Rochester, Mn -
Story by Hailey Nisbit / photos courtesy of Minnesota West CTC
Recently, there has been one player from the Minnesota West Community and Technical College women's basketball team who has stood out amongst her peers with two major milestones in her career. Katherin Ihnen, is a Lady Jay sophomore and Psychology major and, as her head basketball coach Rosalie Hayenga, says, "...is a great kid and a hard worker."
Ihnen has set the all-time rebounding record for her school this past week against Ridgewater College with 602 career rebounds and counting. Additionally, Ihnen had a career high 48 points earlier in the season against Vermillion Community College on December 2, establishing a new program single-game record. The MCAC recently connected with Ihnen to learn more about her and her time as a three-sport athlete at Minnesota West.
MCAC: How is the season going for you personally - aside from your two big milestones?
Katherin Ihnen: Personally, the season is going great for me. I think that I have improved immensely just from last year to this year. I don't even really notice it until I sit back and watch, and I realize wow I really have improved. I use more moves than I used to.
MCAC: How is the season going for your team?
Katherin Ihnen: As for my team, our season is going unbelievably well. We have a great group of Sophomores leading our team and our Freshman mix with us very well. We are currently 20-5. We've done so many amazing things together, but we still have a lot of potential and a long way to go before our season is finished. We have strong players in every position which helps immensely.
MCAC: What are some challenges that you have had to overcome with being a college athlete in three sports?
Katherin Ihnen: All athletes endure many challenges. For me, one of my biggest challenges is staying physically healthy. Taking care of my body when it needs attention, for instance, icing and ice baths. I tore my labrum my Sophomore year of high school, but they told me I couldn't damage it any more so I just kept playing, and over the years it has gotten worn down. So taking care of that and giving it the proper attention has always been a struggle.
MCAC: Do you have any advice for your underclassmen? What about advice for any current/future student-athletes?
Katherin Ihnen: My advice to my underclassmen would be to don't ever take anything for granted and please cherish your time where you are because it goes by so fast. Don't ever wish anything by because the next thing you know it's gone. For any current or future student-athletes, I would say to never let an opportunity go. Take a risk and try something because before you know it, it could literally be the best time of your life.
MCAC: What is it like to balance three sports along with your academics?
Katherin Ihnen: Balancing three sports and school can be a challenge at times. At first, I was extremely overwhelmed, but over time I learned to use my time wisely. It's definitely a challenge, but I am always up for a challenge.
MCAC: What are your plans for after Minnesota West?
Katherin Ihnen: After Minnesota West, I plan to attend a four-year school to get my Bachelor's degree, and I might possibly want to get my Master's in psychology. I have not decided if I want to continue playing sports at the next level. If I do play, it will definitely be basketball. I haven't ruled it out yet, but I am not decided.
Ihnen concludes: "I am so glad that I got the opportunity to play another two years after high school. I am so lucky to have created the friendships that I have through my coaches and teammates. I never dreamt of something like this happening to me. I wasn't even planning on playing sports after high school, but the opportunity rose, and I am so glad I took it. I can't even imagine if I didn't I cannot thank my teammates, my coaches, and my family for getting me here today. Without them, their constant love and support, none of this would have been possible. I thank my teammates for encouraging and helping me. I thank my coaches for pushing me and constantly making me better. Lastly, I thank my friends and family for all their support and constant love."
Currently the Lady Jay's are standing with a 20-5 overall record and are 11-1 in the MCAC Southern Division. Minnesota West will be wrapping up their regular season this week with two conference games, against St. Cloud Technical and Community College on February 21 and Rochester Community and Technical College on February 24.
This release sponsored in part by:
The United Heroes League seeks to keep military kids healthy and active through sports while their parents are serving the nation. The United Heroes League is headquartered in Hastings, Minnesota and offers several opportunities for colleges, businesses, organizations and individuals to help support their cause. The #1 goal for the United Heros League is to ensure that all 5 million military kids are able to develop critical life skills through sports. This intense focus on youth development and serving the families of our miliary service members motivates the United Heroes League to keep programs focused. This focus has also inspired over 90 professional athletes and over 30 sports franchises to lend their name and support to the United Heroes League.
About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.