Central Michigan University Athletics
Women's Basketball Names Assistants
4/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 26, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT - New Central Michigan University women's basketball mentor Eileen Kleinfelter completed her coaching staff by hiring two full-time assistants --Jill VanderEnde and Jill McCrea, both of whom were on her staff at the University of Findlay.
Remaining on the Chippewa staff for 2001-02 will be graduate assistant Juli Grant.
"It's always a good situation when you can bring in two coaches who know your system," Kleinfelter said. "Both have a passion for the game and are good teachers.
"Their experience and competence in recruiting will be a great benefit to our staff. Jill VanderEnde was also an AAU coach before coming to Findlay and it's amazing how many AAU coaches she knows in Michigan."
VanderEnde is a 1999 graduate of Lake Superior State University where she played basketball for four years. Jill was team MVP and co-captain, earning All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) laurels. She completed her career as the sixth-leading scorer in school history.
A prep product of Grand Rapids West Catholic High, VanderEnde was an AAU coach in Sault Ste. Marie before serving an assistant for the past two seasons at Findlay. She earned a master's degree in business administration from Findlay in July of 2000 and served as an instructor in the school of business this past season in addition to her coaching duties.
McCrea was an assistant coach for the 2000-01 season at Findlay after serving as an assistant for two years at her alma mater, William Jewell College (Liberty, Mo.). She will complete a master's degree in business administration from Findlay in June.
A prep product of King City (Mo.) High, McCrea was a four-year letterwinner who served as co-captain and all-conference as a senior at William Jewell. She played in all but one game in four years and had a tryout for three WNBA teams following college.
Kleinfelter was named CMU's head coach on April 10.