Central Michigan University Athletics
Elwer Brings Cohesiveness To Women's Basketball
1/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 23, 2002
Just as you can't judge a book by its cover, you can't judge an athlete by his or her demeanor.
This idea holds true in sophomore Mandy Elwer (Delphos, Ohio).
Elwer takes on the role of the glue that holds the Central Michigan women's basketball team together. She tries to keep tensions to a minimum.
"I've been known to play the cohesive role on the team," said Elwer. "Some people might not know just by looking at me, but I am sometimes overly nice."
Mandy takes on a big responsibility at such a young age. "I try to be the motherly-type to the younger players," said Elwer. She reminds the players that if they do not stick together as a team they will not succeed regardless of how much talent they possess.
Mandy's love for the game and desire to watch everyone on the team succeed is the fuel that makes her leadership valuable. She values her teammates and her opportunity to play college basketball.
"I'm more interested in keeping the team together because I know they will be my friends for the rest of my life," said Elwer.
In giving advice to her fellow teammates, Elwer has found challenges along the way, too. Mandy is also experienced in taking advice. Her older brother Scott, a former athlete at Hillsdale College and current assistant football coach at Northwood, often gives Mandy pointers. "He played basketball and football in college so he gives me things to think about after the game and what to work on," said Elwer.
A team of friends basically becomes the family away from home for most athletes. Elwer is close to her family in Ohio but decided to come to CMU to gain independence. Her teammates have become her support system and she has provided support for them.
"Sometimes it's hard not seeing family and friends for a while but I have 13 best friends here, each with a different personality," said Elwer. "If I want to laugh I'd go to Vo (Vershaun Jones). If I need some guidance, I might go to Molli (Munz) and if I need someone just to listen, I'll talk to Raina (Harmon).
"I tell the underclassmen to turn to teammates if they ever get homesick or are bothered by something. If you just sit around in your dorm room and think about it for too long it will get to you."
Elwer's nurturing attitude and love of sports has turned her to a career in physical education. "I don't know what I'd do without basketball so I want to stay involved with sports and teach physical education in a high school setting," said Elwer. "I'd also like to coach high school basketball."
Just as the team is fortunate to have her as a teammate, future athletes are will be fortunate to have her as a coach.
By Andrea Wieczorek, Sports Information Intern
