Copeland heads to next level, signs with University of Illinois Springfield

Barton Community College women's basketball player Erin Copeland recently committed to play at the next level, signing with NCAA Division II University of Illinois Springfield located in Springfield, Illinois. 

There were two other schools I was considering," Copeland said in an interview with Barton Sports Information Director Todd Moore.  "The system that Coach (Chad) Oletzke plans on having for the team, as well as, what the school had to offer towards my career seemed the best fit for me."

Copeland, a two-year starter for the Lady Cougars, was named to the KJCCC West Division honorable mention team this past season.  The Kansas City, Kansas, native averaged 10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while also leading the Lady Cougars with 3.1 assists per game.  

"I learned from my two years of my Barton experience was that nothing is ever going to be given to me," said Copeland.  "If I really want something bad enough I have to go hard every day at doing it.  Face every obstacle with a 100% effort and success will follow."

Copeland developed throughout her sophomore season averaging over twelve points per contest in conference play and become a lethal threat from behind the arc shooting nearly 40%.

Citing a famous quote from NBA legend Michael Jordan, Copeland draws strength for her competiveness on and off the court.

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 400 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."  

"Through every tough situation a break-through will come," Copeland said. "Only I can choose to get back up when I've been knocked down.  I will never accept failure."

Copeland knocked down a career high five three pointers and twenty points this past spring against Butler Community College.  Copeland then matched her career high again the following game coming against Hutchinson Community College to cap a streak of eleven straight double-digit scoring outputs.  In her last fifteen games as a Lady Cougar, Copeland reached double-figures twelve of those games while also nearly averaging three assists and two steals.

Starting fifty-eight of sixty-one games played in a Barton uniform, Copeland had the task of leading the offense and absorbing the challenges faced by a point guard.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11. 

"This verse helps me a lot when I'm feeling discouraged," Copeland said. "Sometimes in the midst of a tough situation it's easy to lose faith but this (verse) helps me bounce back to reality.  If nobody has my back I know for sure God does."

A 2011 graduate from Shawnee Mission West High School, Copeland will be majoring in visual arts with a minor in communications.