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2006 Inductee Biographies |
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Paulla Kolnaski Solar -- High School Coach Paulla's basketball exposure up until this time was the '6 player game'. After graduation, she was hired to teach
physical education in Stonington. One of the conditions of her teaching contract was that she also coach the girls' basketball team at Stonington High School. Paulla was determined to learn the intricacies
of the game and to teach them to the players she coached. With the assistance of her Dad and brother, Eddie, and by attending countless clinics and seminars featuring some of the best coaches in the game -- John
Wooden, Bobby Knight, Dean Smith -- Paulla was able to develop her own style and successful coaching philosophy. Her mother and father were her greatest supporters and offered constant encouragement.
Through the first phase of her career, Paulla's teams compiled a record of 123-36. In 1980, Stonington went undefeated at 23-0, and won the 'M' State Title in overtime. During this time, her teams also
won several league championships and recorded a 65-game regular season winning streak. In the early 80's and into the 90's, Paulla took a break from her high school coaching career in order to raise her three
daughters. She never left the game completely, nor did she ever consider coaching to be a 'job', but rather a joy. While taking time out for her family, Paulla remained involved in basketball by coaching middle
school teams, volunteering at the high school level, coaching AAU teams, and running camps and clinics. In 2001, the opportunity to coach the Stonington High girl's team again opened up. Paulla
was confident she was ready once again, to make the commitment necessary to run a successful program. That year, Stonington won the league championship. Paulla's career won-loss record to date is
234-73 (1973-80, 1981-83, 2001- 2006). Her teams have won several league championships; 13 of her 14 years as head coach have produced winning seasons; and she has more than 200 victories. Stonington was
Class M runner-up last season and won the Championship this year with a 24-2 record. Paulla was named The New London Day 'Coach of the Year' as a result of Stonington's successful season. Basketball
is special to Paulla because it has allowed her to develop unique bonds with her players and, to this day, some of her dearest friends are her former players. Winning the State Championship game in overtime at
SCSU in 1980 and going 23-0 that same year are two of Paulla's fondest basketball memories. She feels that reinstating the shot clock in high school, as it is used in college, would pick up the pace of the game
and add more excitement. She encourages younger coaches to be passionate about coaching hopefully resulting in them influencing their players to develop a passion of their own. Paulla continues to expand
her knowledge of the game through research and observation, and provides various programs in Stonington to help young girls develop. She has enjoyed every minute of her career. Paulla's ultimate goal is to
ensure that the Stonington Girl's Basketball program be respected statewide. Paulla's daughters have obviously inherited her love of basketball. Tiffany was part of the state championship coaching
staff and is currently Paulla's freshmen team coach. Brittany played for her Mom at Stonington and now plays at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Kasey was a starter on this year's championship team. BJ Toolan-Constantine -- College Player BJ attended Irvington High School in New York and graduated in 1991. She excelled and was named All-Section in three sports -- volleyball,
softball, and of course, basketball. Her basketball career was particularly stellar. BJ credits coach Gina Maher with having the greatest influence on her career by taking the Irvington squad to the New York
State Class C championships twice, and winning the title the second time around. BJ scored more than 800 total career points, averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals per game. She was
selected to the All League, All Section, and All State teams in basketball. One of BJ's fondest memories is winning the New York State Girls' Class C Championship. After that victory, the champions from the
small town of Irvington received a police car and fire engine escort into town, complete with lights and sirens, after crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge. After high school, BJ continued her education and her
basketball career at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She enjoyed a phenomenal basketball career before graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience. During her playing
years, the standout guard averaged 13.2 points per game and scored 1245 career points. During her senior year, BJ scored 546 points, averaged 21.8 points per game, and made 85 three-pointers all were Trinity
season records. That same year, she led the Bantams to a 21-4 record and the second round of the Division III NCAA Tournament. She also set career records in Highest Career Free Throw Percentage (76%), and
Most Career 3-pointers (200). BJ was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference [ECAC] Player of the Year, New England Women's Basketball Association [NEWBA] Player of the Year, and her
proudest achievement, First Team Kodak All-American, in her senior year. She was also the recipient of the Trinity Club of Hartford Award which recognizes the most outstanding senior female athlete at Trinity
College. If BJ could make a change in the game, she would like to see players run the baseline on all inbounds plays, not exclusively after an opponent's made basket. BJ also encourages young players and coaches
to be passionate about the game, and to be inspired by friends and colleagues around you who are successful at what they do After college, BJ received a Master of Science degree in physical therapy from Columbia
University. She has been the assistant Girls' Basketball Coach for her high school alma mater for the past five years. She is married to Mark Constantine and they currently live in Tarrytown, New York.
They are the proud parents of a daughter, Abigail, and are expecting a second child in May. Donna Hebert Devlin --College Player Donna continued her education at Southern Connecticut State College, earning a B.S. and M.S. in
Physical Education. While at Southern, Donna played three sports: basketball (guard/forward), volleyball, and badminton. Donna played the power position for Coach Louise O'Neal who remembers her as a
great scorer, a strong rebounder, and an ultimate leader and team player. Some of Donna's teammates at Southern included: Donna Lopiano, Betsy Gilmartin, Linda Hamm, Peg Kellers, and Lauren Anderson.
This group was the nucleus that laid the foundation for the future success of SCSU women's teams. During Donna's senior year, SCSC went undefeated with an 8-0 record. Southern routinely scored 60-70 points
per game while limiting opponents to less than 25. Donna led the team in most free throws scored during the season (22), was second in field goal shooting percentage (70%), and most free throws scored during a
single game (6). Donna credits Louise O'Neal with having the greatest influence in her career both as a player and eventually as a coach. Donna was the Graduate Assistant Coach for O'Neal in 1969. It
was during this season that Donna's interest in coaching was nurtured. In 1969, Donna became the head women's basketball coach at Worcester State College and remained there through the 1981
season. Worcester State won several Massachusetts State Championships under her leadership. Her 1980 team won the Division III AIAW Championship, and finished 3rd
in 1981. She coached two Division III All American players during those years -- Cathy Westall and Joanne Medeiros. Donna left Worcester State in 1981 to coach at Brandeis University, where she remained until 1988.
Included among Donna's awards and recognitions are being inducted into the Worcester State College Athletic Hall of Fame and being named Division III Coach of the Year (1980), and Stayfree Division III Coach of
the Year (1981). Donna was also inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, and her team was also honored by that same organization. From 1981 1988 Donna was an ABAUSA Committee
Member, President of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association in 1983, and an ABAUSA Coach of the East team. Donna's most memorable victory was coaching her team to the 1980 Division III National Championship.
Her advice to current coaches is to be fair to every player and try to challenge each player to get the most of their talent. Donna gratefully acknowledges the support she has received throughout her career from
her sister, Barbara Rist; brother-in-law, Vaughn; and especially her mother, Peggy Hebert. Donna currently enjoys traveling, playing bridge, golfing, and winters in Florida! Carolyn D. Vanacore Honorary Inductee Affectionately referred to as Mrs. 'V' by her students, Carolyn is first and foremost, a mentor to young women. It's no surprise that Carolyn's career path was greatly influenced by one
of her Physical Education teachers while a student at Lyman Hall High School. Louise Ives was young, energetic, and encouraged girls to become involved in sports. A self-proclaimed 'tomboy',
Carolyn enjoyed many sports as a young child and student in high school and college. She recalls a time when she disregarded her father's wishes to sneak out to play softball with the Wallingford Owlettes.
Her Dad, along with many others, considered sports participation inappropriate for young ladies. Sport competition during Carolyn's high school years was limited to round-robin play consisting of a few schools, and
pick-up games with the boys. In college, Carolyn played club field hockey, basketball, and softball. Each season consisted of a maximum of 3-5 games. Realizing that opportunities for women sports
participation were very limited in the 1940's and 50's, Carolyn set her mind to making a difference. Carolyn attended college at New Haven State Teachers College (SCSU). She carried a double major
in Health and Physical Education (grades 1-12), and Elementary Education (grades 1-8). Upon graduation in 1952, she began teaching and coaching. From 1952 1965, Carolyn was a physical education teacher,
coach and intramural activity director at: North Haven High and Junior High Schools, Amity Junior High School, East Haven Junior High School, and Ansonia Elementary School. She was responsible for the
initiating pioneer sports programs at North Haven High School in field hockey, basketball, softball, and track + field. In 1965 Carolyn joined the faculty at SCSC as an assistant professor of women's
physical education. She simultaneously pursued and earned advanced degrees at Southern (MS, 6th
Year Certification), and in 1982, was named Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Safety. Carolyn continued with this position until she retired in 1989. Presently,
Carolyn remains on staff as Professor Emeritus: Division Director, and as adjunct professor for Health and P.E. She continues to supervise student teachers. 'Mrs. V' continues to touch students of all
ages by sharing her expertise with educators and young professionals throughout the area. In 1995, Carolyn developed a 'Coaching Certification' course for the National High School Coaches' Association in
preparation for a National Convention in Hartford. This course provided a unified and consistent means of certifying high school coaches throughout the country. Today, coaching courses are required by both
state and local school systems. Carolyn has received numerous honors throughout her career. Among these acknowledgements are the: CAHPERD Professional Merit Award, YWCA Women in Leadership Award,
Yale Visiting Faculty Fellowship, YMCA Outstanding Volunteer Service, CT Association of Athletic Directors Distinguished Service Award, Lyman Hall High School Hall of Fame, Eastern District (AAHPERD) Merit Award
in Physical Education, and the National Girls and Women in Sports Pathfinder Award. Carolyn has shared her expertise by leading a wide variety of professional organizations -- Chairperson of Governor's
Committee on Physical Fitness, CT Physical Education Advisory Committee for Subject Area Testing, President of CAHPERD, and Director of the SCSU COOP Teacher Program to name a few. Since "retirement",
Carolyn has participated in several efforts to assist Southern students. The SCSU Women's Association Carolyn Vanacore Emergency Loan Fund assists students who do not have the means to support their
education. The SCSU Michael Vanacore Scholarship assists graduate teaching assistants who want to pursue a career in football coaching. Most recently, Carolyn has spearheaded efforts to increase scholarship
opportunities for Southern's female athletes through "Stand Up and Be Counted." Sports, physical fitness, and nutrition are still significant in Carolyn's life. In 2005 she participated in the National
Senior Games in two events singles tennis and table tennis. Naturally her goal was to medal, however, keeping fit and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle was her ultimate motivation. A cancer survivor
-- having endured surgery and chemotherapy -- Carolyn believes her physical fitness at the time of her illness provided her with the strength and ability to fight the disease. After five decades of devotion to
the cause of improving student opportunities and expanding women's athletic involvement, Carolyn still enjoys witnessing progress. She recommends that young players, coaches, and referees all be fair, be
consistent, and be positive as they pursue their interests and dreams in sports. She hopes to continue being supportive of many activities involving young women. Carolyn is the proud mother of Brad Vanacore and
Lynn Vanacore Bloom and the proud grandmother of Brett and Bryan Vanacore and Matthew, Scott, Thomas, and Zachary Bloom.
Patricia Porter Buttice -- High School Player Inductee Trish played high school basketball at RHAM High School in Hebron, CT for Coach Carol
Hagen from 1968-72. The team was 37-10 during the four years in which Trish started every game. Her career stats include 22.1points per game and 1,041 total points. Personal highs included 26 points during a
regular season game and 32 points in a post season game. There were no girls' basketball tournaments for girls during Trish's first three years of high school. So, during their senior year, Trish and fellow
Co-Captain Ruth Anderson created the Girl's Invitational Basketball Tournament. They organized the entire event, from hiring officials and securing a tournament site, to inviting teams and buying trophies. Their
team won the 1972 tournament championship by defeating East Lyme in overtime. Trish was selected as the basketball MVP for three years: 69-70, 70-71, 71-72. She was the MVP of the Basketball Invitational Tourney
in 1972 and the Tournament Top Offensive Player with 32 points. She was also named the RHAM Outstanding Athlete during her senior year. Trish's basketball prowess continued at Indiana State
University, where she averaged 11 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, and scored 1,112 total points. She set school records for points in a game (30), and rebounds in a game (26). Indiana State had four winning
seasons, and made its first appearance in both the National AIAW Championship and the National Women's Invitational Tournament during Trish's playing career. She made it to the Final Trials of the U.S. Olympic Team in
1974, was named Basketball MVP for three seasons (1974-76), ISU Athlete of the Year in '76, received the Walter E. Marls Award in '76, and named Outstanding Athlete of America in 1974. Trish feels that
basketball has provided her with many opportunities. It has allowed her to travel, meet many friends, coach with and against her husband, and coach both of her sons. One change Trish would like
to see in the game is the lowering of the baskets to facilitate dunking in the women's game. She suggests that players play the game with intensity, avoid getting angry, and hold off celebrating until the game is
over! Trish has enjoyed teaching Physical Education for the past 27 years, and teaches P.E. at North Country Union High School in Newport, Vermont. She was named Vermont High School
Teacher of the Year (P.E., 2003'04), and Outstanding Vermont Teacher (1992). Trish lives in Newport Center, VT with her husband, Vince. Their older son, Ryan, will graduate from Thomas College in
Maine. Their younger son, Kyle, is completing his freshman year at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.
Maria Conlon -- High School Player Inductee Maria played high school basketball
in Seymour for Coach Joe Frager during her freshman and sophomore seasons and for Coach Eric DeMarco for her last two years. From 1996 - 2000, Maria and her Seymour teammates compiled a 96-4 record, tied a state
record in CIAC consecutive victories with 62, won four NVL (Naugatuck Valley League) championships, and two state championships.
Maria's dominance in the sport she loved was rewarded by many accolades. She was a three-time Connecticut Post Player of the Year, four-time Connecticut Post
Super 15 selection, three-time All-State selection, four-time All-NVL selection, and two-time MVP of the two state final games in which Seymour played. Following her senior year (1999-2000), Maria was
named Gatorade Connecticut State Player of the Year, an AAU All-American, WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, Street&Smith All-America Honorable Mention, Daily News/MSG
Tri-State First-team, and the Dottie Shortell Award recipient (recognizing the NVL Best Player selection). Maria also set the current scoring record for total points in the JCCS Schoolgirl Classic with 39.
Maria's high school basketball statistics during her senior year were awe-inspiring: 22.6 points per game, 7.3 assists per game, 7.2 steals per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 86 three-pointers. Her
career stats are just as impressive: 1,727 points, 672 assists, 650 steals, 625 rebounds, 246 three-pointers (state record), and 42% three-point shooting percentage. As a result of her phenomenal high school
career, Maria's jersey (# 5) was retired. It was the first jersey retired in the program's history. Her success attracted the attention of many college recruiters -- among them, UCONN Coach Geno
Auriemma. Playing collegiate basketball at UCONN was the fulfillment of her number one goal. At UCONN, Maria had the rare opportunity to play in four Final Four Tournaments, and to win three National
Championships. The team won four Big East Season titles, and two Big East Tournament titles. Maria was one of two players who played in every game of the 70-game win streak. Her career stats were 5.2
points per game, 714 total points, 2:1 assist/turnover ratio and she finished with 170 total three-pointers making her 6th at UCONN all-time. Maria's most thrilling basketball memory is when UCONN
captured the National Championship in her senior year. If she could make a change to the game, she would move the 3-point line back further
to create more of a challenge. Maria feels that players owe it to
themselves, their teammates, and to the game to always give their best effort. She feels very strongly about the game because it is a team sport and it allows teammates and friends to share each other's
achievements. Maria played professionally in Germany last fall, and is currently playing pro ball in Iceland. While in the states, she resides in Derby. Lucille A. Vassallo Referee Inductee Lucille was a three-sport athlete for Newington High School in the pre-Title IX
era. She played basketball, field hockey, and softball. She credits Dorothy Bemis, her high school basketball coach, with having the greatest influence on her career. In high school, Lucille was named
Outstanding Female Athlete, was a member of the National Honor Society, and received the Atrax Corporation Scholarship. After high school, Lucille studied physical education at UCONN. She also continued
playing basketball, field hockey, and softball. During her junior and senior years she made the Dean's List, and in her senior year, Lucille was the chairperson for her Senior Class Project. She received
both her B.S. and M.A. degrees from UCONN with a major in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. While still a junior at UCONN, Lucille received a National Basketball Officials' Rating, and a
career was born! For the next 20-something years, Lucille refereed girls' games at the high school (Connecticut and Massachusetts) and collegiate levels (CCSU, UCONN, UHartford, Manchester CC, and ECSU). For
several years, as Chairperson of the Rules Interpretation Committee, she also participated in the training and rating of new officials. From 1963-1985, Lucille was involved in regular season games,
league play- downs, championships, CIAC tournament games, and a Class S Final. Her excellence in officiating earned her the CIAC Merit Award in 2003, and in 2005, she was inducted into the New Agenda Northeast
Women's Hall of Fame. Lucille was a Physical Education teacher in East Windsor from 1965 2000. In addition to teaching, she also was very involved in extracurricular activities. Early in her career,
she taught gymnastics and established a cheerleading squad at the Middle School. She began interscholastic coaching in 1974 -- Field Hockey ('74-'83), Basketball ('74-'86), and Softball ('74-'80). From
1979-83 she served as the Middle School Athletic Director, and in 1980, Lucille was appointed East Windsor High varsity softball coach. She remained coach for eight years and qualified for the CIAC State
Tournament all eight seasons. Her teams produced three All-State players. In addition to teaching, coaching, and refereeing basketball games, Lucille also officiated field hockey, softball, and track and
field. Basketball, however, was always her favorite sport to referee. Although Lucille has many fond basketball memories, her most special ones are being invited back to UCONN with her fellow
teammates from the Class of 1965 to participate in Alumnae games, and being a member of the alumnae remembered while riding in the parade honoring the UCONN National Champion Women's Team in Hartford.
If she could change one rule, Lucille would reinstate the 10-second back court rule to the college game. She feels three officials could handle this change and with teams using backcourt presses, this rule
would eliminate the stall tactic. Lucille advises players to have fun and coaches to make the game fun for the players by keeping a positive attitude and remembering that "it's a game." She feels it is
imperative that referees allow the game to flow, control unnecessary roughness, and keep the attention on the players. Lucille is currently enjoying retired life. She resides in Newington and Old Lyme.
After concluding her participation in 3 vs. 3 Senior Olympic Basketball, she channels her energies to watching UCONN Women's Basketball, working on her beach house, and caring for Molly, her Scottish terrier. |
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