Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Lady Frogs ink two junior college players for next season
By Kelly Morris
Skiff Staff

The TCU women’s basketball team did more than just win the first two games of its season this weekend.

It added two players to next year’s roster.

Sophomore guard Kim Ortega and sophomore forward Tracy Wynn, both from Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kan., signed their national letters of intent Saturday to play for the Frogs at the start of the 2002 season.

Head TCU women’s basketball coach Jeff Mittie said besides being talented shooters, both players have the ability to be great leaders for the Frogs.

“Both players have aspirations for a national championship next season,” Mittie said. “Ortega can shoot the three, and Tracy is a very good shooter facing the basket or with her back to the basket.”

Head SCCC women’s basketball coach Jim Littell, said even with just one year of collegiate experience between them, Ortega and Wynn have already made a big impact on the team.

“Last season, we went 31-1, and Kim and Tracy were an integral part of our success,” Littell said at a press teleconference Saturday. “TCU just got a lot better.”

Ortega said she will make a quick adjustment to the Frogs style of play next season.
“I think I’ll be a perfect fit,” Ortega said. “I’ll be entering a program that is very similar to the program here at Seward County. I have an up-tempo style of play, and I’ll work hard to be a leader. I’ll fit right in.”

Ortega led the Saints in scoring last season with an average of 17.7 points per game. She earned Jayhawk West Most Valuable Player and Jayhawk West Freshman of the Year last season. She was also named Kodak All-American and NJCAA All-American.

Wynn said she has grown accustomed to winning at SCCC and won’t have a problem carrying on that tradition with the Frogs next season.

“I’m really excited going to TCU,” Wynn said. “I don’t like to lose. I’m used to winning here and I know with TCU, we can win tournaments and even make it to a Final Four and win a national championship.”

Wynn, who earned All-Conference Second Team and Region VI First Team honors last season, was second on the Saints in scoring with 15.4 points a game.

But Littell said what Ortega and Wynn have to offer goes far beyond their accomplishments.

“Not only are they quality players,” Littell said. “They are even better people. They have been a pleasure to coach, and I have been very fortunate to have them on my team.”

Kelly Morris
k.l.morris@student.tcu.edu