UW-Parkside women’s basketball coach Jenny Kenesie will have her nine-month-old son Christopher in the stands Sunday as her team opens the 2009-10 campaign against Florida Southern at the DeSimone Gymnasium.

It will be a little strange not seeing him down on the sidelines.

In what truly became a season to remember, the Rangers recorded the second-most wins in program history, assembled a record 10-game winning streak and finished near the top of arguably the most talented NCAA Division II conference in the country.

One small detail

All of this with their coach ready to give birth at any moment.

“I’m not going to lie, last year was pretty crazy,” Kenesie said. “It was an unbelievable year. Being able to top that is going to be tough.”

Kenesie went into labor three days before the team’s final home game and, remarkably, missed just one practice before returning to the court. It’s that type of dedication and commitment the St. Joseph graduate and former University of Louisville standout expects from herself as well as her players.

“I know some people probably thought I was a little crazy,” Kenesie said. “Basketball just kept my mind so focused. I didn’t have to worry about the things normal pregnant women have to worry about at times. For whatever reason, I adjusted pretty well. It all worked out.”

Kenesie anxiously awaited her new arrival, but at the same time always worried unselfishly about letting down her players.

“They put forth so much effort,” Kenesie said. “That’s just the type of person I am. I’m going to put my full effort towards everything I do. I didn’t want to short change our student-athletes. I thought it was a responsibility for me to do everything I could to be there for them and help them experience a great year.”

Looking for that next step

The Rangers finished 18-10 overall and 14-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Parkside lost in the first round of the GLVC Tournament and missed out on an opportunity to qualify for the NCAA Division II Tournament.

With all five starters returning, the goal this season is to take care of unfinished business.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to exceed what we did (last year),” Kenesie said. “That’s the expectation for every one of us. It’s going to be a hard, long road to get there but we’re excited to get it rolling. We have high standards. That’s what being a part of a strong program is all about.”