By Edgar Rivas, Jr. —
The 2010-11 season did not fare well for the NJCU Women’s Basketball team. They did not win a single conference game (0-13) or had a good home record (2-10). They had a 6-game losing streak at one point in the season. Their 5-20 overall record eventually led to Sandra Nunez Dates relieved of her coaching duties after nine seasons.
In comes Amy Mulligan. Coach Mulligan played college basketball for the University of Vermont from 1999-2002. She then played for Queens College from 2003-2005. Hired in May, she became the 13th coach in NJCU Women’s Basketball history.
“I love it. I enjoy coming to work everyday [and] working with the girls,” she said. “It’s an exciting place to be right now.”
Coach Mulligan wants to improve from the 5-20 record of last season.
“[We need to] get back to fundementals. We have to work on improving our individual play along with our team play,” she Mulligan.
NJAC is perhaps the toughest conference there is. Having a good conference record shows that you can compete with the best.
“It’s very important to win a conference game because that’s our main competition. It would be big for the confidence of the girls and the program to win a conference game,” she said.
Home court advantage is basketball’s most significant element. The most famous college arenas are known for having great home court advantage. For example, Cameron Indoor Stadium, home of Duke University. It is important the team wins their home games.
“Home court advantage is big for a team because you should be comfortable [playing] there. You should feel better at your game at home oppose to when you’re on the road,” she said.
Don’t expect an instant impact right away. It will take time for this program to be at their greatest potential.
“The next 1-2 years is going to be a rebuilding year. They’re getting use to me as a coach, my philosophies, and ways as a coach. I’m getting use to them as players. As we move forward it’s going to be an impact,” said Mulligan.
Coach Mulligan’s expecations for this team are simple, “For all the girls to basically play hard, come with an open mind, and get better day-by-day,” she said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Gabrielle Rivera, 20, Biology, Teaneck, NJ
•Playing her first full season here after transfering mid-season last year:
“I actually came in last season and it’s a different change for me [compared to] where I was use to. I love playing here.”
•On Coach Mulligan:
“She’s actually committed. She puts time into us. She’ll do anything to make everyone know every play [and] every single drill we’re doing.”
Luisa Montalvo, 18, Criminal Justice, Bayonne, NJ
•On making an impact in her rookie season:
“I kind of want to change things around because last year the team wasn’t so good. Now we have a bunch of new players, including myself. Hopefully I can set an example.”
•On Coach Mulligan:
“She’s a really good coach. She goes by doing things correctly. Even the little things, she makes sure that’s done correctly.”
Delia Chernez, 20, Professional Security Studies, Union City, NJ
•On why this season will be different than last season:
“As a team we mesh better. We’re very together. We have 3 respectable coaches who have experience and know what they’re doing.”
•On expectations of her teammates:
“Play hard every game, to play smart together, and for us to win or lose together.”
Maria Suarez, 19, Biology (Pre-Med), Cliffside Park, NJ
•On the infamous “Sophomore Slump”:
“I don’t believe in ‘The Sophomore Slump’ but I think it’s all [about] determination.”
•On the team’s chemistry:
“It’s good, new, [and] it’s starting.”
