New YSU basketball coach dazzles with her enthusiasm

By Greg Gulas

Cindy Martin has her players working on the court and in the community.

BOARDMAN — If the Youngstown State University women’s basketball team runs the break with half the enthusiasm and speed exhibited by new coach Cindy Martin, the Penguins have a shot at a pretty successful season.

Speaking Monday to the Curbstone Coaches during their weekly luncheon meeting at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, Martin beamed about her team, adding that the first four days of practice have been nothing short of productive.

“It’s been exciting thus far, but the toughest challenge for any new head coach is having everyone buy into your system and its philosophy,” Martin said. “We’re all working very hard, continuing to teach the fundamentals but preaching take care of the basketball.

“We might come up short in an area or two against some opponents, but none will outwork us. We want to create an up-tempo game but realize it has to be a game in which we play under control.

“The latter is the toughest to grasp, however,” Martin said. “Our outside shooting might not be as strong as some of the opponents we will face, but we’ll stress good, old-fashioned defense to make up for any of those shortcomings.”

Team captains have yet to be selected for the season, but the six returning seniors have provided much-needed leadership for the new staff.

“Our seniors have done an outstanding job to date and that is very important for our program,” Martin said. “I believe in senior leadership, but also believe that a freshman can be a leader as well.

“Our point guard, just by the nature of the position, is a leader,” Martin said. “The players will select our captains and the goal is to have that done within the next few weeks,” she said.

Martin assembled a staff that has never before worked together, but she doesn’t view that as a drawback. The assistants are Bernard Scott (recruiting coordinator), Meredith Baugher and Shannon Sword.

“I feel very fortunate in that my staff is a blue-collar staff; three very hard workers who have really clicked,” Martin said. “We meet every day for an hour before practice and all four of us remain on the same page. That’s important if you expect to have a successful program.”

Martin has also stressed community service. Her players have taken part in several service activities and will participate in a Halloween celebration at the Sunrise Senior Living Center.

“It is important for us to be out and about in the community,” Martin said. “We preach three C’s — Community, Classroom and Court. Community is involvement while the team has set a 3.5 overall grade point average as their goal. Last year, the team achieved a 3.24 overall GPA so a 3.5 this year is definitely achievable. “Court means that we expect to play in the league championship game.”

Next week, former YSU head athletic trainer Dan Wathen will be the guest speaker.