Griffin Awarded Coach of the Year

Two years ago when head coach Richard McElwee stepped down as the EMU women's basketball head coach, the door opened for Kevin Griffin. In September of 2005, his alma mater welcomed him back with open arms.

Griffin, in only his second season, guided the young Lady Royals to a 17-7 record overall and a 15-5 record in the ODAC after finishing last season with a 14-12 overall record and a 10-10 mark in the conference. His enthusiasm, passion and love for the game earned Coach Griffin ODAC Coach of the Year honors for the 2006-07 campaign. Coach Griffin is entering his third year here at EMU, so to already be the Coach of the Year speaks volume.

That is not the only thing coach Griffin has earned in the past two years. He has also earned the respect and trust of his players. Captain Amanda Madden commented on her coach's honors, saying, "There is not one reason I can think of why he wouldn't deserve it. It's funny because before the banquet we all knew that he would win. He has the ability to make you believe you can do anything. There are no limits to his faith in his players and their abilities. Coach Griff puts you in situations where you have to work harder and think bigger than you ever have. It's amazing to be a part of a team coached by the Coach of the Year. This year's team became a family. Coach Griff was the head of that bond that we all formed, our cornerstone."

The players have nothing but good comments to say about their coach. Freshman guard Takita Mease says, "He is the best coach I have ever had, and I really look up to him. He not only preaches but he lives by what he preaches and that is what inspires me the most. Coach was one of the main reasons I came to EMU. He is a joy to be around, I feel honored to have been coached by him, and I look forward to the years ahead because I know something great is going to happen."

Many at EMU feel blessed to have Coach Griffin here because his knowledge and passion for people and basketball is not only an asset to the athletic department, but to the entire EMU community. In addition to Coach Griffin, two of his players received honors in the ODAC. Carolyn Riley was honored as a first-team all-conference player and Jolene Kratz received an honorable mention.