Gillum, Hansen, Williams get NJCAA nods
–by Darrin Cline, Kirkwood Communique’
Team accomplishments have seemingly come easy for the Kirkwood Community College basketball teams, with the women claiming their fourth straight national title and the men placing third this season.
Now, three Eagles are being recognized for their contributions. On April 5, women’s team members Kalli Hansen and Staci Gillum and men’s player Jarvis Williams were named National Junior College Athletic Association All-Americans.
Hansen, a sophomore from Olin, was recognized by the NJCAA as a First Team selection.
Her ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor and her confidence on the court made her a dynamic threat.
“It’s an amazing honor. I’m grateful that I had a great team and great coaches to push me,” Hansen said.
Gillum was a member of the NJCAA Third Team. The sophomore from West Des Moines also was a member of the NJCAA All-Tournament team. As the Eagles’ primary point guard, Gillum led the team in assists and points per game.
According to women’s Head Coach Kim Muhl, her growth and comfort as a player were clearly more evident, especially late in the season.
Hansen became the 12th women’s player in Eagle history to be named to the first team, while Gillum joins only Britania Stahl as a third teamer. With the honors of these two players, Kirkwood now has 20 women’s All-Americans.
With more than 16 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, Williams battled hard inside for the Eagles all season. The 6-foot-5 forward from Milwaukee was named a member of the NJCAA Men’s Third Team. His 17 points in the double-overtime thriller that gave the Eagles third place in the nation propelled Williams to a spot on the All-Tournament team.
[Copyright 2010 by the Kirkwood Communique’, a student publication. Used by permission.]