Even though she’s entering her freshman season on the Northwood University women’s basketball team, Brittany Stedman has already made a good impression on the team’s coaching staff.
‘She’s definitely going to have to play for us,? Northwood coach Kelly Parker said of Stedman, a 2003 Brandon High School graduate. ‘She’s a very, very smart player. It’s up in the air at this point as far as whether she’ll start or come off the bench, but she’ll play in the post for us this year.?
As a senior in the 2002 season, Stedman led the Blackhawks to a 19-3 record and a 12-0 record in the Flint Metro League, with the Blackhawks capturing the league championship. She said the pace of the game and decision-making process on the court is ‘definitely a lot quicker? in college as opposed to high school.
Stedman, a 6?1? center, said the Northwood program’s ‘overall attitude? and commitment to excellence led her to sign a letter of intent with the Midland-based school last spring.
The Timberwolves opened their season Nov. 22 against Madonna University. At this point, Stedman anticipates playing a backup role, and is ready to help in any way possible.
‘I feel I’m a solid person to come in off the bench and do whatever my coaches ask, plus I think I bring a good attitude and work ethic,? she said.
Stedman said one of Northwood’s senior captains, Payshence Erb, has been a ‘big help? in making her transition to college basketball easier.
‘Her attitude is great ? she knows the ropes and has been a big help to all the freshmen,? Stedman said.
She said her goals for this season are to improve her upper-body strength and quickness, and become a better all-around player.
Although she has moved on to college, Stedman has not forgotten her alma mater. Younger sister Savannah is a freshman at Brandon and just completed her first year on the Blackhawks? varsity girls basketball team. The elder Stedman was on hand at the Blackhawks? district loss to host Waterford Kettering Nov. 17.
‘I’ve told her (Savannah) to hang in there and stay strong, and things will turn around,? Brittany Stedman said. ‘This was kind of a rebuilding year for them ? they had a lot of younger players.?