May 5, 2004

Cowley’s Parker signs with Bethany College

Despite missing all of last season with a knee injury, Cowley County Community College sophomore LaShelle Parker’s talent did not go unnoticed as NAIA powerhouse Bethany College recently signed her to a letter of intent.

Parker, a 6-2 center, was supposed to be Cowley’s lone returner from the 2002-2003 team that went 28-6 and won the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division. However, she had to watch from the bench as the Lady Tigers struggled to find an inside presence, despite finishing 23-9 on the season.

The Swedes, who are always near the top of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference standings, believe Parker will return to the form that made her an All-Chisholm Trail League and all-state player during her career at Mulvane High School.

“Bethany needed a post player that could come in and play quality minutes right away, and has a good power game,” Cowley head coach Stephanie Smith said. “That fits LaShelle’s style of play.”

Having a chance to stay close to home and go to a school that has a good business program also was a factor in Parker’s decision. Because of last year’s redshirt season, Parker will have three years of eligibility remaining.