Penn State York Athletics

Coach: Eric Leese
Semester: Fall/Spring

Laura Hoffman named to PSUAC All-Conference Team

The Lady Lions of York continued to make strides under fourth year Head Coach Eric Leese. This year’s team established high expectations for themselves during the preseason. The Lions not only focused on earning another trip to the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) play-offs, but also wanted to win an Elite 8 game securing a Final 4 appearance.

The Lady Lions of York finished the fall semester with an overall record of (4-5) and a PSUAC record of (3-2). The ability to win on the road in conference play was vital. York picked up two big back-to-back wins on their fall overnight road trip in western Pennsylvania beating eventual Final 4 qualifier Penn State Greater Allegheny and then Penn State Dubois.

The new year provided new life for the Lions as they set their sights on peaking together at the most opportune times. A last second win on the road against Schuylkill, ranked No. 11 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), at Schuylkill solidified the Lady Lions’ ability to win on the road. York had winning streaks of two, three, and six games respectively during the spring semester. Penn State York finished the spring semester with an overall record of (10-3) and a PSUAC record of (7-2). York’s (10-4) PSUAC record on the year was third best in the conference securing them a No. 4 seed in the PSUAC play-offs. The Lady Lions faced division rival No. 5 seed Schuylkill in the Elite 8 round of the play-offs. The two teams split during the regular season. The York Lady Lions, who finished (#9 USCAA) in team defense, held Schuylkill to 10 points in the first half on their way to a convincing 63-33 win. The win propelled the team to reach their season goal of a Final 4 appearance. York faced No. 1 seed Penn State Beaver at Beaver. Leading up to this game the Lady Lions of York played five games in eight days traveling more than 1,000 miles. Those circumstances plus a tough opponent proved too much as York dropped the Final 4 contest to Beaver.

Penn State York finished the season with an overall record of (15-9) and PSUAC record of (10-4). The team ranked No. 20 in the USCAA final rankings. Both marks were team and career bests under Coach Leese.

“The last two weeks of the season were the most memorable. Watching your team play at its best when it counted most was very rewarding. This group of seven was determined to reach their pre-season established goals. The season outcome proved fitting for their dedication and effort,” said Coach Leese.

York will lose senior, captain, Tiffany Mummert (Central York), to graduation and sophomore, Samantha Noel (Eastern York), due to transfer. The Lions will return juniors, Kaitlyn Toomey and Ariane Grove, as well as freshmen, Jennifer Fink, Laura Hoffman, and Ambraea Johnson.

The Leese Line

• 2006-07 (2-11 PSUAC 4-13 Overall)
• 2007-08 (5-10 PSUAC 8-13 Overall)
• 2008-09 (6-9 PSUAC + Playoff 7-13 Overall)
• 2009-10 (10-4 PSUAC + Final 4 Playoff) (15-9 Overall)

Please contact Coach Leese if interested in playing women’s basketball or you may complete an online student-athlete prospect form.

*= Academic All-Conference

†= All-Conference PSUAC

First-year awards:Jennifer L. Fink, New Oxford, Pa.; Laura A. Hoffman, Hanover, Pa.*†; and Ambraea L. Johnson, Gettysburg, Pa.

Second-year awards:Ariane E. Grove, Spring Grove, Pa.* and Samantha M. Noel, Hallam, Pa.

Third-year awards: Kaitlyn O. Toomey, Dover, Pa.*

Fourth-year awards: Tiffany A. Mummert, York, Pa.

*= Academic All-Conference

†= All-Conference PSUAC

Coach: Eric Leese
Semester: Fall/Spring

Hometown:

York, PA

Education:

• Millersville University 2004 (M.Ed.), Sport Management
• Western Maryland College 1998 (B.A.), Exercise Science, Health & P.E.
• Bloomsburg University 1993 (B.A.) Psychology
• Spring Grove High School 1988

Coaching History:

• Penn State York (2006-present)
• Central York High School (2000-06)
• Delone Catholic High School (1995-97)
• Spring Grove Youth (1993-95)
• Voted Coach of the Year four times in York County.

Coaching Philosophies

Those individuals (players and coaches) who strive toward excellence and make a commitment to those around them (team) will find great success in life and on the basketball floor. “Discipline Breeds Success”

Keys to a successful season:

• Academic Integrity
• Team Basketball
• Individual Skill Improvement

For more information on our program contact Eric Leese at leese5@hotmail.com

2010-11 Women's Basketball Team

2009-10 Women's Basketball Team