Former Highlands Ranch standout Susie Powers is looking for a second chance. New Colorado women’s basketball coach Kathy McConnell-Miller hopes to jump-start the program. Together, they’re hoping to change the fortunes of CU basketball.
After two seasons as a reserve at Notre Dame, Powers officially transferred to Colorado on Friday.
“Personally, I failed to adjust to the college level of play at Notre Dame,” the 5-foot-10 guard said Tuesday. She averaged 6.5 minutes in two seasons.
Colorado’s hiring of McConnell-Miller from Tulsa on April 27 to replace legendary coach Ceal Barry caught Powers’ attention.
“When the Tulsa staff decided to transfer over it was extremely intriguing to me because they recruited me out of high school,” Powers said. “I like their style of play. The biggest thing for me is that I enjoy the up-tempo, fast-paced game, which was different from what I was experiencing at Notre Dame.”
Powers asked for release from her scholarship in mid-May. She then contacted McConnell-Miller and became the new coach’s first recruit.
Powers helped lead Highlands Ranch to three consecutive Class 5A state championships (2000-02).
McConnell-Miller said she believes Powers will provide leadership on the floor and also hopes she will help attract more in-state players.
“Things happen for a reason, and I was happy that it happened,” McConnell-Miller said. “Given the opportunity, she will shine in Colorado. To me this sends a message to top Colorado players that I want to recruit them. That’s my priority to send to the rest of the state: You can win here with Colorado players.”
Powers will have to sit out the 2005-06 season because of NCAA transfer regulations, but will have two years of eligibility remaining.
The Buffaloes are in a transition period, coming off a 9-19 season.
“Coming off a season like last season, we have a lot to look forward to because we can only get better,” Powers said. “We’re all in similar situations in terms of coaching staff and myself starting over. We’re all a huge support group adjusting and working together to rebuild.”
Bryan Chu can be reached at bchu@denverpost.com.
