EUGENE, Ore. – Northwest Christian University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Liz Turner-Bolton announced this week that former women’s basketball player Lori Renner will be returning to the Beacons after a year away.
Renner left NCU at the end of the 2007-2008 season to attend the University of Oregon, but will return to Northwest Christian this fall. “I left NCU because I needed to clear my head and figure out what I really wanted. In that time, I found that what really makes me happy is playing basketball. I missed playing, I missed my friends that I left behind, and I missed the thrill of competition!”
Before leaving, Renner made a big impact with the Beacons, scoring 8.7 points per game while leading the team in shooting from three-point range. Renner ranks eighth on the Beacons All-Time scoring list and is in the top-ten in 16 offensive categories.
“Lori and I had such a great player-coach relationship,” said head coach Liz Turner-Bolton, “I was shocked and obviously thrilled to know she was mulling over a return. I completely understood and supported her leaving to pursue a ‘normal’ life. As a two-year starter, Lori was instrumental in our success at the 2007 [USCAA] national tournament and our run in conference play in 2008. Lori will bring a strong work ethic and positive leadership skills to the team this year. She can play all five positions on the floor and we will instantly be more effective, on both sides of the ball, with her on the court.”
Renner added, “I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to play college basketball, and I am very appreciative that Liz and the team have welcomed me back with open arms. I look forward to the season ahead, playing under Liz, and getting to know my new teammates.”
The Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team is looking to rebound after a tough 2008-2009 season in which the Beacons went 3-17 in Cascade Conference action and were unable to qualify for the CCC tournament. NCU opens up the 2009-2010 year on October 30th, with an exhibition against NCAA D.I University of Idaho.