The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Hoops Preview

New women's head coach Brian Fogel replaces Molly Goodenbour after a pair of CCAA championships. [Click to enlarge]

New women's head coach Brian Fogel replaces Molly Goodenbour after a pair of CCAA championships. [Click to enlarge]

First-year head coach Brian Fogel will replace Molly Goodenbour as the head coach of the women's basketball team with a ton of expectations.

Fogel served as the assistant coach for the 2007-2008 season and was picked to lead because of his knowledge and understanding of the program, Athletic Director Anita Barker said.

"I expect to see the same exciting women's basketball we've seen the last few years," Barker said.

Fogel is a smart and experienced basketball coach and has a deep caring for the program, she said. He genuinely cares about the student athletes being successful - both on and off the court.

Fortunate to work with young athletes, Fogel has always wanted to be involved with athletics, he said.

"You have an opportunity to help them strive to reach their goals," Fogel said. "To help them through their shortcomings and to share my life experiences is special."

Fogel began playing the sport in first grade in Southern California and enjoyed the game instantly, he said. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Sonoma State, where he played as a guard.

There are a lot more similarities between women's and men's basketball than people think, he said.

"You are trying to accomplish the same things," Fogel said. "You have the same successes and the same failures."

The team will participate in Fogel's "Amazing Race," women's basketball style, he said. To help the team bond, Fogel hopes to set up a set of clues or games that will bring them together off the court. The team members will rely on each other to gather clues to finish the race.

"When it's outside of the gym, it's a different way to see your teammates in a different situation and setting," Fogel said.

Senior center Renee Goldoff is excited for her final season with Fogel, she said. He is a great coach and the entire team wants to play well and work hard for him.

Fogel has had a year to get to know the team, Goldoff said.

"He puts a lot of trust in us," she said. "We don't want to disappoint him."

Fogel has taught them to overlook the score and stats, Goldoff said.

"The outcome doesn't make or break us," she said.

Fogel wants the team to play to its potential and capabilities, he said.

"I want it to be a positive learning experience," Fogel said.

Natalia Ferruggia can be reached at
nferruggia@theorion.com

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