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 Jodie Runner
Head coach Jodie Runner is entering her fourth season at the helm of Shepherd University's women's basketball program. Last season Runner challenged her young team with the program's toughest schedule. Due to early graduation and injury, the Rams returned only four players and brought in seven freshmen along with two sophomore transfers to compete during the 2004-05 season. Runner was able to do what she does best and motivate her team to push past the youth and challenge some of the top teams in the country. Although going 0-7 to start the season, the Rams' consistency and will to overcome the loss of their starting point guard provided them the strength to go 10-8 in the WVIAC conference. They finished sixth out of 15 teams. Maturity will be tested this year as the 2005-2006 team steps on the court in November. Runner has spent the last year instilling passion and accountability as well as building strength and toughness within her team. The youth of last year's team has thrived to become the force of this year's team. Balance will be key in Shepherd's success. With eight equally talented guards and four versatile post players, Shepherd will be a challenge for opponents at all positions. OFF THE COURT Coach Runner strives to provide a learning atmosphere that emphasizes classroom dedication and individual commitment to one's collegiate success. Our returning ten players have shown dedication in both academics and athletics. They return this year with an overall GPA of 3.44, two students with a GPA of 4.0, and six students who made the dean's list. She believes in giving each athlete the chance to have a well-rounded education while here at Shepherd University. "I remind them at the beginning of each year that if they don't get it done in the classroom, they don't deserve to be on the court." BEHIND THE SCENES The Rams enjoy returning support to those who have backed them throughout the years. Coach Runner believes in continuing this support through volunteering and participation in various community service projects. This year has already seen the Rams playing with area nursery school kids and supporting various organizations both on and off campus. Every season the Rams will incorporate the Hoop Troop and a game dedicated to Coaches vs. Cancer. The Rams are great role models for the youth of our society and help administer annual events like the Hoop Troop, clinics, and summer camps. "We enjoy returning the support that others give us throughout the season. Our girls especially love working with kids." Jodie Runner  Melanie Ford Melanie Ford enters her fourth year as the program's assistant coach. Ford came to Shepherd from Wheeling Jesuit where she served as a graduate assistant while completing her master's degree in business administration. Prior to coaching at Wheeling, Ford was a four-year letterwinner at the University of Charleston (1996-2000) where she earned First Team All-Conference honors as a junior and served as team captain as a senior. Ford helped lead the Golden Eagles to the WVIAC Tournament Championship in 1998-99. She also set several scoring records at UC. Ford brings a wealth of basketball knowledge that began in Galveston, IN, where her father was her high school coach. In addition to her playing and coaching experience, Ford has had the opportunity to work several prestigious camps, including camps at Tennessee, Purdue, and Duke. At Shepherd she is involved in every aspect of the program and solely responsible for many of them. On the court Ford will be working with the guards and lending a hand on both offense and defense. Off the court she will serve as the recruiting coordinator and has already signed two post players in the early signing period who should help the Rams tremendously next season. Ford is also responsible for travel, scouting, compliance, and various other duties. On top of all her basketball duties, Ford also teaches classes at Shepherd. "Coach Ford is a tremendous asset to this team. Her knowledge of the game and background in the WVIAC have proven to be a huge benefit to our staff. Her innovativeness is what sets her apart from the rest, and she is helping us improve in every aspect of the game each day. Her recruiting efforts will prove to strengthen Shepherd's team for years to come. As we begin another season at Shepherd, we are truly fortunate to have Coach Ford as part of our staff for another year." Coach Jodie Runner Melanie Ford  Gail Siemer Siemer begins her second season as an assistant coach with the Shepherd coaching staff. A native of Severna Park, Maryland, she is a 2002 graduate of Shepherd University. During her career Siemer helped her team to a conference championship in 1999 and an overall career record of 77-34. Siemer will assist the team on the court by developing Shepherd's inside game. Off the court she will be engaged with many areas of our program. She is directly involved with our alumni, Hoop Troop, and community service projects. Siemer brings an understanding of the game as well as what it takes to be a champion. Her intensity and contributions will continually benefit our program. Siemer also works across campus in our wellness center as an assistant director and will be teaching a class in the spring semester. "Gail is a tremendous addition to our staff and we're very excited to have her on board. She brings tremendous knowledge and passion for the game back to Shepherd. There's no doubt that she will help take our post play to a higher level." Coach Jodie Runner Gail Siemer |
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Shepherd University | P.O. Box 3210
| Shepherdstown, West Virginia | 25443-3210 |
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