Green and White
One Team.
One Mission.
One Focus.
FINISH THE TASK!
THOMAS UNIVERSITY TABLE OF CONTENTS
THOMAS QUICK FACTS
Season Preview..............................................2-3
GENERAL
Schedule..........................................................4
Founded: 1950 Enrollment: 1,179 Nickname: Night Hawks Colors: Hunter Green & White President: Dr. Gary Bonvillian Director of Athletics: Mike Lee Athletics Department Phone: 229-226-1621 Athletics Department Fax: 229-584-2432
Roster...............................................................5 Player Profiles..............................................6-10 Coaching Staff...........................................11-13 2014-2015 Results & Statistics.................14-15 2014-2015 Achievements................................16 2015-2016 Opponents...............................17-23 Facilities....................................................24-26 Thomas University Profile...............................27 Staff/Administration......................................28
SPORTS INFORMATION Sports Information Director: Jason Hendrix SID Email: jhendrix@thomasu.edu SID Office Phone: 229-226-1621, ext. 1027 SID Mailing Address: 1550 Magnolia Street Thomasville, Ga. 31792 Website: http://www.TUNightHawks.com Twitter: @TU_Night_Hawks Facebook: thomasuniversityathletics COACHING STAFF Head Coach: Coretta Brown HC Office Phone: 229-226-1621, ext. 1089 Email: cbrown@thomasu.edu Media guide written, designed, and produced by Jason Hendrix and edited by the Thomas University Athletics Staff. Copy contributed by Jacob Dennis. Photography contributed by Jason Hendrix, Rachel Wiggins, and Taylor Mitchell. Š 2015 - All rights reserved.
night hawks
thomas university women’s b The 2015-2016 Thomas University women’s basketball schedule has been announced by third-year head coach Coretta Brown. The 28-game slate features two exhibitions against NCAA Division I opponents, a homecoming week matchup with Reinhardt, an early conference game versus Ave Maria, and a Pink Out against Southeastern. The Lady Night Hawks, who won four out of five Sun Conference games at one point in 2014 en route to a fifth place finish, will look to improve upon last year’s 12-win campaign. “Third time’s a charm,” stated head coach Coretta Brown. “I think we have things figured out by now. I’m pleased with the work ethic the ladies have shown since they arrived on campus in mid-August. They have immersed themselves with individual work on and off the court. I’m excited for a tough schedule out the gate. If we want to be the best, we have to play with the best and that’s what are preparing for.” Brown’s team opens the season in TU Gymnasium on Homecoming Week versus Reinhardt, followed by road contests against Middle Georgia State (Nov. 4) and Coastal Georgia (Nov. 7). The Lady Night Hawks will return home on Veteran’s Day to face Brewton-Parker (Nov. 11) before another two-game road trip that contains games versus Mobile (Nov. 17) and NCAA Division I opponent Jacksonville (Nov. 24). After meeting Trinity Baptist (Nov. 28), the Thomas University women will again play Brewton-Parker (Nov. 30), a team that the Lady Night Hawks faced twice in 2014. TU won the first matchup 75-64, but the Barons exacted revenge by squeaking out a 64-61 victory in the second contest. A rematch with Middle Georgia State on Dec. 2 leads the Lady Night Hawks into an early conference showdown with Ave Maria (Dec. 5), a team that finished with an even 16-16 record a season ago. The TU women met the Gyrenes twice last year and, despite the fact that the teams split the two contests, each matchup was a blowout. The Lady Night Hawks won 7357 in Thomasville, but Ave Maria bounced back with a 79-60 win three weeks later. After a one-game stint in conference play, Brown and company face Coastal Georgia at home (Dec. 14) before a two week break in the action. The Lady Night Hawks resume play with a difficult opponent in NCAA Division I Kennesaw State, a team that finished above .500 and won six games in Atlantic Sun action in 2014. Brown continued, “Our goal is strictly this: win conference, go to Nationals. That’s it. We are not looking for easy wins, we are looking for a grind. I believe that through these tough experiences against NCAA D1 programs will prep our run into conference play just after break.” A final tune-up with Allen (Jan. 2) is the final non-conference game on the Lady Night Hawks schedule, as the team begins TSC play on Jan. 7 with Florida Memorial. FMU finished one place behind the TU women in the final Sun Conference standings a season ago, but the teams split the 2014 series. Thomas University then meets Keiser, formerly Northwood, who finished 5-22 last season, before heading out on a lengthy road trip. The Lady Night Hawks will not play another home game for nearly three weeks, as a difficult stretch of games will go a long way in determining the team’s fate in conference action. TU will match up with Southeastern (Jan. 14) and Webber International (Jan. 16), two teams who received votes in the final national poll of 2014,
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basketball season preview before closing the trip with Johnson & Wales (Jan. 21) and Ave Maria (Jan. 23). Warner (Jan. 25), FMU (Jan. 28) and Keiser (Jan. 30) are up next for the Lady Night Hawks before a home contest versus the Johnson & Wales Lady Wildcats. The TU women went 2-0 against the Lady Wildcats a season ago, including a thrilling 69-68 win on the road on Jan. 15 that accounted for the first road TSC win for the team. The season’s most difficult stretch begins after the second Johnson & Wales game, as the Lady Night Hawks face St. Thomas twice in a span of one week (Feb. 8, Feb. 13) with a matchup against Southeastern (Feb. 10) in between. St. Thomas defeated the TU women on three separate occasions in 2014 en route to winning the Sun Conference crown and garnering a Top 25 spot in the final poll. Southeastern finished just one game behind the Lady Bobcats, posting a 16-2 TSC record that included two wins over Thomas University. The Lady Night Hawks close the regular season with conference games versus Webber International (Feb. 17) and Warner (Feb. 20) before entering postseason play. Brown managed to increase her team’s win total by 33-percent from 2013 to 2014, a feat that the Lady Night Hawks hope to accomplish again while establishing themselves as a legitimate threat in the Sun Conference. “Last season, our girls left with a desire to do more. With seven returners and six new recruits on board, that vision is focused. Experience and being on the same page will assist with that. This season we have more viable options on the court. Our girls are going to push each other because they will need each other. We are all-for-one. Simply stated, our goal is to outwork the rest.”
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GAME schedule Date
Time
Opponent
Location
10/31/2015
4:00 p.m.
Reinhardt
Thomasville, Ga.
11/04/2015
5:30 p.m.
Middle Georgia State
Cochran, Ga.
11/07/2015
5:00 p.m.
Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, Ga.
11/11/2015
5:30 p.m.
Brewton-Parker
Thomasville, Ga.
11/17/2015
6:30 p.m.
Mobile
Mobile, Ala.
11/24/2015
7:00 p.m.
Jacksonville!
Jacksonville, Fla.
11/28/2015
2:00 p.m.
Trinity Baptist
Thomasville, Ga.
11/30/2015
5:30 p.m.
Brewton-Parker
Mount Vernon, Ga.
12/02/2015
5:30 p.m.
Middle Georgia State
Thomasville, Ga.
12/05/2015
1:00 p.m.
Ave Maria*
Thomasville, Ga.
12/14/2015
5:00 p.m.
Coastal Georgia
Thomasville, Ga.
12/29/2015
2:00 p.m.
Kennesaw State!
Kennesaw, Ga.
01/02/2016
2:00 p.m.
Allen
Thomasville, Ga.
01/07/2016
5:30 p.m.
Florida Memorial*
Thomasville, Ga.
01/09/2016
1:00 p.m.
Keiser*
Thomasville, Ga.
01/14/2016
5:30 p.m.
Southeastern*
Lakeland, Fla.
01/16/2016
1:00 p.m.
Webber International*
Babson Park, Fla.
01/21/2016
TBA
Johnson & Wales*
North Miami, Fla.
01/23/2016
1:00 p.m.
Ave Maria*
01/25/2016
5:30 p.m.
Warner*
Thomasville, Ga.
01/28/2016
TBA
Florida Memorial*
Miami Gardens, Fla.
01/30/2016
2:00 p.m.
Keiser*
West Palm Beach, Fla.
02/06/2016
2:00 p.m.
Johnson & Wales*
Thomasville, Ga.
02/08/2016
6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas*
Miami Gardens, Fla.
02/10/2016
7:00 p.m.
Southeastern*
Thomasville, Ga.
02/13/2016
2:00 p.m.
St. Thomas*#
Thomasville, Ga.
02/17/2016
7:30 p.m.
Webber International*
Thomasville, Ga.
02/20/2016
2:00 p.m.
Warner*
Lake Wales, Fla.
Ave Maria, Fla.
All game times are in eastern time standard.
Home games in bold ! Exhibition
# Senior Day * Sun Conference Matchup
team roster # Name Pos. Ht. Year
Hometown/Previous School
1
Ashley Lewis
F
5-10 So.
New Port Richey, Fla./JW Mitchell HS
3
Traneesheia Brown
PG
5-6
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla.
4
Ze’Nya Butler
G
5-7
Fr.
Bridgetown, N.J.
5
Shaunice Bennett
PG
5-5
Jr.
Columbus, Ga./Hardaway HS
12
De’Audra Copeland
F
5-10 Fr.
Manchester, Ga./Manchester HS
13
Tess Wright
PG
5-6
So.
Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun HS
14
Shamari Josey
G
5-9
Jr.
Ft.Lauderdale, Fla./Coconut Creek HS
15
Laura Cherranfant
C
6-2
Sr.
Lauderhill, Fla./Central Ga. Tech
21
Dymon Brown
G
5-7
Fr.
Columbus, Ga./GW. Carver HS
22
Rayven Thomas
F/C 5-10 Jr.
Las Vegas, Nev./Central Ga. Tech
24
Bra’shey Ali
F
6-0
Plainfield, N.J./Seton Hall
25
Bria Joyner-Williams
F
5-11 Sr.
32
Taron Bright
F/C 6-3
Jr.
Pace, Fla./Mobile
44
Ashley Webster
C
So.
Dade City, Fla./Pasco HS
6-2
Sr.
5
Fayetteville, Ga./Indian River State
player profiles
#1 - Ashley Lewis 5’10” - Sophomore - New Port Richey, Fla. Forward - @AshleyAKAGHopz
#3 - Traneesheia Brown 5’6” - Freshman - Jacksonville, Fla. Guard - @HoopzBrown
#4 - Ze’Nya Butler 5’7” - Freshman - Bridgetown, N.J. Guard - @Imwith4
#5 - Shaunice Bennett 5’6” - Junior - Columbus, Ga. Guard - @shavon_hooper5
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player profiles
#12 - De’Audra Copeland 5’10” - Freshman - Manchester, Ga. Forward
#13 - Tess Wright 5’6” - Sophomore - Calhoun, Ga. Point Guard - @Tess13_Wright13
#14 - Shamari Josey 5’9” - Junior - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Guard
#15 - Laura Cherranfant 6’2” - Senior - Lauderhill, Fla. Center
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player profiles
#21 - Dymon Brown 5’7” - Freshman - Columbus, Ga. Guard - @dee_4threes
#22 - Rayven Thomas 6’3” - Junior - Las Vegas, Nev. Forward/Center - @xx_beautifull
#24 - Bra’shey Ali 6’0” - Senior - Plainfield, N.J. Forward
#25 - Bria Joyner-Williams 5’11” - Senior - Fayetteville, Ga. Forward
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player profiles
#44 - Ashley Webster 6’2” - Junior - Dade City, Fla. Center - @_aw44
#32 - Taron Bright 6’3” - Junior- Pace, Fla. Center/Forward
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No Matter Where Life takes You, is there. CNS-INTERNET.COM | 229-227-7001
coaching staff
head coach Coretta Brown Head Coach cbrown@thomasu.edu Coretta Brown enters into her third year as the Thomas University women’s basketball head coach. Prior to TU, Brown served as an assistant coach at Tennessee Tech University (NCAA Division I) in Cookeville, Tenn., for three seasons. While at Tennessee Tech, Brown helped lead the team to an Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2010-2011 and 54 wins over three seasons. Brown also played a major role in the development of two All-Conference guards. During her tenure, Brown helped to implement a strong academic standard within the Golden Eagles program that averaged a 3.0 or higher grade point average during her time in Cookeville. Prior to TTU, Brown served as an Administrative Coordinator at Georgia Tech, all while serving as a community coach with Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta, Ga. During her one season at Mays, the program reached the Georgia High School Athletic Association Sweet Sixteen. A four-year standout at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Brown played four seasons in the WNBA before beginning her coaching career. A three-time All-ACC honoree and the career record holder for three pointers made at UNC, Brown was selected 11th overall in the 2003 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars before being traded to the Indiana Fever. Brown played three seasons with the Fever before wrapping up her professional career in her fourth and final season in WNBA as a member of the Chicago Sky. During her playing career, Brown represented the United States as a member of Team USA at the FIBA World Championships in Russia. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in African American Studies and a minor in English from UNC. Currently, Brown resides in Thomasville, Ga.
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assistant coaches Sarah Taylor Athletic Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Sarah Taylor enters into her first season as Thomas University’s Athletic Assistant Coach for the women’s basketball team. Before coming to Thomas, Taylor was a four year letterman and standout with the Rollins College women’s basketball program (2011-2014). During her collegiate playing career, Taylor scored 1,169 points, grabbed 163 steals, brought down 683 boards, and blocked 61 shots in 126 games of play. Her 126 appearances are a program record at Rollins. Taylor helped lead the Tars to a Final Four appearance in the 2012 NCAA Division II tournament, back-to-back conference tournament championships (2011-2012 and 2012-2013), and four straight Regional Tournament appearances. Throughout her career, Coach Taylor received First and Second Team All-Conference honors from the Sunshine State Conference and was a four time recipient of the Rollins Athletic Director and Sunshine State Conference Honor Rolls. The Longwood, Fla., native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies (2015) and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Thomas. Currently, Taylor resides in Thomasville, Ga.
Jarred Neff Athletic Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Jarred Neff enters into his first season as Thomas University’s Athletic Assistant Coach for the women’s basketball team. Before coming to Thomas, Neff served as first the Assistant and then the Head Coach of the junior varsity men’s basketball team at Trinity Prep High School in Winter Park, Fla., from 20132015. Prior to his service at Trinity Prep, Neff served as a volunteer graduate assistant during the summer offseason for University of Central Florida. Before beginning his coaching career, Neff was a dual-sport student-athlete at the University of New Haven during 2010-2011 season. He played basketball and ran track for the Chargers during this time. Neff also spent a season with the Fairleigh-Dickinson University men’s basketball team in 2007-2008. The Fairfield, Conn., native earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management and a minor in Law from Post University (2012) and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Thomas. Currently, Neff resides in Thomasville, Ga.
Thomas graduated its first class in the program's history. Pictured (L to R) are ivory smith, Brittany Harris, coach coretta brown, courtney saunds, & Jessica Anderson.
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2014-2015 season results Overall Pct. 12-17 .414
Conf. 8-10
Pct. .444
Home 6-7
Away 5-9
Neutral 1-1
Date Opponent 11/01/2014 Point 11/04/2014 Brewton-Parker
Location Thomasville, Ga. Thomasville, Ga.
Result W 67-48 W 75-64
Trinty Baptist Tipoff 11/07/2014 Bob Jones University 11/08/2014 Edward Waters (Fla.)
Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville, Fla.
Lf 82-32 W 60-43
11/11/2014 11/14/2014 11/19/2014 11/24/2014 12/01/2014 12/06/2014 12/13/2014 12/16/2014 01/01/2015 01/07/2015 01/10/2015 01/15/2015 01/17/2015 01/20/2015 01/22/2015 01/24/2015 01/29/2015 01/31/2015 02/05/2015 02/07/2015 02/10/2015 02/12/2015 02/14/2015 02/17/2015 02/19/2015 02/21/2015
Middle Georgia Thomasville, Ga. Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Ga. Middle Georgia Cochran, Ga. Georgia State (Exh.) Atlanta, Ga. Brewton-Parker Mount Vernon, Ga. Florida Memorial* Thomasville, Ga. North Florida (Exh.) Jacksonville, Fla. Coastal Georgia Thomasville, Ga. Jacksonville (Exh.) Jacksonville, Fla. Webber International* Babson Park, Fla. Warner* Thomasville, Ga. Johnson & Wales* North Miami, Fla. Southeastern* Lakeland, Fla. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)* Thomasville, Ga. Northwood (Fla.)* Thomasville, Ga. Ave Maria* Thomasville, Ga. Florida Memorial* Miami Gardens, Fla. St. Thomas* Miami Gardens, Fla. Warner* Lake Wales, Fla. Webber International* Thomasville, Ga. Southeastern* Thomasville, Ga. Ave Maria* Ave Maria, Fla. Johnson & Wales* Thomasville, Ga. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)* Daytona Beach, Fla. St. Thomas* Thomasville, Ga. Northwood (Fla.)* West Palm Beach, Fla.
Sun Conference Tournament 02/24/2015 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 02/27/2015 St. Thomas Home games in bold
Daytona Beach, Fla. Miami Gardens, Fla. * Sun Conference Matchup
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L 61-64 Lf 89-96 Lf 57-81 L 55-101 Lf 64-61 Lf 71-56 L 39-54 Lf 76-73 L 38-65 L 58-75 W 60-45 W 69-68 L 61-70 L 59-66 W 58-42 W 73-57 W 71-66 L 48-80 W 80-67 L 46-50 L 56-68 L 60-79 W 73-64 L 59-78 L 78-80 W 64-60 W 72-61 L 56-66
2014-2015 individual stats
Player Highs
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2014-2015 achievenments All-Tournament Team: Courtney Saunds First Team All-Conference: Courtney Saunds All-Defensive Team: Laura Cherranfant Newcomer of the Year: Courtney Saunds All-Academic Team: Ivory Smith
2014-2015 Naia scholar Team Award: 3.17 GPA
#32 - courtney Saunds NAIA All-American Honorable mention
#21 - Ivory Smith Daktronics naia WBB Scholar athlete
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2015-2016 OPPONENTS
2015-2016 opponents Reinhardt University @RU_Eagles October 31, 2015 | 4:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. Coach: Lindsey Huffman | 2014 Record: 19-11 (15-5 Appalachian Athletic) The Breakdown: The Lady Night Hawks will open the 2015-16 season with Reinhardt. The Lady Eagles finished second in the AAC last season but will have a legitimate chance to win the conference this season thanks to the return of several key contributors from last year’s 19-11 squad. Forward Kateca Favors and guards Erika Woodfin and JessAnn Nix all earned All-Conference honors in 2014 while leading Reinhardt to the school’s second 19-win season since 2012. Favors was named to the AAC All-Defensive Team as she averaged nearly 10 boards per game, including a game during which she grabbed a remarkable 20 rebounds. Woodfin was named Second Team All-Conference, while Nix was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team. Despite returning a key nucleus of players, the Lady Eagles will miss the contributions of Carmen Lockhart, who graduated at the conclusion of last season after leading Reinhardt with nearly 13 points per game. The Lady Eagles’ best stretch of 2014 came from Jan.24-Feb. 18, when the team won seven out of eight games. Thomas University did not face Reinhardt last season.
Middle Georgia State University November 4, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. | Cochran, Ga. December 2, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@MGAKnights
Coach: Anderson Ligon | 2014 Record: 13-14 (6-12 Southern States) The Breakdown: Despite posting a record under .500, Middle Georgia State was one of the most competitive teams in the Southern States Athletic Conference a season ago. The Lady Knights went 0-4 versus Top 25 teams, but the average margin of defeat for MGSU in those games was just 11 points per game. Additionally, the Lady Knights will return one of the most talented duos in the SSAC in Shaquita and Shaketa Hodges. Often the two most talented players on the floor, the Hodges combined for a whopping 42 points in a defeat versus Auburn-Montgomery last season. Shaketa Hodges led Middle Georgia State’s scoring attack, as the rising senior scored 20+ points on 11 separate occasions in 2014. The Lady Knights best stretch of 2014 came from Jan. 12-Feb. 14, when Anderson Ligon’s team won eight of 11 games. The Lady Night Hawks faced Middle Georgia State twice last season, at home on Nov. 11 and in Cochran, Ga., on Nov. 19. The Lady Knights won both contests.
College of Coastal Georgia November 7, 2015 | 5:00 p.m. | Brunswick, Ga. December 14, 2015 | 5:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@CCGAAthletics
Coach: Jonathon Barbaree | 2014 Record: 13-17 (7-11 Southern States) The Breakdown: A young Lady Mariners team posted a respectable 13 wins a season ago, seven in SSAC play, but the graduation of top player Olivia Melvin, who averaged 13.9 points per game and ranked in the top 15 nationally in steals, will have Costal Georgia scrambling to find production when a new season begins. Maria Esbo will be one of the Lady Mariners’ top returning players, as she was named to the2014 SSAC All-Freshman team. Esbo averaged 7.5 points and 5.4 rebounds a season ago. Coastal Georgia will have just two seniors on its roster this season, meaning that Esbo and the four incoming freshmen will be heavily relied upon. The Lady Mariners’ best stretch of 2014 came from Oct. 31-Nov. 14, when the team won four consecutive games. Thomas University faced Coastal Georgia twice last season, once on Nov. 14 and again on Dec. 16. The Lady Mariners won both closely-contested games by an average of five points.
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2015-2016 opponents Brewton-Parker College November 11, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. November 30, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. | Mount Vernon, Ga.
@GoBaronsGo
Coach: Daniel Prevett | 2014 Record: 2-23 (0-14 Southern States) The Breakdown: Brewton-Parker struggled to just two wins a season ago, but the Lady Barons have a solid blend of veteran experience and youthful talent that could raise the team’s competitiveness exponentially in the Southern States Athletic Conference this season. Brewton-Parker does have 14 freshmen on the roster this season, but the team also has significant scoring threats like Kenya Durden, who was frequently the second- or third-highest scorer in games last season. The Lady Barons’ best stretch of 2014 came from Nov. 1-Nov.6, when the team won two out of three games, including a 60-43 win over Voorhees. The team was also competitive in defeat in 2014, as 12 of the team’s losses came by 15 points or less. The Lady Night Hawks defeated Brewton-Parker 75-64 on Nov. 4 last season in Thomasville.
University of Mobile November 17, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. EST|5:30 p.m. CST | Mobile, Ala.
@MobileRams
Coach: Billy Evans | 2014 Record: 15-13 (10-8 Southern States) The Breakdown: Mobile posted 15 wins in the 2014-15 season, including 10 in SSAC that earned the team a fifth place finish, but the return of top scorer Kali Koenig and several other veterans bodes well for the Lady Rams’ chances of reaching the 20-win plateau for the first time since going 23-9 in 2013. Koenig undoubtedly headlines the returning players for Mobile, as the rising junior guard was named Second Team All-Conference in 2014. She averaged 11.8 points per game and was second on the team in assists a season ago. Koenig was also named to the SSAC All-Freshman team after her rookie campaign in 2013. The Lady Rams played one of the more difficult schedules in the SSAC a season ago, as the team faced six ranked opponents and two others receiving votes. The team’s best stretch came from Dec. 30-Jan. 9, when Billy Evans’ team won five consecutive games. The Lady Night Hawks did not face Mobile last season.
Jacksonville University (Exhibition) November 24, 2015 | 7:00 p.m. | Jacksonville, Fla.
@JUDolphins
Coach: Yolett McPhee-McCuin | 2014 Record: 12-17 (6-8 Atlantic Sun) The Breakdown: The Lady Night Hawks will conclude a difficult stretch of road games with a Nov. 24 exhibition against NCAA Division I opponent Jacksonville. The team will return its three leading scorers from a season ago in Sherranda Reddick (14.0 ppg), Briona Brown (12.3 ppg) and Kayla Gordon (8.7 ppg). The Lady Dolphins’ roster will boast just two seniors in 2015, but the team has a legitimate chance to post a record over .500 in Atlantic Sun play. Jacksonville will also play against South Florida this season, a team that made it to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament last season as a six seed, in the preseason NIT on Nov. 14. Thomas University faced Jacksonville once last season, when the Lady Night Hawks held the top-level opponent to under 70 points in a 65-38 defeat on Jan. 1. Coretta Brown’s team played three exhibition games last season but will play just two in 2015 (Kennesaw State).
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2015-2016 opponents Trinity Baptist College November 28, 2015 | 2:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@TBCEagles
Coach: Judy Allen | 2014 Record: 6-16 The Breakdown: Trinity Baptist played a difficult schedule a season ago, but the team still managed to win six games. The good news for the Lady Eagles is that the team graduated just one senior at the conclusion of last season while four freshman now have a year of experience under their belts. That sort of retention bodes well for such a young team, and Trinity Baptist should have a reasonable chance of reaching the 10-win mark this year. The Lady Eagles season-long winning streak last season was two games, a feat that Judy Allen’s team accomplished on two separate occasions, once from Nov. 21-22 and again from Jan. 10-12. The Lady Night Hawks did not face Trinity Baptist in 2014.
Ave Maria University December 5, 2015 | 1:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. January 23, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Ave Maria, Fla.
@Gyrenes
Coach: Bob Batson | 2014 Record: 16-16 (6-12 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Coretta Brown and company will get an early feel for conference play on Dec. 5, when the Lady Night Hawks will face TSC foe Ave Maria nearly a month before conference play officially begins. The Lady Gyrenes will return top scorer Annie Artise this season. Artise was named Second Team All-TSC last season when she averaged over 14 points and 7 rebounds per game. She eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in her career on Jan. 15 against Southeastern. The postseason award marked the third time Artise received an All-Conference Honor in her career. Artise will be joined by fellow seniors Amber Frounfelter and Yvanessa Vincent as players most likely to make an impact in the upcoming season. Ave Maria’s best stretch of 2014 came from Dec. 5-Dec. 30, when the team won five consecutive games, including a 75-58 defeat of TSC opponent Johnson & Wales. Thomas University faced Ave Maria twice during the 2014-15 season. The Lady Night Hawks defeated the Lady Gyrenes 73-57 on Jan. 24 in Thomasville, but Bob Batson’s team exacted revenge by knocking off TU 79-60 on Feb. 12.
Kennesaw State University (Exhibition) December 29, 2015 | 2:00 p.m. | Kennesaw, Ga.
@KSUOwlNation
Coach: Nitra Perry | 2014 Record: 17-13 (6-8 Atlantic Sun) The Breakdown: Kennesaw State posted an impressive 17 wins in 2014 in the team’s first season over the .500 mark since 2008. The 17 wins were more than the Lady Owls earned in the previous two seasons combined. Nitra Perry’s team will return its two leading scorers in Jasmine McAllister and Deandrea Sawyers, a talented duo that combined for nearly 30 points per game last year. McAllister, a senior forward, will be key to the Lady Owls’ chances of reaching 20 wins. She averaged 13.8 points per game in 2014 and was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Newcomer of the Year in addition to being named Second Team All-Conference. Kennesaw State’s best stretch of last season came from Nov. 29-Dec. 22, when the Lady Owls won seven games in a row, which included wins over Mercer, Georgia State and Xavier. The Lady Night Hawks did not face Kennesaw State last season.
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2015-2016 opponents Allen Universirty January 2, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@AllenU_1870
Coach: Jason James | 2014 Record: 7-24 (2-2 Association of Independent Institutions) The Breakdown: Despite winning just six games during the 2014-15 season, Allen will have a chance to reach 10 wins this year thanks to the return of leading scorer Kamya Thomas. Thomas was named A.I.I. Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Conference at the conclusion of the season, capping off what was an incredible year for the rookie. She was named Conference Player of the Week for Feb. 16-22, a span during which the guard averaged a whopping 23 points and eight rebounds per game over a three-game stretch. She scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Allen’s 69-39 win over Wesleyan. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ best stretch of 2014-5 came from Feb. 12-Feb. 19, when the team won three out of four games, including a 64-62 victory against TSC member Johnson & Wales. Thomas University did not play Allen last season.
Florida Memorial University January 7, 2016 | 5:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. January 28, 2016 | TBA | Miami Gardens, Fla.
@GoFMULions
Coach: Gregory Stanback | 2014 Record: 10-20 (7-11 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Florida Memorial struggled to a 10-20 record a season ago, but the Lady Lions’ seven conference wins were good enough to earn the team the six seed entering conference play. Florida Memorial’s defensive future looks bright, however, as rising sophomore Abreona Cabell was named to the Sun Conference All-Defensive team at the conclusion of her freshman year. During her rookie campaign, Cabell averaged 10.6 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 2.0 steals per game and 0.8 blocks per game. She looks to be an integral part of FMU’s success for the next three seasons. Florida Memorial has just one senior on its 2015-16 roster, so Cabell will need to increase her offensive productivity while continuing her stellar defensive efforts. The Lady Lions’ best stretch of 2014 came on two separate occasions, from Jan. 14-Jan. 17 and from Feb. 12-Feb. 14, when the team compiled four of its seven conference victories. The Lady Night Hawks defeated Florida Memorial 71-66 at home on Jan. 29.
Keiser University January 9, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. January 30, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. | West Palm Beach, Fla.
@KUSeahawks
Coach: Pam Oswald | 2014 Record: 5-22 (4-14 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Keiser managed just five wins last season, four of which came during conference play, but the hiring of new head coach Pam Oswald could revitalize the Lady Seahawks’ program. Oswald will inherit an experience team of players: out of the nine players on Keiser’s roster, one is a senior, seven are juniors, and one is a freshman. The team was reasonably competitive despite the 5-22 mark, as nine of Keiser’s 22 losses were by 10 points or less. The Lady Seahawks’ best stretch of the 2014-15 season came from Jan. 17-Jan. 20, when the team won two consecutive TSC matches over Warner and Ave Maria. Thomas University swept Keiser, formerly known as Northwood, in two games last season. The Lady Night Hawks won 58-42 at home on Jan. 22 before a 64-60 road win on Feb. 21 in the final game of the 2014-15 regular season.
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2015-2016 opponents Keiser University January 14, 2016 | 5:30 p.m. | Lakeland, Fla. February 10, 2016 | 7:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@FireAthletics
Coach: Leann Dahlstein | 2014 Record: 25-7 (16-2 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Southeastern completed the 2014-15 season with an impressive 25-7 record. The Fire were receiving Top 25 votes at season’s end thanks to a 16-2 Sun Conference record that earned the team the two seed in the conference tournament. Despite the resignation of coach Jody Martinez, who resigned to accept an assistant coaching position at the University of Illinois, returning players Alyssa Ramos and Carlie Newman will have the Fire competing for the TSC crown again this season. Ramos, an Honorable Mention All-American and First Team All-TSC member a season ago, averaged 15.4 points per game. Her teammate Carlie Newman, who was also named First Team All-Conference, averaged 12.1. Southeastern’s best stretch of 2014-15 came from Jan. 22-Feb. 21, when the team won a season-high 12 games in a row. The Lady Night Hawks lost two closely-contested games to Southeastern last year by an average of 10.5 points per game. The Fire won 70-61 on Jan. 17 and 68-56 Feb. 10.
Webber International University January 16, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Babson Park, Fla. February 17, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@WebberAthletics
Coach: Grady Morrell | 2014 Record: 22-17(13-5 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Webber’s impressive 13-5 record earned a third place regular season finish in Sun Conference play. The Lady Warriors were receiving Top 25 votes at season’s end, and the team has a legitimate chance to crack the Top 25 this season. Webber graduated just two seniors at the conclusion of last season and will boast six seniors in 2015-16, making the team one of the leading candidates to win the Sun Conference. Last season, Grady Morrell’s team lost to St. Thomas 65-56 in the TSC Tournament final. Rising senior Deslyn Applewhaite is the team’s leading returning scorer (12.8 ppg in 2014). The Lady Warriors best stretch of the 2014-15 season came from Nov. 25-Jan. 14, when the team won 11 games in a row, including two overtime victories. Webber defeated Thomas University twice last season, including a 50-46 game in Thomasville on Feb. 7 during which the Lady Night Hawks nearly pulled off an upset.
Johnson & Wales University January 21, 2016 | TBA | North Miami, Fla. February 6, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@JWUNorthMiami
Coach: Kymberly Hope | 2014 Record: 10-19 (5-13 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Johnson & Wales struggled to a 10-19 record, but the loss of two top players means that 2015-16 might not be a great season for the Lady Wildcats. Second Team All-Conference players Kristina Bridges and Joanne Tran both graduated at the conclusion of last season, leaving a hole in production that will need to be filled quickly by younger players if the team is to succeed this season. Additionally, Johnson & Wales will have no seniors and just three juniors on its 2015-16 roster. The Lady Wildcats’ best stretch of 2014-15 came from Jan. 29-Feb. 7, when the team won three out of four conference games, including a 105-77 victory over Florida Memorial. The Lady Night Hawks had Johnson & Wales’ number a season ago, as Coretta Brown’s team defeated the Lady Wildcats twice. Thomas University won 69-68 in North Miami, Fla., on Jan. 15 before a 73-64 home win on Feb. 14.
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2015-2016 opponents Warner University January 25, 2016 | 5:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. February 20, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. | Lake Wales, Fla.
@WarnerRoyal
Coach: John Dunlap | 2014 Record: 9-19 (5-13 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Warner won just nine games last season and graduated leading scorer Marie Fleurival, but there is reason for optimism in the Lady Royals’ camp. The team returns rising sophomore Montana Bass, who averaged 9.0 points per game last season, Baylie Bridges, a rising junior who averaged 8.2 points per game, and Leilani Tuani-Fifita, a rising sophomore who averaged just 6.2 points per game. With a key nucleus of returning scorers, Warner has a real chance to eclipse the 10-win plateau this season while also playing competitively within the conference. The Lady Royals’ best stretch of 2014-15 came from Feb. 17-Feb. 21, when the team defeated Northwood (Keiser), Johnson & Wales and Ave Maria consecutively to close to regular season in style. Thomas University defeated Warner 60-45 at home on Jan. 20 before a season-sweeping 80-67 win in Lake Wales, Fla., on Feb. 5.
St. Thomas University February 8, 2016 | 6:00 p.m. | Miami Gardens, Fla. February 13, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@STU_Athletics
Coach: Albrey Grimsley | 2014 Record: 27-5 (17-1 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Lady Night Hawks will face St. Thomas twice in a six-day span, including on Senior Day on Feb. 13. St. Thomas was the class of the Sun Conference a season ago, as the team blew through its schedule en route to a whopping 27-win season. Duplicating such a tremendous season won’t be easy, however, as All-American forward Dannisha Pierce graduated at the conclusion of the year. Pierce, who is St. Thomas’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder, led the nation in steals per game in 2014-15. She was also named Sun Conference Player of the Year. The team also graduated First Team All-Conference player Claudia Martin and Second Team All-Conference member Antishia Wright. St. Thomas has just one senior on its 2015-16 roster, so production from the team’s six freshmen will be necessary for success. The Lady Bobcats defeated TU 80-48 on Jan. 31, but the Lady Night Hawks showed significant improvement in the second game, falling just 80-78 in what was nearly St. Thomas’ second conference loss.
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athletic facilities In the fall of 2012, Thomas University opened its West Campus, which is located at the corner of Pinetree Boulevard and Magnolia Street in Thomasville, Ga., about one mile from the Main Campus. West Campus contains the athletic department’s offices, new Student Life Center, which is home to TU’s athletic training room and state-of-the-art fitness center and weight room, and newly renovated gymnasium. Welcome Lobby in the Student Life Center When you arrive at the Thomas University Athletic Department, you will be greeted by our staff with open arms. Once inside the building, visitors will see our Champions Wall that features past conference championships, national tournament qualifiers, individual recognitions, coach of the year plaques, retired jerseys, national championship trophies, and an assortment of other awards. Guests to the athletic department can relax in our comfy seating area and read a magazine or watch programming on our big screen television. Staff Offices & Magnolia Conference Room The athletic department offices are housed within the Magnolia Street complex. This area of the building features ample space for each coaching staff, administrator, and our sports information department. The office entrance area houses a conference wall that features placards of all Sun Conference members and a sitting area highlighted by the 2004 NAIA Softball National Championship trophy and rings. Just a few steps past the entrance lobby sits the Magnolia Conference Room. There, the TU Athletic Department holds staff meetings, team meetings, pre-game meals, hosts recruits, watches training videos, and uses as a common work place for staff. Teams hold their film sessions, media day meetings, post-game interviews, and other activities in this room on a daily basis. The Magnolia Conference Room features a large table top surface with seating room for groups ranging from two to 25 plus. The room also features a big screen television for film sessions, news, and training videos.
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athletic facilities Fitness Center/Weight Room
Whether you are looking to add inches to your biceps, drop inches from your weight line, or get in a daily healthy fitness routine, the Thomas University Fitness Center and Weight Room are open to all TU students, staff, and faculty during set hours. The fitness center and weight room equipment includes a full range of free weights, supported weights, lifting stations, strength machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills, and bicycles both recumbent and up right. All visitors must present their Thomas University ID upon entry and use a green towel to clean and wipe down the equipment when use is completed.
TU Gymnasium The Thomas University Gymnasium is the home court for our men’s and women’s basketball programs. In the Fall 2012, Thomas University opened its West Campus, which is located at the corner of Pinetree Boulevard and Magnolia Street in Thomasville about one mile from the Main Campus. The West Campus houses the gymnasium and new Student Life Center, which is home to the fitness center and athletic training room. While a patron at TU athletic events, fans have a close-to-thecourt presence that makes them feel apart of the game. Spectators can enjoy refreshments from the concession stands, pick up Thomas University athletics merchandise, or interact with halftime contests. The newly renovated gymnasium features a classic wooden finish and ample seating for home competitions. Our facility includes five locker rooms, two for our Night Hawks and Lady Night Hawks, two for visiting opponents, and one for referees and game officials. Our men’s and women’s basketball games are broadcasted live via Stretch Internet and feature live statistics for every competition via DakStats. Just a short drive from main campus and the dorms, students have an electric atmosphere to show up and cheer on their classmates.
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athletic facilities Athletic Training Room The athletic training room (ATR) is designed to allow TU’s athletic training staff to prevent injuries, evaluate student-athletes who may have suffered an injury, and offer aid with general questions about sports medicine, injury prevention, health, and fitness. The over 1,600 square foot facility is equipped with observation tables, first aid supplies, rehabilitation equipment, and a 800 square foot cold whirlpool room. The training room serves as a center for student-athletes who have suffered an injury that may require rehabilitation to a muscle group. The ATR enables athletic trainers to process information to follow-up with student-athletes who suffer an injury to ensure they have recovered completely in the future. Athletic Training Room Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Visiting Team Information •The Athletic Training Room (ATR) is located at 1550A Magnolia Street on Thomas University’s West Campus inside the Student Life Building. •The ATR is open at least one hour prior to game time and 30 minutes after the game’s completion. •A Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) will be present at all home events and competitions. •The ATR has an ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrocollator packs, and an ice machine available. •Emergency equipment available includes: AED, splint kit, spine board, and crutches. •Each team will be provided with water and cups or water bottles. •The TU athletic training staff will assist teams traveling without an ATC, but please contact the TU’s athletic training office ahead of time to make arrangements. •Teams traveling without an ATC must bring their own medical kit. •If your team is traveling with an ATC and needs to use the ATR, please contact the TU ATR to set up a treatment time.
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university profile
Thomas University is an independent, not-for-profit, regionally-accredited institution whose mission is to provide an educational experience that explores and develops each student’s full potential. Quality education is offered through a highly interactive dynamic learning environment. Students are challenged through rigorous intellectual studies by faculty members who are valued for their professional excellence and expertise both in teaching and in their disciplines. TU faculty choose to teach at Thomas University because of their commitment to teaching and scholarship in the student-centered environment of a small private university. They strive for scholarly and professional achievement as well as service to the student body, university and wider community. TU offers students the opportunity to connect with campus life and with the community at large. Campus activities embrace the city of Thomasville and Thomas County. TU’s campus extends to satellite programs in Tallahassee, Fla.; Moultrie, Ga.; Bainbridge, Ga.; and six other MEd satellite campuses throughout the state of Georgia. In addition, many students complete degrees through TU’s online programs. Many of our students bring the community to us. Our student body includes local professionals returning to college to further their careers. They often bring real world applications to the academic exchange. Our students are ethnically diverse members of our community’s workforce at all levels who choose to pursue educational goals. Thomas University consists of 74 acres on two campuses in Thomasville, Georgia, which is about 34 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, via U.S. Hwy. 319 and 46 miles from Valdosta, Georgia, via Hwy. 84, which places the city conveniently near Interstates 10 and 75.
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Degree Programs • • • • •
2 Associate Degree Programs 16 Bachelor’s Degree Programs 4 Master’s Degree Programs 1 Dual Master’s Degree Program 2 Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Education Programs • 2 Graduate Certificate Programs • 2 Undergraduate Certificate Programs Class types include traditional face-toface, hybrid and completely online.
administrative staff
Dr. Gary Bonvillian President
Mike Lee Athletic Director
Ricky Zambrano Associate Athletic Director
Jason Hendrix Sports Information Director
Jodi Yambor Sports Psychologist
Terry Maul Faculty Athletic Representative
Brandee Zambrano Head Athletic Trainer
Daniel Parker Assistant Athletic Trainer
Corey Potter Strength & Conditioning Coach
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Green and White
One Team.
One Mission.
One Focus.
FINISH THE TASK!