Women's Basketball
last updated 01/13/2010 10:41 AM

KUTZTOWN, PA. (January 12, 2010) – The women’s basketball world is forever grateful that Rachel Wisemiller (Hazleton/Hazleton) gave up cheerleading in seventh grade. The Kutztown University senior guard eventually traded in her poms-poms and skirt for shorts and a pair of high top sneakers.

 As Wisemiller closes in on the 1,000-point scoring mark for her career and continues to excel in the classroom, it’s quite obvious she made the right move. With a 3,000-watt smile that can illuminate Times Square, Wisemiller was recognized for her classroom excellence Tuesday afternoon at the monthly Lehigh Valley Coaches Association luncheon at Starter’s Pub.

A mathematics major, Wisemiller has posted some amazing figures during her career. While she has racked up some impressive statistics such as making 143 3-pointers, scoring 875 points and blocking 86, it’s another number that fills Wisemiller with the most pride: Her overall grade point average of 3.8. In addition, Wisemiller’s senior seminar presentation on the Hungarian math method could be eventually published.

“It’s nice to be recognized for working hard in the classroom,” Wisemiller said. “It means a lot to me to be able to have success in and out of the classroom because my family always stressed getting good grades when I was younger. It hasn’t hit me yet that I could be published. I know it’s pretty big and a nice accomplishment.”

Wisemiller is focused on helping the Golden Bear women’s basketball team enjoy some more success and create more memories on the court as Kutztown begins Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division play against East Stroudsburg University Wednesday night beginning at Keystone Arena (6 p.m.).

In helping the Golden Bears to a 9-4 overall record, Wisemiller leads the team in blocked shots (21) and 3-pointers (31). She is second on the team in scoring (11.5 points per game) and third in rebounding (5.5). Wisemiller, who was named PSAC East Division player of the week on Dec. 14,  is also second in the PSAC in blocked shots (1.6).

Not bad for somebody who was once thinking about being a cheerleader.

Now, Wisemiller has her own cheering section after another 3-pointer swishes through net or she swats a shot into the third row. She hears the cheers instead of leading them. Wisemiller has made 28 3-pointers in Kutztown’s last seven games.

“I like being a part of the game and not watching,” Wisemiller said. “I’ve liked basketball ever since I finally focused on it in seventh grade.  I’ve had some really good basketball coaches help me along the way.”

Wisemiller is now imparting that wisdom to some of the younger girls when she works with a summer basketball camp in her hometown. In addition to organizing schedules, mentoring, and offering kind words, Wisemiller also referees and coaches in the league. Of course, while she was close to the action as a referee and a coach, it couldn’t beat the thrill of fighting through picks, sinking a late momentum-turning 3-pointer, blocking a shot or being with her teammates.

“She is a great young lady,” Kutztown women’s coach Janet Malouf said. “I am blessed to have her for a few more games. Last year was her breakout year and she’s one student-athlete that I have to never worry about.”

Wisemiller along with fellow seniors Vivian Melvin (Chichester/Chichester) and Chauntelle Schroeder (Toronto, Ontario, Candad/Mother Teresa) have helped return the Kutztown women’s basketball program to its winning ways. During her first two years, the Golden Bears won 20 games combined. Last year, as Wisemiller averaged 15.8 points, sank a school record 81 3-pointers and blocked 33 shots, Kutztown won 20 games for the first time since the 1999-2000 season and qualified for the PSAC East playoffs.

When she is not studying or playing basketball, Wisemiller is cheering for the New York Yankees, who she lists as her favorite team. She likes Allen Iverson, eating McDonalds, and watching any movie with Vince Vaughn. Among her favorite classes is operations research.

“We are confident in each other heading into the conference,” Wisemiller said. “We’ve been playing with each other for a while and I believe we have good chemistry. I am excited about the start of the conference season.” 

--KU--