Cornell Finishes Career with Colorado Christian University, Declines Invites to Prominent Division I Programs
Senior Forward Transfers from Colorado State University to CCU Despite Full-Ride Offers from Berkeley, Arizona, and Weber State
August 2009 - NCAA Division II Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colo.) recently announced the signing of Juanise Cornell to the women's basketball team for the 2009-10 season. Hailing from Azusa, Calif., the 5'11" forward started 26 of 30 games last season for Division I Colorado State University. She finished the season ranked first in field goals made, second in total rebounds, and fourth in assists and steals, including a 19-point, 12-rebound effort against the U.S. Air Force Academy last January.
Cornell's decision to switch to Division II entering her senior season came as a surprise to many, especially because she turned down full rides to multiple Division I schools, including Pac-10 powerhouses the universities of California-Berkeley and Arizona, as well as Weber State University. Instead, Cornell wanted to play at a smaller school with a more relational campus community. "After visiting campus and meeting the people who are involved with CCU, I immediately knew this was the place where I wanted to finish my college career," she commented. "I love the small community as well as the friendly atmosphere that CCU has to offer."
"Juanise is a phenomenal player and person," stated CCU women's head coach Tim Hays. "She has an incredible work ethic and knowledge of the game, and could be one of the best individual athletes to ever attend CCU. She has already proven that she can be a great leader and player at the college level, and she will have an immediate impact on our program."
Cornell started 85 games and played in 90 during three seasons with Colorado State University, averaging 27.7 minutes, 7.4 points, and 6.2 rebounds per game. She was ranked eighteenth for all-time single-season rebounds, and finished in the top ten in school history for free throws made, steals, offensive rebounds, rebounds per game, and total rebounds for a freshman. A two-sport (basketball, volleyball) prep star at Bishop Amat Memorial High School, Cornell helped lead her basketball team to a 2006 state championship, capping a 35-0 season record. She served as team captain during her junior and senior years, also earning all-league, all-state, and CIF Player of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006. During her high-school career, she guided the Lancers to a school-best 119-7 record.
"Maybe even more impressive than [Juanise's] playing accolades," Hays added, "are her unselfish attitude and ability to make others around her better. She's a complete package and we are very excited to have her here."
CCU will tip off the season on November 15 at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. Joining Cornell this season are all 10 members of last year's team, two transfers from Regis University, and three high-school recruits, one of whom was ranked on ESPN.com among the top 50 players at her position in the nation.
For more information about CCU Athletics, visit
www.ccu.edu/athletics.
About Colorado Christian University
As the only Council for Christian Colleges and Universities member located in the Rocky Mountains and minutes from Denver, Colorado Christian University provides a distinctive educational experience with an intentionally Christ-centered foundation. More than 3,600 undergraduate, adult, and graduate students enroll annually at CCU's main campus, in online programs, and at centers throughout Colorado. CCU offers 44 academic programs that equip students professionally, spiritually, and interpersonally to be leaders in their careers, communities, and churches. The University charge is also to engage the world with the message of Jesus Christ. Across the last decade, CCU has established numerous campus-based ministries to serve the Denver area and has sent more than 100 short-term missionary teams throughout the United States and to more than 30 countries.