent of June's players enabled them to compete in the Class M Division.  Weston went on to win Class M State Titles in 1974 and 1975.  June notes that these two championship wins are among her fondest basketball memories.  During this time span from 1973 – 1975(two seasons), Weston went 41 – 0, and June along with her players, set a precedent for what a team needed to do in order to be successful. 

In 1974 June was honored for her 'Outstanding Professional Service' by the University of Bridgeport.  In 1984, June was honored as 'Sportsperson of the Year' by the Sportsmen of Westport, for her tremendous efforts and accomplishments at Weston High School. June is thankful for her parents and their continuous support, and feels they were the greatest influence on her career.  She feels basketball is special to her as it has allowed her to affect the lives of hundreds of young women, by helping them to develop a desire to work hard, exhibit personal discipline, and respect others for who they are.  June currently resides in Mesa, Arizona and enjoys golfing, traveling and all kinds of spectator sports. 


Daniel W. Campbell ,Jr. - Referee:
Dan became interested in basketball as a young boy growing up in Florida.  He would watch his sister Carol play 'the old 6 player' style.  He also enjoyed watching his brother Edgar play.  They inspired him.  Dan attended Jewett High School in Florida.  He played forward for the school's basketball team and center for the football squad from 1964 -1966.  His football team went 8-2 his junior and senior years and he was named to the All-State team as a center at a lean 154 lbs.  Dan graduated from Jewett H.S. in 1966. After graduating from high school, Dan joined the U.S. Army.  From 1968-1970 he served as a combat soldier, 9^th Infantry Division (Reconnaissance/Patrol), in the Vietnam War. 

Even while proudly serving his country, Dan always maintained a great interest in basketball.  He began officiating basketball games in 1970.  From 1970-1993 Dan was a top rated official in New Haven County for high school girls and boys games, and in New England Region college games.  His reputation speaks for itself as he was selected to referee many CIAC Tournament and Championship games (1975-1982), as well as several AIAW playoff games.  Perhaps his greatest basketball memory was in 1976 when Dan officiated perennial powerhouses Queens College and Delta State in the Finals of the AIAW Tournament in Virginia.  Delta State eventually won in triple overtime.  Basketball is special to him because of its artistry, and the conditioning and endurance required in playing and excelling in the game.

Dan credits his high school coach with having the greatest influence on his career.  Mr. D.L. Goodrum was more than a coach.  Dan considered him a role model that encouraged him to work hard in all his endeavors.  Coach Goodrum made Dan feel he could be successful at anything, as long as he dedicated himself to working hard.  Dan pursued his education at Southern Connecticut State University during the 1980's.  He holds Masters  Degrees in both Social Work and Urban Studies.  He served on the New Haven Board of Officials from 1968-1993 and the Women's Board of Officials in the late 1970's.  Dan was a Mason for the Widow Son Lodge, and was a member of the Black Social Workers, both in 1980.  Today, Dan resides in New Haven, CT.  He is a Social Worker for Yale New Haven Hospital and enjoys gardening and watching college basketball (men and women) and football.


Donna A. Lopiano  - Honorary
Donna's extensive athletic career began playing basketball in the neighborhood with fifteen boys and one other girl.  She played high school ball at Stamford High School then pursued a college career at Southern Connecticut State University where she played for Louise O'Neal.   Donna graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1968, and she credits Coach O'Neal with having the most influence on her career.  Having the chance to play in five AAU National Tournaments is among her greatest basketball thrills.  In addition to her undergraduate work in Physical Education, Donna also received her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in this field from the University of Southern California.

Donna's resume is astounding!  She participated in 26 National Championships spanning four different sports – basketball, softball, volleyball, and field hockey. Her commitment to excellence in women's sports is evident not only in her own participation, but also in her education, career path, professional organizational affiliations, publications,videos, and multiple distinguished honors.  Donna started her career as a Teaching Assistant, Women's Intramural Director and Volleyball Coach at The University of Southern California.  She then moved on to Brooklyn College to be an Assistant Professor Physical Education, Asst. Director of Athletics, and Head Coach of Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball.  In 1975 Donna became Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and Lecturer, Kinesiology and Health Education Department, at the University of Texas at Austin.

Some of Donna's most recent honors include the Jacobs Institute for Women's Health, Excellence in Women's Health Award (2002), the U.S. Sports Academy Distinguished Service Award (2001), and induction into the Institute for International Sports Hall of Fame as an International Scholar-Athlete (1999). Donna is affiliated with many organizations that promote women in sports and health fitness.  Among them is the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators, and the Center for the Study of Sport and Society.  She also dedicates a lot of time serving on boards and committees.  The Advisory Board of the 2003 World Congress of Sports, The ESPY Academy, the Advisory Board Powerplay NYC, and the U.S. Olympic Committee name just a few. Presently, Donna is Executive Director of the Women's Sports Foundation in East Meadow, New York where she continues to work for others expanding media coverage for all women's sports.  Donna resides in Easton, CT, and enjoys golfing, kayaking, and reading in her free time.                 


Charlene M. Taylor - College Player
Charlene grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.  She began playing basketball in third grade.  After her third grade teacher encouraged her to enter a foul-shooting contest.  She took her teacher's advice and ended up winning first place.  Ever since that early experience, basketball has been her sport.  In fact, while growing up, whenever something was troubling her, she would simply pick up a basketball and shoot around in an effort to solve her problems. 

Charlene attended Beaver Falls High School where she played basketball and participated in track and field.  She played the point guard position and averaged 15 points per game over the course of her high school basketball career.  In 1985, Charlene's senior year, she helped lead her team to a 25-1 record, and both the conference and state championship titles.  As a result of her efforts and success on the court, Charlene was named the conference MVP, was a member of the 'Terrific Twenty' (top twenty girl basketball players in Pennsylvania), received the high school's  'Carolyn Clark Girls Sports Award', and earned a scholarship to the University of New Haven.       

Charlene had an astounding athletic career at the University of New Haven spanning from 1985-1989.  In addition to playing basketball, she also played shortstop and centerfield for the softball team, and 1^st singles and doubles for the tennis team.  Being that her favorite sport is basketball, it's no surprise how successful she was in college.  During the course of her career, Charlene scored a total of 1,853 points with an average of 17 points per game, and tallied 603 assists, 419 steals, and 458 rebounds.  She was named UNH Female Athlete of the Year twice, Kodak All-District twice, and in 1987 she was named to the Division II All-Tournament Team.  Also, Charlene was a three-time All-NECC First Team selection, and a 1989 NCAA New England All Region Squad selection.  In 1989, she was the Kodak All-American ECAC Player of the Year and NECC Player of the Year.  For all of these achievements, Charlene was inducted into the UNH Hall of Fame in 1996. 

Charlene credits many people with influencing her basketball career, from college coaches she's played for and against, to teammates and opponents.  Her fondest basketball memory would have to be participating on the University of New Haven's National Championship team in 1987.  Charlene advises young players to believe in themselves, set goals, and dream big.  She feels that nothing is impossible to achieve if you work hard.  She has been an assistant coach for several local colleges and aspires to be a high school or college head coach some day. Currently, Charlene lives in Meriden, CT and is a Connecticut State Trooper.  In her free time, she enjoys going to church, and of course, playing basketball!          


Stacey Cagenello - College Player
Stacey began playing competitively at age 11.  Her parents immediately provided encouragement to work hard and pursue her interests.  Their constant support gave her the confidence she needed to 'chase her dreams' and achieve her basketball goals. Stacey attended Lewis S. Mills High School and graduated in 1983.  Her athletic career in high school was very impressive.  She played guard and forward for the basketball team, and shortstop for the softball team.  She scored a total of 1164 points during her high school basketball career and was named to the All State and Prep High School All American teams her senior year.   Stacey also made the All-State Softball team in both her junior and senior years.

Stacey resumed her success at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania.  There she continued to excel in both sports and also participated in ROTC training.  In 1984 she was named Rookie of the Year in the East Coast Conference (ECC).  In 1985 and 1987 she helped Lafayette win the ECC Championship.  She completed her college basketball career scoring a total of 1521 points and averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds per game.  Her personal and the team's success were similar in softball.  In 1985 Lafayette was the ECC Champion, and in 1986 and 1987 Stacey was named ECC Player of the Year.  Stacey graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  That year she was also named the 'Top Female Athlete', and a 'Distinguished Military Graduate'.  In 1993 Stacey was inducted into Lafayette's Hall of Fame, and in 2000 was honored as one of Lafayette's 'Top 15 Athletes of the 20^th Century'.  

Stacey's interest in the military continued after college.  She decided to join the Army where she could pursue a military career and continue to develop her basketball game.  From 1988 – 1990 she was Co-Captain of the All-Army Women's team, and in 1989 was selected as the U.S. Army Female Athlete of the Year based on her athletic skills, personality, and leadership qualities.  From 1990 – 1991 she served in Desert Storm as a Battalion Adjutant responsible for personnel functions for more than 900 service men and women.  Her group was among the last to return to the U.S. because it was responsible for departure processing and getting everyone else out first.  She considers this experience a high point in her military and civilian life because it was a great learning experience having to adapt to another culture.  Among her military honors are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, and Army Achievement Medals. 

Stacey considers basketball special because it has offered the opportunity to travel and meet people, as well as become a more self-confident individual.  She credits her parents for having the greatest influence in her career and is thankful to them for always 'being there' for her.  Stacey currently lives in Asbury, New Jersey and is a teacher in the Flemington – Raritan School District.  In her free time she enjoys golf, softball, and basketball, and all outdoor activities.      


April Hunt Palm - High School Player 
April became interested in basketball when her older brother Russell started playing.  She spent a lot of time at the back yard hoop.  Eventually April participated in recreation leagues, club teams, high school, then college.  

April attended Foran High School in Milford where she played basketball, volleyball, and softball.  She was a dominating Center from 1973 – 1976 and in her senior year helped lead her team to a 17 – 2 regular season record.  Under the helm of Coach Edna Fraser, Foran entered the Class L CIAC Tournament ranked fourth in a field of 22 teams and made it to the Quarterfinals for the 3^rd year in a row.  Unfortunately the remarkable season ended there.   However, with a final record of 19 victories and 3 defeats, this 1975-1976 team registered the best season ever in school history and April was named an All-State player. That same year, April helped the Foran Volleyball team win the Class L State Championship, captained the Foran Softball team, and became the first female athlete in Milford to receive an athletic scholarship to college. April played college ball at the University of Wisconsin – Madison for Edwina Qualls.  She captained the team her sophomore year and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1982.

April credits all of her coaches with having a great influence on her basketball career (Sam Kelly, Frank Camp, Edna Fraser, and Edwina Qualls).  She feels they instilled in her a love of the game.  Coach Fraser, especially, encouraged her to be the best she could be.  She feels basketball is special because it offers a challenge, great fun, healthy exercise, and a sense of belonging.  Her involvement in basketball and other sports helped her develop qualities equally important to success in life, such as the ability to cooperate with others, a love of life, knowing how to work hard for a goal, and how to have fun.  April advises young players to do their best, have fun, be a good sport, and to never argue with a referee.

April presently is a Paraprofessional for the Milford Board of Education.  She has been involved in her church as both a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.  She resides in Milford with her husband Malcolm, and their two children Eric and Emily.  In addition to spending time with the family, April also enjoys tennis, indoor volleyball, golf, reading and photography. 


Laurie Roche-Price - High School Player
Laurie's interest in basketball evolved from playing many sports in a very active, sports oriented neighborhood in Belle Meade, New Jersey.  The Shipley Family had five boys, and they taught Laurie and her brother how to play basketball.  Laurie was a natural though.  The game was in her blood as mom, Marylou, played high school basketball, Dad, Larry, played high school and college basketball, and brother, Mike, played high school and college basketball! 

In 1996 Laurie was inducted to the Guilford Hall of Fame for her tennis, softball, and basketball accomplishments at Guilford High School from 1976 – 1980.  Laurie's basketball coach was Jane Capellini.  Laurie feels that Coach Capellini always provided positive guidance and stressed fundamentals, yet also allowed her the freedom to develop her own game.  As a freshman she received Varsity Letters in all three sports.  Also as a freshman, she placed second in the state in tennis, and received Honorable Mention All-State and First Team All-Shoreline in basketball.  Laurie led Guilford High School in scoring and rebounding throughout her career.  She became the first player, girl or boy, to reach a thousand points and rebounds.  As a Junior and Senior, Laurie was named to the All State Team.  Her senior year, Laurie was also selected to play in the Connecticut Shoot-Out and received McDonald's All-American Honorable Mention.    

As a result of her stellar high school career, Laurie earned a scholarship to the University of Rhode Island.  She started as a freshman and was second in scoring, rebounding, and steals.  In 1982 she decided to transfer to Southern Connecticut State University where in 1983 she had the great experience of playing in the Final Four.  Under the coaching of Tony Barone, Laurie was able to hone her skills as he was a fundamentalist and disciplinarian.  She also credits Coach Barone with teaching her about hard work and persistence, and individual talent as it relates to teamwork and the ultimate success of the team.  Laurie finished with a total of 1,235 career college points.

Two years after graduating from SCSU, Laurie discovered a new sport that she loved and not surprisingly, excelled in – Golf!  In just her third year playing the sport, Laurie competed in statewide events and qualified for the 1989 US Amateur Event. 

Laurie is grateful for the positive influence, support, and dedication of her parents and siblings.  She also feels that the game of basketball is more special to her now than when she played.  She can appreciate the patience, commitment to work and excel, self- confidence, and the importance of teamwork it taught her.  After her family, basketball has played the next significant role in her life, because it has given her lifelong friendships, memories and experiences that would have been unattainable without it!  Laurie advises young players to be unselfish, to understand the concept of teamwork in order to succeed, and to seek a coach who stresses the values of teamwork, positive attitude, and hard work.  Laurie currently resides in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and is a  Golf Teaching Professional  at the Knollwood Golf Course in North Carolina.