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Llorens ready to learn the coaching ropes

Former Grayslake Central standout Rebekah Llorens is about to learn even more about the game of basketball.

The Hope College senior has been selected to participate in the 13th annual Women's Basketball Coaches Association's "So You Want To Be A Coach" program this spring.

According to the Hope College website, each member will participate in the three-day workshop held April 3-5 in conjunction with the WBCA National Convention during the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four in Tampa, Florida.

Llorens is one of 58 invitees from different divisions across the country.

She is majoring in history and minoring in music at Hope.

This season, Llorens has helped the nationally-ranked Flying Dutch to a 21-3 start to their season by averaging 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Hope coach Brian Morehouse is excited to see Llorens was afforded the opportunity to learn more about the coaching profession.

"Bekah comes from a very good high school program and a really good high school coach," he said. "That has served her well while she's been at Hope. She's continued to grow in her knowledge of basketball and her passion for coaching. She has assisted her high school coach in the summer time. That also has opened her eyes to some opportunities to influence young people."

The objectives of the "So" program are to increase the understanding and application of skills necessary to secure coaching positions in women's basketball.

It is also to increase the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching, introducing female basketball players to coaches and administrators and raising awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion and interest in coaching the game of women's basketball.

"The interest in the 'So You Want To Be A Coach' program has been incredible this year, and we are ecstatic to see the numerous benefits this program has had on so many young, aspiring coaches," WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew said. "Each year, the WBCA works relentlessly to improve and develop this entry-level program, and we look forward to seeing these student-athletes develop into great leaders and ambassadors for the game of women's basketball."

"So" participants will learn about recruiting, the administrative side to coaching, how to get hired, skill development, the importance of knowing the rules, and how to balance work and life. Qualified candidates must have exhausted their final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or have graduated within the past year. In addition, the candidate's head coach has to nominate them and must be an active WBCA member.

Each participant is selected based on her academics, contributions to women's basketball on and off the court, professional resume and a written recommendation from her head coach.

Sponsors for the "So" program are the WBCA and the NCAA Matching Fund for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Women Coaches and Officials.

Women's pro soccer

Chicago Red Stars defender Kecia Morway has announced her retirement from professional soccer, citing plans to explore opportunities both in the education sector and as a personal trainer.

The native of Lake Villa, Illinois, spent her rookie campaign with the Red Stars in 2014, following a successful college career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Colorado College Tigers. Morway made twelve appearances during her one season with Chicago, including ten starts.

"I'd almost say I decided to step away out of respect for everyone around me who was working so hard and had so much passion for the sport," said the 23-year-old Morway in the Red Stars news release. "I proved to myself that I could make the team and play at this level, but I felt that investing even more to continue improving wasn't for me. There are so many people who want so badly to have that chance, while I feel like there are options for me in life. It's time to explore those options and find out what's right for me.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had with the Red Stars last year. It was a fantastic experience and I loved all my teammates and made some really great friends. I'll definitely be following the team and plan to make it out to several games."

Women's track

Wisconsin-Parkside distance runner and Grayslake native Elsie Rehberg won the 3,000-meter run with a time of 11:07.70 at the Cardinal Classic. Parkside placed fourth overall at the eight-team meet with 70 points.

• Lewis senior Roslyn Summerville (Wauconda) won the weight throw with a toss of 16.31m (53-6¼) at the North Central College Cardinal Classic in which the Flyers were second to the host school.

• Lewis senior Amy Polhemus (Lake Zurich) was part of the Distance Medley Relay team that set the school-record time of 11:38.62 at the meet.

That broke the previous record of 11:56 set in 2011. That mark currently puts them third overall in NCAA Division II.

Polhemus later was part of the Flyers' winning 4x400 relay (3:56.89).

Lewis junior Amber Cook (Warren) notched a first place and NCAA Provisional showing in the triple jump with a leap of 11.62m (38-1.5).

Women's softball

Lewis senior outfielder Justina Doll (Mundelein) had 2 hits and scored a run in a 7-5 loss to Saginaw Valley State.

Women's lacrosse

Augustana junior Emily Handrahan (Lake Zurich) had a pair of goals, 3 ground balls and an assist as the Vikings won a 21-5 nonconference victory over Augsburg in Minneapolis, Minn.

Senior teammate Gina Filippo (Libertyville) had four caused turnovers.

• Please email Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com

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