September 30, 2012

Cook and Heady named captains of Golden Eagle Women's Basketball Team

Women's basketball team selects Kellie Cook and Molly Heady as this season's captains.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Senior Kellie Cook and junior Molly Heady were named captains of the 2012-13 Tennessee Tech women's basketball team. The duo has high expectations for the team, and with a new coaching staff and a completely different dynamic, the Golden Eagles are seeking an Ohio Valley Conference Championship that has eluded the eighth-winningest program in the country last year.

The captains were selected by team vote, but the coaching staff feels it could not have made a better choice.

"I don't think we could have selected anyone with better leadership qualities," said head coach Jim Davis. "The first thing you look for in a captain is someone who can be a great example on and off the court. These two young ladies exemplify these qualities and then some."

This is Cook's second season as team captain, and has been named to the TTU Athletic Director's and OVC Commissioner's Honor Rolls her sophomnore and junior year. Last year Cook received the OVC Medal of Honor for boasting a perfect 4.0 GPA and also represents the OVC in the NCAA SAAC committee.

Heady finished the 2011-12 season as TTU's third leading scorer. She has been named to the TTU Athletic Director's and OVC Commissioner's Honor Rolls in her freshman and senior seasons and has also received the OVC Medal of Honor. Heady also won the Coach's award last season and became just the fifth Golden Eagle to receive a second Frank Porter Award for her overall contributions to the team.

"The most important quality of a leader is that you need people to follow you and because of their example, it's easy for these ladies to be an influence and encourage people to follow them," said Davis.

The dynamic duo has high expectations for the season and is already hard at work preparing for the season.

"Our expectations for this year is to improve upon last year. We want to start out strong and just keep getting better throughout the season. We want to be consistent throughout the year and peak at the end just in time to send us to the NCAA," said Cook.

Heady continued, "I think we can win the regular season this year and make it to the tournament. I really want to beat UT Martin this year, and make a run in the NCAA's."

As captains, the pair must inspire a team through its toughest obstacles and remain stoic even in the darkest of moments. The duo is prepared, but they don't think about that, the only thing that is on their mind is a positive outlook on this season and how to best acheive a championship.

"Coach Davis's excitement has regenerated our excitement. We're really excited because he can lead us to the NCAA tournament," said Cook.

Heady added, "it's a great atmosphere right now. The excitement is fun, but it's hard, but the chemistry of the team and the common vision for this season has the makings of something really special."