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LOUISVILLE 2009-2010 This is Louisville

Louisville Basketball 2009-2010 Team Guide Contents This is Louisville Meet the Cardinals

National Runner Up 4-5 Chauntise Wright 42-43

Raleigh Regional Champion 6-7 Deseree’ Byrd 44-45

In the Spotlight 8-9 Keshia Hines 46-47

New Arena 10-11 LaToya Johnson 48-49

Practice Facility 12-13 Laura Terry 50-51

Student Activities Center 14-15 Becky Burke 52-53

Home of the Cardinals 16-17 Monique Reid 54-55

Freedom Hall 18-19 Gwen Rucker 56-57

Why I Chose Louisville 20-21 Nikki Burton 58-59

Facilities 22-23 Tia Gibbs 60-61

University 24-25 Ashley Rainey 62-63

Louisville 26-27 Rachel Story 64-65

President 28 Asia Taylor 66-67

Athletic Director 29 Player Career Stats 68-73

L-CARE 30-31

Academics 32 Coaches & Staff

Student Life 33 76-79

The 34 Michelle Clark-Heard 80

Roster 35 Stephanie Norman 81

TV/Radio Roster 36 Bethann Ord 82

Schedule 37 Becky Bonner 83

Season Preview 38-39 Support Staff 84-86

2 2009-10 This is Louisville

Quick Facts

General 2008-09 Review Louisville Records Founded: 1798 Enrollment: 22,000 Season Review 88-90 General 142-143 Nickname: Cardinals School Colors: Red and Black Season Results 91 Scoring 144 Arena Name: Capacity: 18,865 Season Statistics 92-94 Field Goals 145 Conference: BIG EAST President: Dr. James Ramsey Boxscores 95-106 Free Throws 146 Athletics Director: Athletic Department Phone: Final BIG EAST Standings 107 3-Point 147 (502) 852-5732 Ticket Office Phone: (502) 852-5151 Final BIG EAST Statistics 108-109 Rebounds 148 Sports Information Assists 149 Sports Information Director: Kenny Klein 2009-10 Opponents Steals 150 SID Office Phone: (502) 852-6581 Basketball SID: Kim Pemberton Nonconference 110-116 Blocks 151 Email address: kapemb01@.edu SID Fax: (502) 852-7401 BIG EAST 116-121 Year-by -Year 152 Press Row Phone: (502) 852-5567 SID Mailing Address: Record against Opponents 122-124 Attendance 153 2100 South Floyd St., SAC Rm. 203 Louisville, KY 40292 All-Time Results 154-160 Overnight Address: Same as above Louisville Tradition Coaching 158 Website address: www.uoflsports.com

1,000 Point Scorers 126-128 Coaching Staff Head Coach: Jeff Walz Team Champs 129-131 Media Services (Northern ‘95) Record At School (yrs.): 60-15 (2) Tournaments 132-133 Louisville Quick Facts 3 Career Record (yrs.): Same Basketball Office Phone: NCAA Results 134-135 Athletic Directory 164 (502) 852-7801 Assistant Coaches: Letterwinners 136 Media Policies 165 Michelle Clark-Heard, Stephanie Norman, Bethann Ord By the Numbers 137 Freedom Hall Info 165-166 Director of Basketball Operations: Becky Bonner Conference Honors 138 Media Outlets 167 Credits The 2009-10 Wom- National Honors 139 Opposing SID Information 168 en’s Basketball Media Guide was published by the University of Louisville Athletic Depart- WNBA Draft Picks 140 Radio/TV Chart 27 ment, Tom Jurich, Director. Written and Edited by Kimberli A. Pemberton and Cover/Media Guide Designed by Jamie Barker, Provations Group. Editorial assistance provided by Jeremy Toles and Kathy Tronzo. Photography by Dave Klotz, Shelley Feller, Michelle Haas and Jeff Reinking, University of Louisville photography. Additional photography by NBAE Getty Images.

3 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals The Cardinals Advance to Their First National Champioship Game in School History NCAA Runner-Up

4 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals 5 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Raleigh Regional Champions

6 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Louisville Takes Raleigh Regional by Storm Defeating Second-seeded Baylor and Top-seeded Maryland

7 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals In the Spotlight Louisville Women’s Basketball is Featured in Numerous Publications and also Appears on Local and National Radio/Television Networks

8 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals 9 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Downtown Arena Louisville’s New Home Arena is Set to Open in 2010

10 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Downtown Arena

Ground Broken on New Arena — Ground was broken on Nov. 28, 2007 on a new riverfront arena in in which the U of L men’s and women’s basketball teams will serve as the primary tenants. The $450 million arena will seat 22,000 and include 72 private suites, 60 loge boxes and a host of amenities for fans. The arena is scheduled for completion on Oct. 1, 2010. Texas based PC Sports will oversee the design and construction of the project and HOK will serve as the architect.

11 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals State-of-the Art Practice Facility

12 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Practice Facility

The Cardinals have a one of a kind players lounge in their practice facility. The lounge has a game area along with flat screen televisions and couches for socializing. The kitchenette area includes tables for team gatherings. The lounge also has a movie theater complete with reclining seats. When studying, the players can take advantage of computer lab and tutor room.

13 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Student Activities Center

any of the University of Louisville The facility is comprised of two sections, floor are on the basement level. MAthletics offices operate out of the Stu- one on either side of the railroad tracks. The All areas of the facility include ample space dent Activities Center, an impressive facility west side (closest to the Red Barn) is oriented for lounging, social activities and reading. which opened in August of 1990. to student and faculty services. It includes The building provides the most advan- At a cost of $23 million, the center is food services, a bookstore, meeting rooms tageous way to cross the railroad tracks. the hub of campus as it provides facilities and offices. A glass-lined corridor on the upper level for Student Activities, Student Government, The section east of the railroad is oriented affords an excellent view of the campus and Intramurals and Recreation, the Bookstore, to athletics, recreation and academics. It the ramped entrance bridge on the west side Food Services, a motion picture theatre and includes six basketball courts, locker rooms, of the facility connects it to the heart of the game room, Placement and Career Planning, offices, weight rooms, racquetball courts, campus. Special Student Services and Athletic Aca- classrooms and observation spaces. A clock tower, approximately 160 ft. demic Services, ballroom and other meeting The east section houses many athletic high, identifies the west entrance to the spaces as well as Intercollegiate Athletics. department offices. Coaches’ offices, sports center. A visitor’s parking area is located in The center is a structure of 232,000 gross information and compliance are located the neighboring parking garage. A bronze square feet located in the northeast zone of on the second floor of the east side while statue of the welcomes fans at the campus. The facility spans the railroad other administrative offices and the ticket the entrance of Cardinal Arena, home court track which had effectively served as the office are on the third floor. Locker rooms, for U of L and sole practice site for eastern boundary of the Belknap campus. a weight room, training room and the arena the women’s basketball team.

14 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Top (l-r): Women’s basketball lockerroom; New women’s basketball offices; Newly renovated floor of Cardinal Arena. Bottom (l-r): The weight room in Cardinal Arena; Student work area in Athletic Academic Counseling office; The women’s basketball team room

Statue at Cardinal Arena Entrance

15 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Freedom HALL Home of the Louisville Cardinals

An All-time Record of 216-58 at Freedom Hall

16 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Freedom HALL

An All-time Record of at Freedom Hall

17 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Cardinal Locker Room

U of L Training Room

VIP Room

of L is in its 54th and final season in dirt to lower the arena floor about 10 feet. setup were also installed. Utradition-rich Freedom Hall, one of the The resulting renovation project has pro- Other features included in the renovation nation’s finest arenas. vided the Cardinals with a showcase for col- that accompany the arena are a press room, Situated on the massive Kentucky Fair and lege basketball at its best. In addition to added locker rooms and coaches’ offices for the Exposition Center in Louisville, Freedom Hall seating, among the structural improvements Cardinals and visiting teams, a president’s was refurbished and refined in 1984 to increase were a $750,000 lighting system that is day- reception room and two plush VIP lounges. its seating capacity from 16,613 to 18,865. light balanced, a $225,000 sound system, a The multi-purpose facility has been the site The approximate $13.3 million renova- new ceiling, a reinforced roof and a new heat- of eight Men’s Basketball tion of the 45-year-old, state-owned facility ing, ventilation and air conditioning system. Tournaments, including three consecutive years began April 2, 1984. Lower arena seating Also included are 24 private boxes locat- from 1985-87. Freedom Hall also housed the and the ceiling were torn out and renovation ed between the lower arena and loge seats. league tournament in 1976, 1980, 1981, 1992, crews removed some 10,000 square feet of A new scoreboard system and video wall 1993 and 1995. Freedom Hall has also served

18 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Hickman-Camp Hall of Honor

Exterior front of Freedom Hall

Basketball Museum

as the sight for both the men’s and women’s the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA fifth nationally in home attendance with a Conference USA Tournament. Freedom Hall Southeast Regional in 1991. 19,481 home average, the 23rd consecutive housed the women’s tournament in 2000 and Freedom Hall’s facelift provided new year U of L has ranked among the nation’s the men’s tournament in 2001 and 2003. record crowds for the Cards. The largest top ten, including 19 straight in the top five. Six Men’s NCAA Finals have been staged crowd in the facility was the 20,076 group U of L averaged a record 19,590 in 1996-97. in Freedom Hall, home of the University that witnessed U of L face second-ranked In addition to college basketball, Freedom of Louisville basketball team since 1956. on March 2, 1996. The big- Hall has served as a site of the state high school The 1976 NCAA Midwest Regional was gest crowd prior to the renovation was basketball tournament, all-star contests and held there in addition to the first and sec- 17,661 against Cincinnati on Feb. 22, 1969. various concerts and conventions. The facility ond rounds of the 1983 NCAA Midwest Freedom Hall surpassed the eight million was originally designed for just one event — Regional. The NCAA Southeast Regional mark in attendance for U of L basketball the Kentucky State Fair Horse Show, consid- was played there in 1987. U of L also hosted games in 1997. Last year the Cards ranked ered the world championship for show horses.

19 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Why I Chose

I knew that I would be taken care of as if I were back home in Detroit. The atmo- sphere is great because I feel apart of a family. The coaches have my best inter- Louisville est at heart and want me to develop into not only a good basketball player but a young lady as well. Once I was contacted by Louisville I started to watch their games and loved the style of play Keshia Hines and believed that I could excel not only in the basketball system but in the classroom as well

Nikki Burton

When I came on my visit with my father, none of the players were on campus at the time. That didn’t bother me because I felt very comfort- Louisville is a great college town; the able with the coaches. I fell in love with the people here are very warm and accept- facilities especially the locker room and team ing. I had a wonderful experience on room. Before I left I asked if I could see it again. I knew that coming to Louisville would my visit and the coaches made it even I realized that with the great facilities I was going put me in a position to get my degree more enjoyable. They just have a way of to be put in good position to not only excel in in four years and also excel on the making you feel very comfortable and athletics but in academics as well. basketball court. It isn’t far from home if you didn’t chose Louisville then you (Cincinnati). It’s a college town so I would miss out on a great opportunity. Becky Burke knew that there would be a lot of sup- port and encouragement. LaToya Johnson

Des Byrd

20 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals I’m from Louisville. I’ve always been a fan of UofL athletics, especially women’s basketball. I Why I Chose remember coming to the games with my granny and being a ball girl. Women’s basketball has come a long way since then and I am happy to I felt like it was the right place for me because be a part of the program. I’ve always known that it’s close to home and I knew the coaches would I was going to become a Cardinal. put me in the best position to be successful. While they recruited me, Coach Walz put on the Monique Reid Cardinal Bird suit and waved to me from Cardi- Louisville nal Park as I passed through Louisville. I wasn’t for sure if he was going to do it, but he did and that left a big impression on me.

Asia Taylor

I’m from Bowling Green and Louisville isn’t very far away. I knew that the coaches would have my best interest. They all have families and I knew that coming here I would be apart of a family atmosphere. Not only is the women’s basketball team a family but the entire school feels like family especially the athletic teams. It’s hard to Louisville is my home away from home. Even just give one reason as to why I chose Louisville though I’m not from here it will always be my because I really love everything about it. second home. There is a family atmosphere in the city of Louisville. Also playing in the BIG Ashley Rainey EAST gave me an opportunity to travel and play in my home town and my family would be able to come see me play.

Chauntise Wright

21 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Cardinal Athletic Facilities First Class and Next to None

22 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Cardinal Athletic Facilities

23 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals “One of the Nation’s Top Metropolitan Universities”

The University of Louisville offers a real-world education for its students and much needed services for the community

University Of Louisville he University of Louisville attracts many opportunities to apply the critical thinking at least once dur- Tof the nation’s the best and brightest skills they hone in the classroom to relevant, ing his or her undergraduate career. young minds to its friendly, park-like cam- hands-on experiences in the community. The university is also one of the fastest- pus in the heart of Kentucky’s largest city. UofL students benefit from superb facili- growing research institutions in the nation, Since 2003, 34 UofL students have won ties, including a library system ranked yielding many milestone discoveries. UofL Fulbright awards, more than any other Ken- among the top 100 research libraries in faculty conducted the world’s first successful tucky university. This success is based in part North America and one of the nation’s top implantation of a fully implantable artifi- on the fact that UofL faculty not only are clean rooms, where work in bioengineer- cial heart, developed the world’s first 100 some of the best in their fields, but that they ing, nanotechnology and other high-demand percent effective cervical cancer vaccine, take a personal interest in students and push fields occurs. conducted the world’s first FDA-approved them to do their best too. UofL is committed to building a nurtur- clinical trial using adult cardiac stem cells Students at UofL are presented a wide ing and challenging intellectual climate, a to treat heart disease and completed the range of study options more than 170 fields in respect for diversity and a genuine under- nation’s first successful hand transplant. In 11 schools and colleges — with many nation- standing of how diversity enriches a vibrant 2009, UofL and the Commonwealth of Ken- ally ranked programs among them. UofL’s metropolitan research university. One of the tucky announced the establishment of the location in an area of more than a million university’s goals is to give every arts and Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research people is also an asset, giving students many sciences student the chance to study abroad and Environmental Stewardship. And UofL’s

24 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals University Of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sci- nesses to improve the social, cultural, edu- It features a glass hot shop, coldworking, ences received $2.3 million to lead research cational, health care and economic develop- metal and woodworking studios and three in preparation for, prevention of and com- ment services in a historically underserved galleries open daily to the public. munication during pandemics. area of Louisville. But the greatest way in which UofL is UofL also stands out in community ser- UofL was environmentally minded making its mark is through the contributions vice. The university’s curricular engage- long before “green” became a buzzword, its students make to society. They graduate ment, outreach and partnerships recently cofounding the Partnership for a Green to become valuable citizens such as cur- earned it a Carnegie Community Engage- City several years ago with the city of Lou- rent Republican Leader and U.S. Sen. Mitch ment ranking, a designation held by fewer isville and the local public school system McConnell; U.S. Sen. and recent presiden- than 200 institutions nationwide. In one to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency tial candidate Christopher Dodd; Sirius/XM year alone, UofL students, faculty and staff and improve the health and education of Radio personality Bob Edwards; best-selling contributed more than $25.1 million to area children. author Sue Grafton; and Sharon Darling, charitable organizations through volunteer- UofL is a major player in the downtown founder and president of the National Center ism and direct donations. arts scene, too, helping bring fine arts pro- for Family Literacy. Among the university’s many outreach gramming to Louisville to create a more They truly help demonstrate that UofL’s programs is the Signature Partnership, work- vibrant city center. The Cressman Center for slogan, “It’s Happening Here,” isn’t just a ing with community organizations and busi- the Visual Arts is just one result of this effort. marketing tagline. It’s a way of life.

25 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Louisville Kentucky The Derby City

he Louisville area owes its existence Louisville quickly became a vital trans- South.” Businesses and industries were Tto the Falls of the Ohio, the only place portation center for the young nation. Ports attracted by the strong and convenient trans- where the 981-mile river flows over bed- were established above and below the portation network and Louisville became an rock. The falls were really rapids where the Falls. Passengers and freight moved over- industrial center. river dropped about 27 feet in three miles, land around the rapids. Trails and roads In recent years, the economy of the Louis- usually blocking passage by boat. connected the ports to inland settlements ville area has shifted from a heavy reliance on Early explorers recognized the strategic in Kentucky and Indiana. The steamboat industry to an increasing emphasis on services, importance of the Falls. brought prosperity and growth to the area; including transportation. Once again, location established the first settlement there in 1778, by 1850, Louisville was the 10th-largest city is a key factor. Louisville is located near the to use as a base for invasion of British terri- in the nation. center fo the eastern half of the contiguous tory in Southern Illinois and Indiana. Two In the decades that followed, railroads 48 states, with nearly half of the nation’s con- years later that settlement became Louisville greatly improved connections with cit- sumer markets within a 500-mile radius. The -- named for King Louis XVI of France, who ies throughout the nation, and Louisville climate is mild enough that Louisville’s airport was supporting the American Revolution. became known as the “Gateway to the is rarely closed because of weather.

26 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals Louisville Quick Facts

• Metropolitan area size: 2,179 square Derby, known as “the greatest two miles (includes eight neighboring minutes in sports.” counties). • The Jefferson County Public School • Population: approximately one System is the nation’s 25th largest Louisville million, the nation’s 16th-largest urban public school system, with 96,000 area in population. students. • Median Age: 32.5 • Louisville’s top local manufacturers: • Weather: average annual rainfall Ford Motor Company, General is 44 inches; average summer/fall Electric Company, Publishers Printing temperature is 84 degrees; winter/ Company, Brown-Forman Corp. spring temp. is 64. • The area’s largest private employer is • Louisville ranks among the top 25 UPS, the worldwide shipping business convention cities in the . which uses Louisville International More than 3.5 million visitors visit Airport as a hub. Louisville’s airport annually, including over 700,000 ranks fourth in the U.S. — and sixth convention delgates. in the world — in tons of air freight handled. • Louisville is home to legendary and the Kentucky • Hillerich & Bradsby’s Louisville Slugger bats are a hit at ballparks.

Climate, location and a good transporta- three Breeders’ Cups and continues its gentleness of a Southern town. The Belle tion system helped convince United Parcel traditional Run For The Roses each May. of Louisville steamboat still paddles its Service to establish its national hub in The 1996 and 2000 PGA Championships, way up and down the Ohio River daily, Louisville in the early 1980s. UPS, in turn, which sold out nearly a year in advance, mint juleps are still served under an old is attracting business that depend on fast were staged at Valhalla Course in oak tree during the hot and muggy sum- and efficient transportation of their goods eastern Jefferson County. The Louisville mers and fishing in the many lakes and riv- to other parts of the nation and throughout Bats, the triple-A baseball team of the ers of Louisville and surrounding counties the world. Cincinnati Reds, drew over one million is still a favorite past time. The Kentucky Center for the Arts is one fans to games in a single season. Over Another favorite in Louisville is trying to of the nation’s premier performing arts facili- 140 public parks, 20 public golf courses figure out the correct pronunciation of the ties, housing three spacious theatres. and 226 public courts also provide city. So if you’re a tourist, don’t say Louie- Sports, including UofL athletics, are outdoor entertainment. ville or Lewis-ville. Natives claim it’s Lou-a- an important facet of life in the Louis- Yet even though Louisville has changed vuhl. Either way, Louisville is still the same ville area. Churchill Downs has hosted through the years, it still has the flavor and happy place.

27 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

James Ramsey President | University of Louisville s University of Louisville President new for Ramsey. Before assuming UofL’s AJames Ramsey has commented on many top post, he served as senior policy advisor occasions, “The University of Louisville is an and state budget director for the Common- institution with a great history and tradition. wealth of Kentucky and senior professor of Our job is to build on that history and tradi- economics and public policy at UofL. tion going forward.” He also has held several other positions in There is no question that during Dr. state government, serving as interim commis- Ramsey’s six year tenure the University sion of the Office of the New Economy and of Louisville is a very changed institution. special advisor to the chairman of the Ken- Under Dr. Ramsey’s leadership the quality tucky Council on Postsecondary Education. of UofL’s freshman class has improved each On the academic side, he has served as year, with an average ACT score today for vice chancellor for finance and administration incoming freshmen of 24.3, well above the at both University of North Carolina at Chapel national average of 21.2, and the state aver- Hill and Western Kentucky University. He has age of 20.8. What’s more, students coming been associate dean, assistant dean and direc- to the University of Louisville are having tor of public administration in the College of greater success than ever. Business Administration at Loyola University Graduation rates over the last six years and a research associate for the University of have improved over 33%. UofL students Kentucky’s Center for Public Affairs. continue to receive a significant share of the He has served on the faculties of UNC, nation’s most prestigious academic honors, WKU, UK, Loyola University and Middle including seven UofL students receiving Ful- Tennessee State University. bright scholarships in both 2008 and 2007. A frequent national speaker and writer on During the last six years, UofL’s research economy. As a result of Metropolitan College economic issues in the public sector, Ramsey programs have continued to grow - for and UofL’s Logistics & Distribution Institute, received the National Governors Associa- example, the University of Louisville, for the UPS has continued to grow and is today the tion’s Outstanding Public Service Award in five-year period 2002-2007, experienced state’s largest employer. Under Dr. Ramsey’s 2001 and was named Kentucky’s Distin- the most rapid growth of any institution in leadership, a $2.5 billion plan has been guished Economist of the Year in 1999. the country in National Institutes of Health approved for expanding and building the Business First newspaper named Ramsey (NIH) funding. Today the University of Lou- Health Sciences Campus with new research, Louisville’s Business Leader of the Year in isville’s dental school ranks 14th nationally clinical, and educational facilities in a Down- December 2007. among all institutions in funding; new drugs town Research Park. As part of this initiative, A Kentucky native, he holds a bach- are in various phases of clinical trials; new UofL received approval for a $350 million elor’s degree in business administration from clinical procedures are improving health Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from the state Western Kentucky University and master’s care for people of our community and state; of Kentucky and Metro government. and doctoral degrees in economics from UK. UofL’s Rapid Prototyping Lab in the Speed The mandate given to Dr. Ramsey when Sharing his commitment to public service School of Engineering is coming up with new he began at the University of Louisville in is his wife, Jane Ramsey, who is involved in advanced manufacturing systems to make 2002 was to continue to move the university a host of community activities and organiza- Kentucky manufacturers more competitive. forward with the implementation of the stra- tions. She heads an effort to beautify UofL’s A major focus of Dr. Ramsey during his ten- tegic plan - “The Challenge for Excellence Belknap Campus and revitalize its surround- ure has been on the community of which the - 1998-2008.” With the successful comple- ing neighborhood. That effort university is a part. The University of Louis- tion of the “Challenge,” the university has is highlighted by the upcoming renovation of ville has been a major player in an award-win- now stepped forward with a new strategic Stansbury Park, which borders the Belknap ning Partnership for a Green City with Jefferson plan - “The 2020 Plan,” a blueprint that will Campus. That Olmsted-designed park is being County Public Schools and Louisville Metro guide the university through the milestone restored to its former glory thanks to partner- government. The university has launched the date set in the Postsecondary Education ships among the university, Louisville Metro Signature Partnership Initiative, an effort to Reform Act of 1997. and the Olmsted Conservancy. improve education, health care, social services At the same time, the university has The Ramseys have two daughters. Jenny, and economic opportunity in a traditionally begun the silent phase of its next major an Auburn University graduate with a degree underserved are in west Louisville. capital campaign and has undertaken a new in Zoology, and a graduate of UofL’s School The University of Louisville’s partnership branding effort - It’s Happening Here. of Nursing. Jacque is a senior at UofL and with UPS has been an important part of UPS’ A strong commitment to serving the is actively engaged in campus, intramurals, continued commitment to the local and state community and commonwealth is nothing and Chi Omega.

28 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

Tom Jurich Vice President For Athletics | University of Louisville

rowth, innova- pace. We have many building blocks in place but ter) increased to 281 for the 2009 spring semester, Gtion, achieve- have so much to accomplish. I feel very privileged a figure which represents over half of the total ment and excellence to be in this position.” students involved in U of L Athletics. have been the trade- Jurich continues to push U of L to the forefront Jurich’s high energy, community and family- marks of Tom Jurich’s of college athletics and keep the Cardinals on minded approach has been contagious, infecting tenure as the Vice- the cutting edge nationally, turning heads while the university, city and U of L fans everywhere President for Athletics quickly guiding major changes in the face of Car- with a positive outlook for the future of Cardinal at the University of dinal Athletics including: Athletics. It is a formula that has provided a trail Louisville for the last • Engineering U of L’s historic move to the BIG of success in each situation Jurich has touched. 12 years. EAST Conference, which has a long-term relation- Jurich has been active in the scope of col- Since coming to ship with the lucrative . lege athletics on a national level, within con- the Derby City in This is the Cards’ fourth year in the league. ference issues, and in his local community. He 1997, Jurich’s desire • Attracting ninth-year men’s basketball coach served three years as a member of the NCAA and vision has led the Cardinals to unprecedented Rick Pitino to UofL, a move many deemed Management Council, one of the top legislative development and accomplishment. His efforts impossible. Pitino’s arrival energized the Cards’ bodies of the NCAA, and the NCAA Division received national acclaim when he was selected tradition-rich program and quickly restored it to I Baseball Committee. He sits on the Board as the 2007 Street & Smith’s Sports Business a position among the nation’s top teams. A new of Directors for Republic Bank and American Journal/Sports Business Daily Athletic Director downtown arena is to be completed in 2010. Heart Association. of the Year. • Taking a major step in achieving gender Jurich recently received the Louisvillian of the From facilities to gender equity, from commu- equity, upgrading funding and support staff for Year Award by the Louisville Advertising Fed- nity involvement to national leadership, Jurich’s existing women’s programs while adding four eration and the Dan Mangeot Memorial Award, actions prompted one state media outlet to recent- new sports — , golf, and . for contributions to the advancement of tourism ly write that “it all shows yet again that the hiring Jurich’s efforts also moved , women’s and hospitality. He shared U of L’s prestigious of Tom Jurich, the architect of this Louisville soccer and baseball to fully-funded programs. He Hickman-Camp Award, presented for exemplary emergence, as U of L AD in the fall of 1997 stands received the Citizens for Sports Equity 2000 Sports contributions to the athletic department, with his as one of the most significant events in our state’s Leadership Award and was honored as Louisvil- wife Terrilynn in 2007. He was named the Louis- modern sports history.” After just eight years lian of the Year in 2005 by the Louisville Urban ville Magazine Person of the Year in 2007. working his constructive efforts, he was inducted League Guild. Guiding Colorado State University as its athlet- into the state’s Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame • Rapidly building the football program. The ics director for the four years prior to his arrival at in 2006. Cardinals have been ranked in the top seven in U of L, Jurich oversaw not only one of the most Jurich has guided a whirlwind of accomplish- two of the last four seasons, including the school’s successful time periods in the school’s history in ments that have caught the eye of those who fol- first BCS bowl berth in 2006. An expansion of terms of on-field competitiveness, but he was the low collegiate athletics across the nation. Special Papa John’s will be complete driving force behind a successful capital cam- things are happening in Louisville, with a vibrant in 2010. paign drive that included facility renovation. personality leading the way. • Addressing multiple facility needs, including Prior to his constructive efforts at Colorado U of L took a dramatic step toward maintain- an extensive sports park to serve as a front lawn State, Jurich operated as director of athletics for ing that upward trend by signing Jurich to an for the University. Owsley B. Frazier Cardinal Park eight years at his alma mater, Northern Arizona unprecedented contract extension in December features Ulmer Stadium (softball), Trager Stadium University. When appointed at NAU, he was the of 2006 and subsequent enhancements that will (field hockey artificial surface field),a soccer field youngest director of athletics at the NCAA Divi- keep him with the Cardinals through 2023. In an surrounded by a state-of-the-art track, fitness trail sion I level at the age of 29. unprecedented appointment, he was named Vice and a playground. Three new facilities opened He became athletic director at Northern Arizo- President for Athletics at U of L in 2003. in 2005: (baseball), Ralph na in 1988, after previously serving as co-director “Tom is an energetic leader,” said U of L Presi- Wright Natatorium and the Trager Center indoor (1986-88) and assistant director (‘84-86). He was dent Dr. James Ramsey. “He has the advantage of fieldhouse. The Yum! Center, a practice facility for inducted to the NAU Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. being able to see the world of collegiate athletics volleyball and men’s basketball, opened in 2007 Jurich is among the finest football players in from the viewpoint of a coach, an administrator, and the Marshall Center/Waldman Field Hockey Northern Arizona history. A punter, placekicker an athlete and a parent because he has worn all of Complex opened its doors in 2008. and backup quarterback for the Lumberjacks, those hats in his career. He has the vision to create • Strengthening U of L’s athletic administra- Jurich earned first-team Kodak All-America honors a model program, assemble an ambitious group tion by enlarging the compliance department with in 1977 — the first collegiate kicker to make the of talented coaches and staff, build world-class the school’s first associate athletic director for Kodak honor list — and also received All-America facilities and create educational as well as cham- compliance and adding the school’s first female acclaim from The Sporting News. He is the only pionship opportunities for hundreds of student- associate athletic director/senior woman admin- kicker in Big Sky Conference history to be named athletes. He is committed to creating a forward istrator. the league’s offensive player of the year (1977). moving, competitive and compliant culture that • Placing U of L on the cutting edge of sports A 10th-round NFL draft pick of the Pittsburgh reflects well on our university.” medicine with a comprehensive partnership with Steelers, Jurich later played with the Minnesota Since Jurich was named Director of Athletics Louisville’s world-renowned Jewish Hospital. Vikings before a brief coaching stint at the Uni- for the Cardinals on Oct. 21, 1997, there has been • Bolstering the community outreach arm of U versity of Minnesota. an unmatched flurry of activity on the U of L cam- of L athletics, developing L-Care and CardsFIT to He and his wife, Terrilynn, a former Miss Wyo- pus and Louisville area since his arrival. promote student-athlete community involvement. ming, have four children: sons Mark — associate “The pride and passion this community has in • Academic success has risen dramatically director of development at U of L, married to wife our athletics program inspire me to do my abso- during Jurich’s watch as well. Those earning rec- Laney — and Brian; and twin daughters, Haley lute best every day,” said Jurich. “This department ognition on the U of L Athletic Director’s Honor and Lacey, who are both field hockey student- and I have grown together significantly at a rapid Roll (3.0 or better grade point average for a semes- athletes at UofL.

29 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals

This is Louisville

Olga S. Peers Academic Center for Student Athletes

25 of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America’s Academic All- American team list for 2008 Fall. The Car- dinal men rank 10th with a team GPA of 3.21 and the Cardinal women rank 22nd with a team GPA of 3.35. • Softball player Kristi Cunningham was selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Third team. She becomes the second Cardinal softball player to earn this honor. • Field Hockey player Heather Bustanoby was selected to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District At-Large First team and will have the opportunity to be selected as a national Academic All- American at a later date. Most services are directed toward aca- demic achievement, but U of L realizes that success in one area often leads to and sup- ports success in other areas. Successful people usually thrive at what- ever they do. Services are directed at the whole person - the student, the athlete, and he University of Louisville Athletic Spring 2009 semester (preliminary results) the individual. College is about helping people TAcademic Services Office assists each • Women’s Golf earned the highest GPA for develop and its purpose is to prepare them to student-athlete in planning their academic 2008 Fall with a 3.585 be leaders in their communities and in soci- career through a variety of services. The Uni- • Women’s Swimming earned the highest ety. This is also the goal at the University of versity of Louisville achieved several aca- GPA for 2009 Spring with a 3.453. (pre- Louisville. demic milestones during the 2008-09 year. liminary results) The university and BIG EAST have estab- Below is a list of student-athlete academic • Fourteen University of Louisville Field lished several awards to recognize academic accomplishments: Hockey players were named to the 2008 achievement. The Athletic Directors Honor • Athletic Directors Honor Roll: 3.0 GPA or National Field Hockey Coaches Asso- Roll recognizes student-athletes each semes- higher for the semester. Fall 2008: 275 of ciation National Academic Squad and ter who earn a 3.0 grade point average or 514 student-athletes (341 of 666 including the Cardinals were also named to the higher (on a 4.0 scale). spirit groups, managers and trainers) Spring National Field Hockey Coaches Associa- The BIG EAST Academic All-Stars honor 2009: 281 student-athletes (preliminary tion National Academic Team Award list. student-athletes who have participated in results). These totals are record numbers. • Men’s Basketball player Will Scott is at least one sport and have earned a 3.0 or • 173 student-athletes (221 including spirit attending Oxford University in Oxford, better grade point average during the past squads and managers) were named Red England. Scott will be pursuing a mas- academic year. and Black Scholar Athletes (3.25 cumu- ter’s degree in Modern Chinese Studies. The University of Louisville’s top award, lative GPA or better). The 221 total is a Only 15 people in the world are accept- the Ed Kallay Award is awarded annually new high. ed into the program annually for the rare to one male and one female senior student- • 13 of 19 teams had a 3.0 or higher in the opportunity. athlete who best exemplify excellence on Fall 2008 semester. • Both the Men’s and Women’s Swimming the field, in the classroom and commitment • 14 of 19 teams had a 3.0 or higher in the and Diving teams are ranked in the Top to the community.

Not Pictured: Melissa Briery Assistant Academic Counselor

Tim Green Assistant Academic Counselor

Marvin Mitchell Scott Sallade Dawn Aulick Anthony Wright Chris May Kellyn Wilson Nicole Alderson Caitlin Dance Tevona Huff Associate Athletic Director of Student Learning Specialist/ Assistant Director Academic Counsel- Academic Academic Academic Program Assistant Director Services Tutor Coordinator of Academic or/Office Manager Counselor Counselor Counselor Services

32 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

Student Housing

Swimming Pool | Fitness Center | Modern Kitchens Large Screen TV/Activity Center | Fully Furnished Convenient Parking | Bedroom wired for internet and cable

33 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

Big East Conference

ith 30 years under its belt, The BIG EAST Connecticut also have won or shared league lacrosse and rowing were added in 2001. WConference continues on a path of suc- crowns over the past four seasons. The BIG EAST became a reality on May cess in and out of the athletic arena. The goals The BIG EAST has continued to produce 31, 1979, following a meeting of athletic have always been the same. The league wants student-athletes who were at the forefront of directors from Providence College, St. John’s, and expects to compete at the highest level and athletic and academic achievement. In 2008- Georgetown and Syracuse universities. Seton does so with integrity and sportsmanship. The 09, 19 BIG EAST players were chosen to Hall, Connecticut and College com- commendable performances of the student- their respective ESPN The Magazine Academic pleted the original seven school alliance. athletes at BIG EAST schools are the indicators All-America Teams, including eight first-team While the membership has both increased of the league’s proud tradition of success. selections. Nearly 400 student-athletes have and changed, the focus of the BIG EAST has The BIG EAST has gone through member- earned academic all-America honors. not wavered. The conference reflects a tradi- ship changes since its birth, but the 2009-10 The BIG EAST became the nation’s largest tion of broad based programs, led by admin- academic year will mark the conference’s fifth Division I-A conference in 2005-06 when five istrators and coaches who place a constant straight with the same 16-member group, the new members began competing. The new emphasis on academic integrity. Its student nation’s largest Division I-A conference. schools were: University of Cincinnati, DePaul athletes own significantly high graduation In 2008-09, BIG EAST student-athletes University, University of Louisville, Marquette rates and their record of scholastic achieve- again succeeded on the national stage. The University and the University of South Florida. ment notably show a balance between inter- Connecticut women’s basketball team won BIG EAST institutions reside in nine of the collegiate athletics and academics. its sixth national championship by defeating nation’s top 34 largest media markets, including Any successful organization has been fortu- conference foe Louisville in an all-BIG EAST New York, , Philadelphia, Washington, nate to have outstanding leadership. Michael NCAA title game. The Notre Dame women’s D.C., Tampa, Pittsburgh, Hartford, Milwaukee Tranghese, the league’s first full-time employ- soccer team reached the NCAA championship and Cincinnati. With its newest members, BIG ee, and for 11 years the associate to Dave game and the Syracuse field hockey squad EAST markets contain almost one fourth of all Gavitt, became Commissioner in 1990. In his advanced to the NCAA Final Four. Three BIG television households in the U.S. first year, he administered the formation of The EAST women’s cross country teams finished in Since opening its doors in 1979, the league BIG EAST Football Conference. the top 10 at the NCAA Championships. West has won 26 national championships in six For 2009-10, the BIG EAST will undergo Virginia was fourth followed by Villanova in different sports and 126 student-athletes have one significant change. Tranghese stepped sixth place and Georgetown in ninth. won individual national titles. down from his position on June 30, 2009. Individually in women’s sports, Providence’s The BIG EAST has enjoyed tremendous John Marinatto, who has served as senior Dannette Doetzel won the 10,000 meters at the basketball success, especially in this decade. associate commissioner, has moved into the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. In 2008-09, the BIG EAST produced four of the Commissioner’s chair. Connecticut’s Maya Moore was the confer- eight Final Four teams in men’s and women’s The league has long been considered a ence’s sixth winner of the Wade Trophy as basketball. It was only the second time in leader in innovative concepts in promotion the top player in women’s basketball. Notre NCAA history that one conference placed that and publicity, particularly regarding television. Dame’s Kerri Hanks won the Hermann Trophy, many Final Four teams in the same season. Those efforts have resulted in unparalleled the top award in women’s soccer. In 2003-04, Connecticut became the first visibility for BIG EAST student athletes. The On the men’s side, Connecticut and Vil- school in NCAA history to win the men’s and conference has enjoyed long-standing relation- lanova advanced to the Final Four in basket- women’s NCAA basketball titles in the same ships with CBS, ESPN, Inc. and ABC. ball. The 2008-09 campaign was arguably season. In ’02-03, the BIG EAST became the BIG EAST men’s basketball games are the best men’s basketball season in the his- first conference in NCAA history to win the regular sellouts at campus and major public tory of the BIG EAST with the league setting men’s and women’s titles in the same year arenas, including the annual men’s BIG EAST NCAA standards with three No. 1 tourna- when the Syracuse men and the Connecti- Championship in Madison Square Garden. ment seeds, four teams in the round of the cut women captured their respective national The women’s basketball championship has and five in the Sweet 16. championships. In men’s basketball, BIG EAST led all conferences in attendance for the past The St. John’s men’s soccer team reached squads have won three of the last 11 NCAA six years. Attendance figures also are signifi- the NCAA College Cup before losing in the championships. BIG EAST women’s teams cant in soccer and baseball. national semifinals. have taken six of the last 10 NCAA titles. More than 550 BIG EAST student-athletes BIG EAST football has maintained its Proactive movement has been a signature have earned all America recognition and doz- high profile and its reputation as a balanced strategy for the conference that was born in ens have won individual NCAA national cham- group. Seven of the league’s eight squads 1979. The BIG EAST continually turns chal- pionships. The BIG EAST has been well repre- were nationally ranked or received votes lenges into opportunities to become stronger. sented in U.S. or foreign national and Olympic in the national polls in 2008. Cincinnati In 2009-10, the BIG EAST will add men’s teams. Several athletes earned gold medals in was the league champion. The BIG EAST, a lacrosse to its growing list of sports, which each of the last six summer Olympiads. charter member of the Bowl Championship will increase its total to 24 sport champion- The BIG EAST has its headquarters in Series, has won three of its last four BCS ships. The first women’s golf championship Providence where the conference adminis- bowl games. West Virginia, Louisville and was held in the spring of 2003. Women’s ters to more than 5,500 athletes.

34 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

2009-10 Cardinal Roster

(l-r): 11| Becky Burke, 22 | Nikki Burton, 50 | Deseree’ Byrd, 25 | Tia Gibbs, 45 | Keshia Hines, 10 | LaToya Johnson 21 | Ashley Rainey, 4 | Gwen Rucker, 33 | Monique Reid, 30 | Rachel Story, 31 | Asia Taylor 24 | Laura Terry, 42 | Chauntise Wright

Numerical Roster Alphabetical Roster

No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. Hometown (Previous School) No. Name 4 gwen Rucker P So. 6-1 Lexington, Ky. (Henry Clay) 11 Becky Burke 10 LaToya Johnson g Jr. 5-5 Kansas City, Mo. (Jefferson CC) 22 Nikki Burton 11 Becky Burke G So. 5-11 Clarks Summit, Pa. (Abington Heights) 21 Ashley Rainey P Fr. 6-2 Bowling Green, Ky. (Warren East) 50 Deseree’ Byrd

22 Nikki Burton G Fr. 5-11 Charlotte, N.C. (West Charlotte) 25 Tia Gibbs 24 Laura Terry P Jr. 6-1 Ironton, Ohio (Rose Hill Christian) 45 Keshia Hines 25 Tia Gibbs G So. 5-9 Louisville, Ky. (Vanderbilt) 30 Rachel Story G Fr. 5-7 Milwaukee, Wis. (Rufus King) 10 LaToya Johnson

31 Asia Taylor F Fr. 6-1 Columbus, Ohio (Whetstone) 21 Ashley Rainey 33 Monique Reid F So. 6-1 Louisville, Ky. (Fern Creek) 33 Monique Reid 42 Chauntise Wright C Sr. 6-3 Forestville, Md. (Bishop McNamara) 45 Keshia Hines C Jr. 6-2 Auburn Hills, Mich. (Avondale) 4 Gwen Rucker 50 Deseree’ Byrd G Jr. 5-9 Cincinnati, Ohio (Taft) 30 Rachel Story

31 Asia Taylor Head Coach: Jeff Walz 24 Laura Terry Assistant Coaches: Michelle Clark-Heard, Stephanie Norman, Bethann Shapiro Ord Director of Basketball Operations: Becky Bonner 42 Chauntise Wright

Pronunciation Guide Chauntise (Shawn-TEECE) Wright • Jeff Walz (Walls)

35 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

Radio/TV Chart

Gwen Rucker LaToya Johnson Becky Burke Ashley Rainey Nikki Burton So. | P | 6-1 Jr. | G | 5-5 So. | G | 5-11 Fr. | P | 6-2 Fr. | G | 5-11 Lexington, Ky. Kansas City, Mo. Clarks Summit, Penn. Bowling Green, Ky. Charlotte, N.C. 4 (Henry Clay) 10 (Jefferson CC) 11(Abington Heights) 21 (Warren East) 22 (West Charlotte)

Laura Terry Tia Gibbs Rachel Story Asia Taylor Monique Reid Jr. | P | 6-1 So. | G | 5-9 Fr. | G | 5-7 Fr. | F | 6-1 So. | F | 6-1 Ironton, Ohio Louisville, Ky. Milwaukee, Wis. Columbus, Ohio Louisville, Ky. 24 (Rose Hill Christian) 25 (Vanderbilt) 30 (Rufus King) 31 (Whetstone) 33 (Fern Creek)

Assistant Coach Michelle Clark-Heard Third Season Assistant Coach Stephanie Norman Third Season Assistant Coach Bethann Shapiro Ord Third Season Director of Operations Becky Bonner Third Season Strength and Chauntise Wright Keshia Hines Deseree’ Byrd Jeff Walz Conditioning Coach Teena Murray Sr. | C | 6-3 Jr. | C | 6-2 Jr. | G | 5-9 Head Coach Fifth Season Forestville, Md. Auburn Hills, Mich. Cincinnati, Ohio Third Season Athletic Trainer (Bishop McNamara) (Avondale) (Taft) Amy Meadows 42 45 50 Second Season

36 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

2009-10 Cardinal Basketball Schedule

Date Opponent Site Time Nov. 1 NORTHERN KENTUCKY (Exh) FREEDOM HALL 2:00 p.m. Nov. 15 at Dayton Dayton, Ohio 1:00 p.m. Nov. 17 at Hartford Hartford, Conn. 7:00 p.m. Nov. 22 TENNESSEE TECH FREEDOM HALL 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27-28 Cancun Thanksgiving Classic Cancun, Mexico Nov. 27 vs. Northern Iowa Cancun, Mexico 6:00 p.m. Nov. 28 vs. Old Dominion Cancun, Mexico 8:15 p.m. Dec. 2 at Central Michigan Mt. Pleasant, Mich. 7:00 p.m. Dec. 6 UTAH FREEDOM HALL 2:00 p.m. Dec. 9 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Dec. 13 IUPUI FREEDOM HALL 2:00 p.m. Dec. 16 at Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn. 7:00 p.m. Dec. 20 at Kentucky Lexington, Ky. 1:00 p.m. Dec. 22 at New Hampshire Durham, N.H. 7:00 p.m. Dec. 29 IPFW FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Jan. 2 at Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio 2:00 p.m. Jan. 5 at DePaul (CBSC) Chicago, Ill. 9:00 p.m. Jan. 9 PROVIDENCE FREEDOM HALL 4:00 p.m. Jan. 16 at Georgetown (BETV) Washington, D.C. 3:00 p.m. Jan. 19 NOTRE DAME (CBSC) FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Jan. 23 SYRACUSE FREEDOM HALL 2:00 p.m. Jan. 26 VILLANOVA FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Jan. 30 at West Virginia Morgantown, W.Va. 7:00 p.m. Feb. 2 CINCINNATI (CBSC) FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Feb. 7 CONNECTICUT (ESPNU) FREEDOM HALL Noon Feb. 10 at St. John’s Queens, N.Y. 7:00 p.m. Feb. 14 at Pittsburgh (ESPN2) Pittsburgh, Pa. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 MARQUETTE FREEDOM HALL 7:00 p.m. Feb. 24 at Seton Hall South Orange, N.J. 7:00 p.m. Feb. 27 USF FREEDOM HALL 2:00 p.m. Mar. 1 at Rutgers Piscataway, N.J. 7:30 p.m. Mar. 5-9 BIG EAST Tournament Hartford, Conn. TBA Mar. 20-22 NCAA First and Second Round Louisville, Ky. TBA All Times are Eastern Standard Time

First and Second Rounds - March 20 and 22, 2010 Maples Pavilion (Stanford, California); Haas Pavilion (Berkeley, California); (Durham, North Carolina); Thompson-Boling Arena (Knoxville, Tennessee); Freedom Hall (Louisville, Kentucky); Bank of America Arena (Seattle, Washington); Donald L. Tucker Center (Tallahassee, Florida); Wells Fargo Arena (Tempe, Arizona)

First and Second Rounds - March 21 and 23, 2010 James H. Hilton Coliseum (Ames, Iowa); Frank Erwin Center (Austin, Texas); Cintas Center (Cincinnati, Ohio); Williams Arena (Minneapolis, Minnesota); Ted Constant Convocation Center (Norfolk, Va.); Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, ); Joyce Center (Notre Dame, Indiana); Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Regionals - March 27 and 29, 2010 Memphis Regional - FedEx Forum (Memphis, Tennessee); Sacramento Regional - ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California)

Regionals - March 28 and 30, 2010 Dayton Regional - University of Dayton Arena (Dayton, Ohio); Kansas City Regional - Sprint Center (Kansas City, Missouri)

Women’s Final Four - April 4 and 6, 2010 Alamo Dome (San Antonio, Texas)

37 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

2009-10 Season Outlook Rebuild or Reload he shoe polish slogans of “March to the Arch” and “St. in scoring with 7.6 points per game and led the TLouis Bound” have been scrubbed from the car win- team with 5.0 assists per game. She was second dows. The Angel t-shirts have been put away. Even the on the team from the 3-point line, connecting heartbreak of not pulling off the final upset seems to on 41.2 percent. Byrd also scored 17 points and have faded somewhat. dished out nine assists in the Cards’ regional final All-American forward Angel McCoughtry, U of L’s game against No. 1 seed Maryland. all-time leading scorer and rebounder, has played her Unlike last season Byrd will have help run- final game for the overachieving Cards. Graduation also ning the point with newcomers LaToya John- robbed the Cardinals of their steady rebounder and s o n and Rachel Story. Johnson was a scorer Candyce Bingham. first team WBCA/State Farm JC/CC While McCoughtry’s automatic scoring and All-American after spending two defensive presence and Bingham’s consistent seasons at Jefferson College. Last contributions may be missed at times, the season she gained valuable experi- 2009-10 Cardinals may have as much ence by helping lead Jefferson to a raw talent as last year’s tournament- national runner-up finish. She finished ready group that upset opponent her sophomore year averag- after opponent en route to their ing 14 points and first NCAA Championship 5.7 assists per game. While some think the game. loss of two leading scorers and rebounders will be too much for the Cardinals to Keshia overcome, they have for- Hines led gotten about last year’s the Cardinals in supporting cast. Louis- percent- ville returns five players age last season, con- that played big roles necting on 54.5 percent. in the Cards’ NCAA Tournament run. Headlining the supporting cast is junior guard Deseree’ Byrd. Byrd moved to the point guard posi- tion for the first time in her career last year and had an i m p r e s - sive year l e a d i n g the Cardi- nal offense. She finished last season ranked third on the team

38 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals This is Louisville

scored double figures five times during her assists per game. She set new school records season at Vandy, including 12 points against at Warren East High School with 3,003 Auburn in the SEC Championship game. career points and 1,419 career rebounds. The Louisville frontcourt could be the Taylor averaged 29.3 points, 17.1 most experienced position with four starters rebounds, and six assists, while shooting 54.6 returning. Junior Keshia Hines highlights the percent from the field as a senior at Whet- group after finishing her sophomore season stone High School. She held the Columbus as the fourth leading scorer and third leading scoring title her senior year despite ending rebounder. Hines averaged 6.4 points and her high school career with an ankle injury 4.8 rebounds per game. Her rebounding was in February. Taylor was also named the team a big contribution the Cards’ postseason run. MVP all four years at Whetstone. While she only started 11 games, she aver- The Cards face one of their more chal- aged 21 minutes per game. She also led the lenging schedules in recent years. Last year’s team in field goal percentage, connecting on young talent in the BIG EAST is now a year 54.5 percent. older and likely a year better. In addition Retuning to the center position will be to the grind of a 16-game conference slate, senior Chauntise Wright. Wright sat out last Louisville will go toe-to-toe with some stel- season after tearing her ACL the first week of lar nonconference foes. Early in the year the practice last season. Wright really came into Cards take on Old Dominion in the Cancun her own at the end of her junior season but Thanksgiving Classic. Soon after, the Cardi- returning to the court after a year away will nals face back-to-back games against tradi- be a challenge for the senior. tional powers Utah and Middle Tennessee Sophomores Monique Reid and Gwen State. Also sure to test the character of the Becky Burke returns after a stellar rookie sea- Rucker saw a lot of playing time last year young Cards are back-to-back road games son. She led the team from the foul line, con- and will give the Cardinals more experience against SEC favorite Tennessee and instate necting on 87.5 percent. in the frontcourt. Reid was named to the rival Kentucky. BIG-EAST All-Freshman Team. She led all The BIG EAST Tournament will be held Story helped lead her team to a state run- freshmen in scoring and rebounding with March 5-9 at the XL Center in Hartford, ner-up finish her senior year. She averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. She Conn. Louisville will also host the first and 17 points, four rebounds, and eight assists made an impact during the postseason with second rounds of the NCAA Tournament for at Milwaukee Rufus King High School. She her defense, guarding some of the top post the first time in Freedom Hall March 20-22. scored 30 points in the state semifinals. players in the nation against Maryland and Also returning to the Cardinals backcourt Oklahoma. Deseree’ Byrd returns as the Cardinals’ leading will be sophomore Becky Burke. Burke Rucker made an impact from the moment scorer, averaging 7.6 points per game. She also made an impact in the postseason for Louis- she stepped on the court in December. As a led the team in assists with 5.0 per game. ville, knocking down crucial 3-pointers. She freshman she gave the Cardinals the depth earned a reputation as the Cards’ 3-point they needed in the middle and started in 27 specialist. While she never started, Burke games while seeing action in 30 games. She played in 36 games and she averaged over finished the year ranked second on the team 20 minutes a game. She led the team from from the foul line, connecting on 80 percent. the foul line, connecting on 87.5 percent. Once again this season Rucker will play vol- Burke will be counted on to help lead the leyball and will join the team in December. Cardinals’ backcourt this season. Junior Laura Terry rounds out the Cardi- Newcomer Nikki Burton will also add nal returnees. Terry started in four games for depth to the Cards’ backcourt. Burton the Cardinals last season before going down helped guide West Charlotte to the Class 4A with a knee injury against Utah in Novem- Championship her senior year. She averaged ber. While she returned in mid January she 19.3 points and 9.5 rebounds her senior saw limited action due to her injury. She had year. Burton earned all-conference and all- surgery over the summer and is expected to region for four consecutive years while in return to the court this season. She led the high school, also earning all-state honors as team from the field last season, connecting a junior and senior. on 59.4 percent from the field. While she is not eligible to play this sea- Newcomers Ashley Rainey and Asia Tay- son, Vanderbilt transfer Tia Gibbs will chal- lor could make an immediate impact for lenge the guards in practice. Gibbs averaged the Cardinals.. Rainey averaged 27.3 points 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, while her senior year while leading the state of shooting 73.1 percent from the Kentucky in scoring. She also averaged 16 line last season for the Commodores. Gibbs rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 2.2 steals, and 2.2

39 2009-10 Louisville Cardinals