Balcomb

        Melanie Balcomb insists she has done the least amount of coaching this season of any in her career. But it may be the year that gets the Xavier women's basketball coach the most recognition.

        “She definitely has to be one of the front-runners for (national) coach of the year,” ESPN women's basketball analyst Beth Mowins said.

TOP CANDIDATES

Here are the 11 names the Associated Press suggested voters consider for the National Women's Basketball Coach of the Year award:   • Geno Auriemma, Connecticut   • Melanie Balcomb, Xavier   • Kristy Curry, Purdue   • Elaine Elliott, Utah   • Bill Fennelly, Iowa State   • Gail Goestenkors, Duke   • Muffet McGraw, Notre Dame   • Kim Mulkey-Robertson, Baylor   • Carol Ross, Florida   • Pat Summitt, Tennessee   • Charli Turner Thorne, Ariz. St.

        The Associated Press sent out its ballots Wednesday for that honor, and Balcomb was among 11 suggested candidates. XU is 23-2 (13-1 Atlantic 10) and ranked No.12 and can clinch a share of its first A-10 regular-season title with a victory tonight at Duquesne (14-11, 7-7).

        “There's no question she should be considered when you look at some of the blows she was dealt early on,” XU athletic director Mike Bobinski said. “To Melanie's credit, she was able to keep them focused on what was still possible.”

        In preseason, last year's A-10 Rookie of the Year Amy Waugh was lost with a ruptured Achilles' tendon; returning starter Katie Griggs had a career-ending back injury; transfer Charlyn Hawkins tore an ACL, and touted freshman Allison Lipinski left school. All were guards.

        “With the staff I have and so many veteran players, everyone knew the X's and O's, so I was freed up to do a lot more mental work,” Balcomb said. “I knew it'd be more of a mental year than a physical year — being able to handle the pressure of the expectations put on us, the pressure of the injuries, the chemistry when (Waugh) came back.”

        Mowins said Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw will be the favorite for the AP award, announced March 30. But she listed Balcomb, Iowa State's Bill Fennelly, Duke's Gail Goestenkors and Oklahoma's Sheri Coale as others probably in contention.
       

Xavier Stories

Xavier 77, St. Bonaventure 60 Young ends transfer talk Xavier's Balcomb up for coach of year

Deion vows to stick it out
Greenwell will attempt comeback
Williamson agrees to $400,000
Bengals' talent search begins
UC 68, Saint Louis 61
McElroy steps up on offense
SULLIVAN: High pay heightens expectations for A-Rod
Earnhardt buried as team preps for next race
Kentucky 84, LSU 61
Stuff 115, Sioux Falls 92
Syracuse 4, Mighty Ducks 1
Edwards to speak at 'That's My Boy'
Boys basketball coverage
Girls basketball coverage
Boys regional returns to Cincinnati
Cincinnati boys basketball games
Cincinnati girls basketball games
N.Ky. girls basketball game
Ohio boys basketball scores
Ohio girls basketball scores
Indiana boys basketball scores
Indiana girls basketball scores
Boys basketball schedule
Girls basketball schedule
Cincinnati wrestling honor roll

• Return to Xavier front page...