There is more to life than basketball - even in Indiana. It is hard to believe but it is true. A dream team should have character, good grades and a good layup. IU South Bend women's coach Steve Bruce has four players who started class this fall who are "postcard perfect." Courtney Simpson, Jordan Kramer, Leah Meyer, and Elyse Lefebvre are freshmen with a lot of that talent and heart, according to their coach. Simpson is from Northwood High School (Nappanee) and was 10th in her graduating class. Kramer is from Hanover Central (Crown Point) and was the class salutatorian. Meyer is from Northridge (Goshen) and was the valedictorian. Lefebvre was 12th in her class at Pickney High School, Pickney, Mich. "I look for three things when I recruit," Bruce said, "character, talent and work ethic. You can have talent and work ethic but without character you have a recipe for a troubled team."

The four players are mature and will work well together. "It is so difficult to handle the stormy seas of success." Yet they (have) handled all the issues well - a level-headed group of good student athletes, he said. "Our goal is to develop one of the finest student/athlete programs in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes)," Bruce said. "This group has a spark that will move us a little closer to this goal every day."

The star-studded group all grew up playing basketball. Courtney's parents, Mark and Kelly both played. In fact, Courtney and Kelly were the first mother and daughter duo in the history of Northwood High. All were looking for strong academics. Leah said she wanted a strong biology program to lead to degree in physical therapy. "I understand after basketball is done, I have to have an education. The IU degree is credible. I love the small campus feel (of IU South Bend). I come from a small high school" so this is a good fit," Jordan said. She added that she could not have seen herself not playing basketball after high school so she needed to participate in college.

The four women looked at other schools. Courtney said she was nearly ready to commit to IPFW. Leah looked at the Naval Academy. At some point in the spring, each player came to IU South Bend or met with Bruce. All came away impressed. Elyse said she saw a game on campus and liked everything she saw. Courtney met with Bruce and felt that the program fit what she wanted. Jordan said she met the team and the coaching staff. "There was a good chemistry (on the court) and I know that grades are important (to the staff and players). It was all people friendly."

As fall approached and the new school year was on the horizon, all the new players were looking forward to year ahead. A few said they were a bit scared with this new adventure. All were playing a little pick up basketball or summer league to keep their skills up. Families were excited with their decision to come to IU South Bend and to participate in the basketball season. "I have a huge family and they are all coming for basketball games," Courtney said.

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Media Contact: Kathy Borlik

Office of Communications and Marketing, 520-4345, kborlik@iusb.edu