McQuerter measures success by amount of effort, teamwork

Kelly coach Rod McQuerter has a simple philosophy regarding his program --but it appears to have paid major dividends.

McQuerter says he never talks about wins and losses with his players, only about giving maximum effort and playing together.

"Our whole team philosophy is to have a positive attitude, to play hard and to play as a team," McQuerter said. "We have simple goals, those three things."

McQuerter, in his sixth season at Kelly, has led the Hawks to a 66-18 record the past three years, including a 20-7 mark last season. Kelly lost to Charleston in the district finals. Two years ago, the Hawks advanced to the Class 3 quarterfinals.

"Our success is because of those three things," McQuerter said. "Won't even worry about wins and losses, we don't even mention it. It's not really a priority in our program.

"The girls have enjoyed the system and have enjoyed playing together and as a team. We have a very good group of girls, they compete every day in practice and they make a coach want to go to practice every day. When all those things happen, then great things will follow."

Kelly appears prepared to put together another strong season after having just two seniors last year. Three starters return, led by 5-foot-9 senior guard Kelly Essner, who enters her third year as a regular after averaging 14 points, five assists and five steals per game last season.

Other returning starters are 5-10 junior forward Mindy Robert and 5-8 sophomore point guard Brittany Ponder. Robert averaged 10 points and five rebounds last year, while Ponder averaged five points and five assists.

Also returning are 5-9 senior forward Jessica Burnett, 5-8 senior forward Stephanie Hency, 5-10 senior forward Rachel Kline, 5-10 junior forward LeighAnn Bucheit, 5-6 junior guard Amber Dirnberger, 5-8 sophomore guard Summer Proctor and 5-8 sophomore guard Nikki Weiny.

"We still have a young team, but we want our seniors to provide leadership," McQuerter said. "We've had excellent senior leadership the last six years, and I think that will happen again. They always pass something along to the younger girls, and that's really helped us."

The Hawks don't have much height, but McQuerter doesn't believe that will hold them back in their quest for another strong season.

"We never have had a significant amount of height, but the girls still compete," he said. "I think the girls have brought into the system that everybody has a chance to play. It's 15 girls having a positive attitude, then great things can happen."

Kelly opens the season Dec. 2 at Chaffee.