A career record of 29-59 wouldn’t ordinarily get a job candidate’s foot in the door, but first- year Colorado State women’s basketball coach Jen Warden had something else going for her.
“I wanted to be here more than anybody in the country wanted to be here,” Warden said. “I think (school officials) realized that.”
A native of Denver, Warden has returned to the state after beginning her head coaching career at Boise State. In her three seasons, the Broncos never won more than 10 games or finished better than eighth in the Western Athletic Conference. But Boise State’s best players are underclassmen, Warden points out, and the program had made progress despite its record.
Realizing she couldn’t rely on the won-lost record on her résumé, Warden had to sell herself. A former player and assistant coach at Colorado, Warden convinced CSU officials she could promote the program and lure better talent to Fort Collins than previous coach Chris Denker.
“What don’t we have to sell?” Warden said. “Colorado State has a triple-threat philosophy in recruiting. This program has a tremendous athletic tradition. You have a tremendous academic reputation. On top of that, you have a quality of life that, and I’m biased, only the state of Colorado can offer.”
Warden and a young staff, including 2004 CU graduate Randie Wirt, packed their exuberance in a suitcase and hit the ground running to drum up interest. Last week, two recruits from Minnesota, one from California and highly touted Raysha Ritter, a 6-foot-3 center at Grand Junction High School, signed letters of intent with CSU. Ritter also reportedly drew interest from CU, Texas Tech, Penn State and Illinois.
“Geographically, from here you can recruit in all directions,” Warden said. “We can sell the Mountain West Conference. I really think we’re going to battle the Pac-10 for being the best conference in the West. I really believe that.”
Warden is determined to not let anyone outwork her. Last summer, she set up clinics in Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction so high school coaches from across the state could become comfortable with her and the CSU program.
Known as Ceal Barry’s best recruiter at CU before taking the job at Boise State, Warden tries to convey the feeling that she cares about players beyond their play on the court. It shows.
“The hardest thing is getting to know a new coach on a personal level, and having a one-on- one relationship with your coach,” CSU senior forward Melissa Dennett said. “When you’re a senior, there’s only a short time to know a coach. But Coach Warden is very personable. She’s easy to talk to.”
Other coaches in the Mountain West Conference believe Warden will become a formidable foe on the court and along the recruiting trail.
“Colorado State has no idea how successful they were in getting the right person,” San Diego State coach Beth Burns said.
MWC women’s hoops
Denver Post staff writer Tom Kensler previews the Mountain West teams, in predicted order of finish:
1. UTAH
Last season: 26-8, 12-2 in MWC (tie first), NCAA Tournament second round
Coach: Elaine Elliott, 23rd year, 463-186
What to look for: Overwhelming league favorite led by reigning conference co-MVPs, 6-foot-1 senior forward Kim Smith (17.8, 8.9 rebounds) and 5-10 senior guard Shona Thorburn (14.9, 6.2). Center Deanne Hanchett (6.7) and forward Jessica Perry (5.5) impressed as freshmen.
Did you know? Roster has six Canadians, including Thorburn and Smith.
She said it “If our sophomores are better than they were as freshmen, as a team we’ll be better.” – Elliott
Kensler says: Only a rash of injuries can stop the Utes, who could make a longer NCAA Tournament run.
2. TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Last season: 23-10, 10-4 in Conference USA (tie third), NCAA Tournament second round
Coach: Jeff Mittie, seventh year, 133-60
What to look for: League newcomer has reached NCAA Tournament five consecutive years. Loss of departed senior Sandora Irvin (19.9, 11.8 rebounds) stings, but guards Adrianne Ross (11.8) and Natasha Lacy (9.5) will rank among MWC’s best.
Did you know? Mittie’s teams have won 20 or more games every season since his second season.
She said it “Everybody talks about travel, but remember, teams have to come to Texas to play us.” – senior guard Stephanie Thiel
Kensler says: Make that six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the Lady Frogs.
3. NEW MEXICO
Last season: 26-5, 12-2 in MWC (tie first), NCAA Tournament first round
Coach: Don Flanagan, 11th year, 217-94
What to look for: Lobos lost point guard Mandi Moore (7.3, 5.2 assists) but Flanagan never gets caught short at a position. Sophomore forward
Dionne Marsh (13.0, 5.5) is a future star.
Did you know? Marsh scored in double figures in every conference game.
She said it “Our fan support is unreal. There’s nothing like running out to a crowd of 11,000 every night.” – senior guard Abbie Letz
Kensler says: Lobos will challenge for an NCAA bid.
4. COLORADO STATE
Last season: 15-13, 6-8 in MWC (tie fifth)
Coach: Jen Warden, first year
What to look for: Four starters return from a team that underachieved the past two seasons under former coach Chris Denker. The senior frontcourt tandem of 6-2 Melissa Dennett (14.5, 8.0 rebounds) and 6-3 Lindsay Thomas (12.5, 7.8) rates among best in the West. And 5-6 sophomore guard Sara Hunter (7.8) is a star in the making.
Did you know? Dennett and Thomas each earned MWC player-of-the-week honors twice last season.
She said it “This is the most comfortable I’ve felt about where we are heading into a season.” – Dennett
Kensler says: Could be surprise of the league if the Rams adapt quickly to Warden’s triangle offense.
5. NEVADA-LAS VEGAS
Last season: 16-15, 6-8 in MWC (tie fifth), WNIT first round
Coach: Regina Miller, eighth year, 135-76
What to look for: Lady Rebels lost five league games by three points or fewer last season, but strong senior class led by guard Sheena Moore (14.6) could reverse that trend. Faye Muller, a 6-3 transfer from Northeast Colorado JC and a former Highlands Ranch athlete, is projected as the league’s newcomer of the year.
Did you know? Moore earned all-tournament honors in four tournaments last season, including MWC’s.
She said it “Last year was gruesome. We don’t want to experience that again.” – Moore
Kensler says: Lady Rebels have the talent to finish in the upper division but need to develop a killer instinct.
6. BRIGHAM YOUNG
Last season: 19-11, 9-5 in MWC (third), WNIT first round
Coach: Jeff Judkins, fifth year, 77-46
What to look for: It’s rebuilding time in Provo. The team’s top returning scorer, 6-2 senior Ambrosia Anderson (11.6), came off the bench last season.
Did you know? Anderson played high school basketball at Doherty in Colorado Springs.
She said it “We just have to believe in ourselves, believe that we’re a good team and not be so nervous in games.” – Anderson
Kensler says: Would be a surprise if the Cougars challenge for a spot in the upper division.
7. WYOMING
Last season: 16-12, 7-7 in MWC (fourth)
Coach: Joe Legerski, third year, 27-30
What to look for: Legerski has Cowgirls headed in the right direction, going from 11-18 in 2003-04 to four games above .500 last season. Departed senior guard Ashley Elliott (17.1) will be tough to replace, but 6-foot Aussie Hanna Zavecz (14.2) already is among league’s top talents as a sophomore.
Did you know? Zavecz scored 32 points and blocked seven shots in an 11-point victory at BYU.
He said it “We still have more work to do in recruiting, but we’re getting better.” – Legerski
Kensler says: Cowgirls are better but still a year or two away from being able to contend.
8. SAN DIEGO STATE
Last season: 8-20, 2-12 in MWC (tie seventh)
Coach: Beth Burns, ninth year (previous eight from 1989-97), 151-83
What to look for: After five seasons at Ohio State and a couple of years in private business, Burns returns to San Diego State, where she is the winningest coach in school history. Senior forward Michelle Strawberry (11.1), niece of Darryl, is a top returnee.
Did you know? Burns was a Colorado assistant to Ceal Barry from 1983-88.
She said it “If you had told me a year ago that I would come back to San Diego State, I’d have said you’re crazy.” – Burns
Kensler says: Six newcomers will get an opportunity to improve the Aztecs.
9. AIR FORCE
Last season: 7-21, 2-12 in MWC (tie seventh)
Coach: Ardie McInelly, fifth year, 21-91
What to look for: Facing perhaps the toughest recruiting challenge in Division I women’s basketball, Falcons never have won more than two games in MWC play. Junior guard Letricia Castillo (10.1) and 6-foot sophomore forward Alecia Steele (10.9) offer hope that’ll change.
Did you know? Two Falcons hail from Alaska: Castillo (Anchorage) and sophomore guard Ashley Mickens (Eagle River).
She said it “We see that the (Air Force) men have gotten the job done; we think it’s our turn to have a breakout season.” – Steele
Kensler says: Finishing out of the cellar would be an accomplishment.
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH
Elisabeth Dissen, C, 6-1, Fr., Wyoming
Joh-Teena Filipe, F, 6-1, Fr., Utah
Desiree Johnson, C, 6-2, Jr., San Diego State
Faye Muller, F, 6-3, Jr., Nevada-Las Vegas
Marissa Rivera, F, 6-2, Fr., Texas Christian
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
