Connecticut
Women's Basketball
 Hall Of Fame

2004 Inductee Biographies

David Strong - High School Coach
Interestingly enough, this girl's basketball high school coaching legend began his coaching in boy's basketball.  It was 1969 and Dave had recently graduated from Western Connecticut State University and was teaching Math at Masuk high School in Monroe.  The school needed help in two areas: an assistant coach for the boy's basketball team and chaperones for dances.  Lucky for Connecticut Girls Basketball and hundreds of girls he has coached and mentored, Dave chose coaching basketball.  He stayed with the boys program until 1975 then the following season switched over to the girl's program where he's been making history for the past 28 years. 

Dave attended Woodbury High School.  While there he played three sports: soccer, basketball, and baseball.  He graduated in 1962 then went on to W.C.S.U. where he earned his B.A. in English.  In 1972 he graduated from Wesleyan University with his M.A.L.S. in Math.  He had already begun his Math teaching career at Masuk and continued to do so while pursuing his Masters, helping out with the boy's basketball team, and creating and coaching the Chess Team at Masuk.  His entire teaching and coaching experience has been at Masuk.  While coaching the girl's team, Dave also became involved in various other sports:  from 1973 – 1977 he was the Golf Coach, in 1978 he coached the Cross Country Team, he was the Assistant Softball Coach for two years, then in 1983 was the Head Softball Coach for one year, he started the Girls Soccer team in 1986 then coached the team until 1994, he was the Assistant Girls Tennis Coach from 1988 – 1990, is the Boys Tennis this season, and has been, and still presently is, the Masuk Athletic Director since 1995.  In total, he has been teaching and coaching at Masuk High School for 35 years!

Dave is the leading coach in total wins coaching girls in Connecticut with 602.  He was the 1^st girls high school coach in the state to record 300wins, 400 wins…600 wins.  His 600^th win came at the end of this past season against league rival Newtown in the South West Conference Championship game.  Over the 28 year period, his overall record coaching the Masuk girls stands at 602 – 94(includes this past season).  His teams have won 19 League Championships, qualified for the league playoffs and the State Tournament all 28 years, have been State Champs 3 times, State Runners - Up 4 times, and State Semi-Finalists 11 times.  Also, he has 7 regular season undefeated teams, and 2 totally undefeated teams when Masuk won the State championship ('89 - '90, '94 - 95).  From 1994 - 1996 his teams had a 50 game winning streak (6 ^th best in state history), and from 1993 - 1997 his teams tallied up a 93 game regular season winning streak.  Masuk has quite a list of successful players - 23 times Masuk girls have been selected to the All - State Teams; 5 of these were designated All - American , 1 was also a CT H.S. Player of the Year, 14 players scored 1000 points or more, 51 former players have played college basketball, and 28 former players are now or have been coaches.  In addition to being successful with so many statistics, his teams have been awarded the Sportsmanship Award by the Board #9 of Certified Basketball Officials 8 times.  This is an honor he, his staff, and his players are extremely proud of!

Throughout his career, Dave has been recognized for his accomplishments.  In 1989 he was nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in CT., and in 1995 he was honored as the Monroe Teacher of the Year (Math).    Some of his basketball awards include: C.H.S.C.A. Girls Basketball Coach of the Year (1982), District 1 Coach of the Year 1984, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2002), Danbury News – Times (1988, 1991), New Haven Register (1990) and CT Post Coach of the Year Girls Basketball (1990, 2001), C.H.S.C.A. Hall of Fame Inductee (2000), New England Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee(2002), and National Coach of the Year (2002).  Dave has also coached numerous post season All - Star teams including the Shoot - Out, the J.C.C.Classic, and the Vincrnt Smeraglinolo All - Star Games.

Dave has been very dedicated in his service to help improve CT girl's basketball.  Some of the organizations he has been involved with include: C.H.S.C.A. (member, 1969 - current), Western CT and South -West Conference Basketball Committee (Member and Chairman, 1977 - 2003), C.I.A.C. Girls Basketball Comm. (Member, 1984 - 1992), CWBHOF Committee (Member, 1987 - 1992), C.H.S.C.A. Girls Basketball National Convention Committee (Member, 1987 - 1988), and C.H.S.C.A. (President, 1996 - 1997).  Since 1993, Dave has served on the C.H.S.C.A.'s Executive Board.  He is also currently a member of MEA/CEA/NEA, CT. High School Coaches Assn., the National High School Coaches Assn., the U.S. Chess Federation, the CWBHOF, the Women's Basketball Assn., the CT Society of Genealogists (Bd. Of Dir.), the Society for American Baseball Research, and the Colonial Coin Collectors Club. 

When asked about the person who has had the greatest influence on his career, he gives credit to his wife, Mary Jane -  'Without her support I wouldn't have been able to continue coaching'.   Basketball is special to Dave because it has provided a vehicle to develop great relationships with Masuk athletes and to help them realize their potential.  He has also enjoyed the opportunity of seeing another side of high school students outside the math classroom.  He has two memories that stand out  - his team winning its (his) 1^st state championship in 1990 with his daughter Julia on the team, and winning a slowdown game 28 - 27 in overtime against Immaculate for the league championship, just one week after Immaculate had defeated Masuk by 17 points.  Dave explains that if he could change one rule it would be the height of the basket in men's college and pro ball.  He feels by adding more height there would also be more finesse in the game.  He advises young players to pay attention to the fundamentals and to be very committed to their education.  His perennial goal is to win the league championship.

Dave and his wife Mary Jane have lived in Watertown since 1973.  They have three children; David, Julia, and Jennifer.  When Dave isn't coaching, or coordinating the Masuk athletic schedule, you might find him collecting coins, or researching and collecting postcards of girl's basketball teams prior to 1920.  

Anthony Candido. - Referee:
Tony's involvement in girls and women's basketball in Connecticut transcends the basketball court.  This past season marked the completion of his 41^st year of officiating girls and women's games (2500+) in the Greater New Haven area – wow!!  He has worked the CIAC Girls High School Tournament since its origin and hasn't missed a tournament since.  In fact, in the first two years, he officiated in two Championship Games in each of those years.  Tony's personal goal of promoting achievement and growth in women's basketball for players, coaches, and officials, combined with his extensive refereeing experience, exemplifies his dedication to the sport.

Tony credits Louise Albrecht, Marge Dolan, and Cindy Adamski, with having the greatest influence on his officiating career.  Connecticut Women's basketball is lucky these three encouraged his involvement, because once he committed, he stayed committed and still is today!  Among the organizations he's been involved in – the C.B.C.B.O. for 30 years, and the I.B.O. for 10 years.  He was the Assignor for both the C.B.C.B.O. and the New England Board of Officials (College Level). 

In addition to officiating the high school tournaments, Tony has worked at numerous Collegiate Conferences and NCAA Tournaments (MAAC, NECC, Big East, Ivy League, Colonial, Division II NCAA, and Division III Semi-Finals).  In the early 1980's, he was asked to referee in the Orange Bowl Classic in Florida.

Tony has received several awards as a result of his basketball officiating.  In 1979 he was recognized as the Outstanding Official by the New Haven Tap Off Club.  In 1999 he received the C.H.S.C.A. Official of the Year Award, in 2000 he received the C.B.C.B.O. Referee's Service Award, and in 2002 he was honored as the E.C.A.C.'s Dedicated Official.  Tony has also been recognized for his excellence in umpiring on the softball field.  He has received the Lombardozzi Umpire Award, ASA Umpire of the Year Award, and was inducted into the Scholastic and Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame. 

Tony is also a huge advocate for people with disabilities, especially youth.  His interest and dedication to this cause is evident in his involvement in Easter Seals of Connecticut and Rhode Island.  He has been on the Easter Seals Board of Directors for 15 years and currently is the Chairman.  Among some of his awards are the Tough Love Award (1989), Easter Seals Outstanding Service Award (1995, 2000), the Liberty Bell Award (1995), the Miss Hamden Scholarship Pageant Award for Helping Youth Organizations (1999), Hartford Courant Volunteer Award (1999), U.S. House of Representatives Award for Outstanding Community Service/Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (2000), the Coqui Award for Civil Service (2001), and Atty. General Blumenthal Award for Leadership in the State of CT Helping People (2001). 

 If Tony had to choose a couple of his fondest memories of basketball related events, they would be the opportunity to officiate the Division II NCAA Semi-Finals and the honor of being inducted into this CT Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.  He feels that the 'Three Second Rule' should be changed because many people don't understand the violation or when it should be called.  He advises young players, coaches, and referees to treat the game fairly, 'the way the women's game has always been'. 

Currently Tony lives in Milford with his wife Diane and is a Chief Marshall for the State of Connecticut.                      

Joan Van Ness - College Player
Joan became interested in basketball playing with the kids in her neighborhood.  She attended Waterford High School and graduated in 1975.  Joan didn't play basketball in high school because there was no team or coach.  She did however play on the Field Hockey team for 4 years.  She was team captain, Most Valuable Player, and named to the ECC (All Conference) Team.  Joan also participated in Track and Field.  She threw the Javelin and helped her team win the Class M State Title in 1975.  She received the Waterford High School Outstanding Athlete Award as a result of her success on these two teams. 

After graduating from Waterford High School, Joan attended Southern Connecticut State where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education K–12(1980).  From 1976 to 1979 while still attending Southern, she played softball for the Raybestos Brakettes, a Women's Major Fast Pitch Softball Team.  During this time, Joan was an All-American, and helped her team win 3 National Championships.  She also played for the USA East and National Teams which won Silver and Gold Medals at the National Sports Festival in Colorado Springs, the World Championships in El Salvador, and the Pan American Games in Puerto Rico.

Joan's basketball playing days were about to resume as Southern had a very successful women's basketball program.  She played there for 4 years; 1 year under Coach Louise O'Neal and three for Coach Don Perelli.  She was the starting point guard for 4 years, a Third Team All American in 1976, A Kodak Regional All-American in 1978, an Olympic Trials and World University Trials Finalist in 1976 and 1977.  From 1978 to 1979 she received the Jack Lackman Trophy (Connecticut Scholar/Athlete), was a Wade Trophy Finalist (Best College Player), and was drafted by the New Jersey Gems in the Women's Professional Basketball League.  She played for the Gems until 1981.  In 2002, Joan was inducted into the Southern Connecticut State University Alumni Basketball Hall of Fame.  She explains that being inducted into the Southern Hall of Fame is one of her fondest moments among her many basketball related events. 

Joan feels special about basketball because it is so unpredictable – 'no two situations are ever the same'.  She credits her teammates and coaches with having the greatest influence on her career and advises young players to never let up until the clock runs out! 

In 1992 Joan received her Masters Degree in Health Education from Southern.  Since 1984 she has been a Physical Education and Health Teacher at Leonard J. Tyl Middle School in Oakdale, CT.  Since 1998 she has also been the Girls' Basketball Coach for this same school.  While teaching and coaching, Joan has also been involved in coordinating Intramural Sports, and officiating NCAA and Connecticut High School Field Hockey and Lacrosse games. 

Joan currently resides in Waterford, CT.  She loves teaching and is passionate about everything she does.  In her free time she enjoys gardening and landscape design, home improvement, jet skiing, bicycling, and photography.

           
Rebecca Lobo - College Player
Rebecca grew up in Southwick, Massachusetts.  She became interested in basketball as a young girl watching the Boston Celtics on TV with her family.  She got started playing hoops while playing with her older brother Jason and her sister Rachel.  Rebecca attended Southwick -Tolland Regional High School then graduated in 1991.  While at Southwick, she participated in several sports; Field Hockey for 4 years, Softball for 3, Track and Field for 1, and Basketball for all 4 years.  As Center for Basketball Coach James Vincent, Rebecca was the Massachusetts State Scoring Champion (Boys and Girls) with a total of 2710 points.  She was also named to the USA-Today and Parade All-American Teams.  Next stop – UCONN.

Rebecca's career at UCONN spanned from 1991 – 1995.  While her individual game statisistics and team accomplishments are incredible, they don't tell the whole story.  Perhaps Geno Auriemma, her coach and mentor at UCONN, can help -  "Rebecca Lobo may have had the biggest impact ever by an individual in college basketball.  Rebecca became the symbol for what is good and why we play sports.  She was the first player to transcend the game of women's basketball.  She brought our game to the national media and she didn't do it with just her talent.  She did it with class, dignity, humor, wit and the way in which she carried herself!".  She considers Geno the person who has had the greatest influence on her career because he taught her how to really work hard and how to play – 'He's the best coach in the game', she says.  While at UCONN, Rebecca averaged 17 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and scored a total of 2033 points.  She was a huge factor in her team's 1994 & 1995 Big East Titles, and its most memorable (and somewhat unexpected) victory over the 'mighty Lady Vols' of Tennessee, to win the 1995 National Championship.  Some of her college basketball awards as the 1995 Consensus National Player of the Year include: Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, Honda-Broderick Cup as the Outstanding Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year, Women's Sports Foundation Woman of the Year (Team Sports), NCAA Woman of the Year, ESPY Awards – Female Athlete of the Year & Female College Basketball Player of the Year, Ban/Naismith National Player of the Year, Wade Trophy National Player of the Year, Kodak 1 ^st Team All American(2nd consecutive year), Unanimous Associated Press First Team All- American(top vote recipient), College Sports Magazine National Player of the Year, MVP of the 1995 NCAA Final Four, and Big East Conference Player of the Year (2 ^nd consecutive year).  Her performance not only helped put Connecticut women's basketball on the map forever, but also catapulted her to the top of women's sports figures.  Rebecca was seen on National TV jogging with then President Bill Clinton, presented awards at the ESPYs, and had a street named after her in her hometown of Southwick, Mass. 

In addition to excelling on the court, Rebecca also excelled in the classroom.  She was a Rhodes Scholar candidate, NCAA GTE/Co-Team Member of the year (one of the nation's two top scholar-athletes), GTE/CoSida Women's Basketball National Academic All-American of the Year, GTE/CoSida First Team Academic All-American (2^nd consecutive year), and Big East/Soft & Dri Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.  In 1995 Rebecca was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and she was the only Big East player in history to earn Big East Player of the Year, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors in a career – she accomplished this twice! 

After her stellar career in college, it was no surprise that Rebecca stayed involved in the game.  From 1997 through 1999 she was one of the hosts/analysts during ESPN's exclusive March Madness coverage of the Women's NCAA Tournament.  She also provided analysis for women's college games for CBS, ESPN, and Connecticut Public TV.  In 1996 she co–authored a book with her mom Ruth Ann titled, The Home Team.   The book was an autobiographical account of Rebecca's basketball career and her mom's simultaneous successful battle against breast cancer.  She also continued playing basketball at the highest competitive level.  As the youngest member of the 1996 U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball team in Atlanta, Georgia, she won a Gold Medal.  In October of 1996 Rebecca signed with the WNBA's New York Liberty.  She was one of the original WNBA stars.  In fact, in the inaugural season of the league, Rebecca was voted to the ALL-WNBA Second Team.  She scored 16 points as the Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury to advance to the first WNBA Championship.  In July of 1997, Rebecca won her 100^th consecutive game as a Collegiate, Olympic, and Professional basketball player.  The streak ended at 102 consecutive wins, a most remarkable accomplishment in team sports history!  In February of 1999, Rebecca received the honor of being one of two female athletes to be honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame.  Two lockers were dedicated in Rebecca and Sheryl Swoopes' names in the Hall of Fame's Vinick All-Star Locker Room.  She joined such superstars as Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley in receiving a locker filled with personal memorabilia for exhibit.  In 1999 Rebecca suffered a season ending knee injury 42 seconds into the season opening game.  Regardless of the injury, fans voted her in as a starter for the Eastern Conference in the 1 ^st WNBA All Star Game.  In September of 2003, after a successful professional career that spanned seven years - first with the New York Liberty, then the Houston Comets, and lastly with the Connecticut Sun, Rebecca retired from the WNBA.  She was probably one of the league's most beloved players.  It might have been a coincidence, but perhaps it was also fate that she retire wearing a Connecticut uniform.   She began her college career in Connecticut in 1991and now had come full circle and unfortunately would exit the game early, yet gracefully, due to injury, in the same state.  It was time to move on to the next chapter of her career. 

Rebecca has made many significant contributions to various causes off the court also.  She has written pieces that were published in inspirational books, and in others in which the proceeds from sales benefited various charities.  She has also done some motivational speaking.  Her typical audiences include business executives, cancer survivors, athletic teams, college students and administrators, civic groups, school children, and corporate employees.  She has also appeared on various television programs.  'Nightline', in a discussion of the current state of women's sports, the 'Today Show', 'Sister, Sister', 'Sesame Street', 'Mad About You', 'The David Letterman Show', 'Good Morning America', name just a few.  She has also had many appearances in documentaries, motion pictures, and news/variety shows in which she addresses women's self esteem, breast cancer awareness, ACL injuries, her career in and away from the game, her Hispanic heritage, and other light hearted and serious issues as well.  Rebecca and her mom founded 'The Ruth Ann and Rebecca Lobo Scholarship in Allied Health' in 2001 at UCONN which awards students in the health sciences field.  She has been involved in the Children's Miracle Network, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Teach For America, and is a former spokesperson for Lee Denim Day.  She has also worked with AIDS patients and was once named USA Weekend's Most Caring Athlete. 

Rebecca feels special about basketball because of the great lifelong friends she has made and because working to excel taught her to maximize her body to its fullest potential.  She considers winning the 1995 National Championship with UCONN her most incredible memory and advises young players to work hard and find a special mentor and coach to teach them. 

Currently Rebecca resides in Connecticut with her husband Steven Rushin.  She does television commentary for various networks including NBA TV, ESPN, CBS, and College Sports TV.  In addition to basketball, she loves to golf and read.  

Patricia Dufficy - High School Player 
Pat grew up with five siblings and credits her dad with encouraging her to play the sports.  She attended Trumbull High School and participated in three sports, which means she was kept very busy throughout the school year.  In the fall Pat, nicknamed 'Duffy', played Field Hockey.  She was a Goalie and Centerfielder for three seasons and as a result of her exceptional play, was named to the All State Team.  In the winter Pat dominated the basketball court.  As a guard for Coach Gail Shipp, she helped guide her team to FCIAC League Titles, and in her senior year averaged 30 points per game and 7 rebounds per game.  She scored 1055 total career points and was named to both the FCIAC and All State Teams.  In the spring, Pat competed on the Track and Field team.  Her specialties were the Shotput, Discus, and the Javelin.  After a very successful high school athletic career, Pat graduated in 1979 then moved on to play basketball at the University of South Carolina where she received a full scholarship.

Pat continued her athletic prowess at the University of South Carolina.  As a forward for the basketball team, she averaged 6 points per game and 2 rebounds per game for Coach Pam Parsons.  In 1980 her team finished 3^rd in the country.  On the softball field, Pat was utilized in multiple positions and helped her team achieve a 3^rd place finish in the country.  She was named to the All Conference and All American teams. 

Pat feels strongly about the game of basketball because it gave her the opportunity to travel domestically and abroad, and because it also gave her the opportunity to meet and play with many different people.  Her fondest memory of her athletic career is scoring her 1000^th point at Trumbull High School.  If she could eliminate one basketball rule it would be the 'Backcourt' violation.  Pat encourages young players to believe in themselves because that will enable them to achieve their goals. 

Today, Pat resides in Tampa, Florida where is a Customer Service Representative for Labcorp.  She spends her free time enjoying music and sports. 

Jessica Elizabeth Mudry - High School Player
Jessica's interest in basketball was inspired at an early age.  As a child, she always wanted to be around her older brother, Eric.  In order to be around him meant playing basketball with him and his friends.  She learned early that just wanting to play wasn't enough—she needed to be able to compete and play tough.  This encouraged her to keep practicing.  Jessica credits Eric with having the greatest influence on her career because from the start he always pushed her to work hard and strive to be the best.

Jessica's attended Naugatuck High School.  Her career there spanned from 1989 to 1992 when she graduated.  She participated in three sports, Volleyball, Softball, and of course Basketball, the sport which she truly loved and excelled in.   As the point guard under her High School Coach Keith Raczkowski, Jessica helped guide her team to three Naugatuck Valley League Championships and was an All Naugatuck Valley League selection all four years.  She is the all time leading scorer for Naugatuck High with 2056 total career points.  Over the course of her career she averaged 23 points per game, 6 rebounds, had 439 total assists, and 523 total steals.  She was selected as a Hartford Courant All State Player in her sophomore, junior, and senior years, and a New Haven Register All State Player in her senior year.  In 1991, Jessica was the State High School Player of the Year and the leading scorer statewide with an average of 27 points per game.  She also received USA Today Honorable Mention as a player to watch.  During the course of her outstanding career, she was also honored as a Hartford Courant 'Top Sixteen Player' (1990), named to the 12^th Annual Masuk All Tournament Team, and was named to the All New Haven County Tap Off Club Team.  In 1992, Jessica received the Dottie Shortell Award for the Outstanding Senior Athlete at Naugatuck High.

After a successful career in high school, she resumed her studies and basketball playing at Lehigh University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.  There she averaged 13.6 points per game, 6 rebounds, scored over 1000 points, and holds the Lehigh career record in steals with 309.  She was named to All Tournament Teams in Pittsburgh, Fairfield, and in the Iona Classic.  In her senior year season (1995-96), Jessica led the Patriot League in assists, was named Co-MVP, was a First Team All Patriot League selection, the Lehigh Defensive Player of the Year, and was the overall Lehigh Valley Player of the Year.  She was also the only Patriot League player to rank in the top 10 of every statistical category.  In 1997, Jessica was named to the Pearl Street Hall of Fame. 

Jessica feels strongly about basketball because it has afforded her many opportunities.  It has opened up everlasting relationships and also taught her about the importance of discipline, a positive attitude, work ethic, and working with others.  She advises young players to play hard, and to respect the whole game, including teammates, coaches, and referees.  If she could change one rule of the game it would be the 'alternate possessions' rule.  She feels it deflates the defense when it comes up with a big play. 

Currently, Jessica resides in New York City and is a Print Production Manager for Dorna USA.  As far is basketball is concerned, Jessica still plays and hopes to stay involved with the game and to encourage young players to pursue their dreams!    

Tina Gonyea - High School Player
Tina 's athletic career at Platt High School in Meriden was quite impressive.  A 1986 graduate, 'T' excelled in three sports - Soccer, Basketball, and Softball. She gives credit to her mom for inspiring her deep love of basketball.  As a child, Tina's mom loved basketball too, but being one of thirteen siblings and considering the continued rate of growth in women's sports, the opportunities available to Tina's mom weren't as abundant as they were for Tina.  Knowing this, Tina wanted to make her mom proud by doing the things her mom wanted to do but couldn't.   Tina's interest in basketball and other sports was sparked at a young age when her parents and siblings  would pack up the car with a cooler, lunch, and a basketball and spend weekends playing at the parks.  Tina's career was set into motion.

Tina spent her fall seasons playing soccer for Platt.  Soccer became a varsity sport in her sophomore year and she immediately made an impact.  She was the leading scorer for three years, Captain and All Conference her junior and senior years, and a Hartford Courant All State and CT Soccer Coaches Association selection in her senior year.  She also received a MVP Award from the National Soccer Coaches Association.

Success on the softball field seemed to come easily as well.  As a Centerfielder, she helped her team win two  State Championships and was named to the Hartford All State and All Conference teams in both her junior and senior years. 

Tina spent her winters playing her favorite sport, basketball.  She played the Guard position under Coach Tom Johnson.  Tina was an All Conference selection her sophomore, junior, and senior years, and was the team captain and a Hartford Courant All State selection in both her junior and senior years.  She holds the honors of being the first female in Platt High School history to score 1,000 points, be named to the Hartford Courant All State Team, and be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

As a result of her athletic prowess at Platt, Tina was mentioned in High School Sports Magazine in 1986 for being a Connecticut senior who completed an All State hattrick by being named All State in three sports.  She was the first athlete at Platt, male or female, to be All State in three sports, and was given the Edith Bartlett Award for the senior student who contributed outstanding service to her school during her tenure.

Tina continued her basketball career at Keene State College in New Hampshire.  During her tenure there, she helped her team to two ECAC Division II championships (1988, 1989), and consecutive NCAA Division I, II, III Team 3 Point Shooting Titles.  Individually, Tina was a two time NECC All Conference selection (1989, 1990), scored 1,195 total career points, and holds records for total career assists and steals.  She also still holds records in assists per season (159), and steals per game (8).  Tina's fondest basketball memory would have to be when she sunk a 3 pointer with 2 seconds left on the clock to defeat the University of Bridgeport 69-68 to win the 1988 Division II ECAC Championship.  She graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science and then went on to earn her Associates in Science Degree while being a Keene State Assistant Coach from 1990 - 1992.  In 2001 Tina was inducted into the Keene State College Hall Of Fame. 

If Tina could change one basketball rule, she'd eliminate the possession arrow.  She feels it takes the wind out of a trailing team's sails if they work hard for the ball, tie it up, but the arrow is pointing to the other team.  At least with a jump ball the opportunity for possession exists.  She advises young players to 'follow your hearts'.  She claims basketball wasn't the sport she was 'best' in, yet she loved it.  When you love to do something it's easy to practice and therefore easier to excel in it.

Tina currently resides in Middletown where she still plays all three sports and hopes to continue doing so for as long as she enjoys playing and is physically able.  In addition to sports, Tina spends her free time in the outdoors and photographing her nieces and nephews.

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