Iowa Lakes Community College forward commits to Emporia State
By Jesse Newell
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
During the recruiting process, Iowa Lakes Community College coach Brian Radtke told Allie Renberg to go experience something that she might not ever get to experience again.
Playing in front of more fans at Emporia State than the population of her hometown should accomplish just that next season.
Renberg, a 6-foot-1 forward from Sleepy Eye, Minn., verbally committed to the ESU women’s basketball program and coach Brandon Schneider last week.
She will have two years of eligibility remaining after transferring from Iowa Lakes, where she averaged 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a freshman last season.
“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will never happen again after I’m done playing basketball,” Renberg said. “It’s exciting more than anything.”
Schneider cannot comment on recruits until they sign with the school. The first day that recruits can sign with a school is Nov. 8.
Renberg chose ESU after also considering Nebraska-Omaha, among other schools.
The forward is known for her scoring in the post and also her ability to run the floor. In high school, she competed at State in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
“I’ve had pretty good post players here,” Radtke said, “and she’s by far the best one I’ve had.”
Renberg was a force down low for the Lakers, shooting 52.5 percent from the field last season. Radtke said one reason for the success was Renberg’s ability to shoot with either hand in the lane.
“She’s probably one of the best I’ve seen in a long time going with either the right or left hand,” Radtke said. “Her supposedly weak left hand has never been that weak.”
The ESU coaching staff first saw Renberg at a Kansas City, Kan., basketball camp in the summer. It was Renberg’s first-ever trip to the state.
The forward committed to ESU after taking a single trip to campus in September. She was sold on the Hornet following after watching a video tape showing some of last season’s games.
“It looked like it would be fun,” Renberg said. “I heard all the averages of the fan attendance, and it amazed me.”
The Teachers College also attracted Renberg, as she will pursue a career in elementary education.
Originally from a Minnesota town of about 3,500, Renberg hasn’t been used to a lot of exposure during her playing days.
“I think she thought Iowa Lakes was halfway big after coming from Sleepy Eye, Minn.,” Radtke said. “It’s going to be a big change for her.”
Radtke said the biggest adjustment for Renberg might be learning to rely on her teammates after being asked to do so much during her basketball career.
“She’s always, even coming from high school, pretty much had to do it herself,” Radtke said.
Interestingly, Renberg will be the third person named “Allie” on ESU’s squad next year — with no woman spelling her name the same way.
Ali Sprague serves as an assistant coach, and Iowa high schooler Alli Volkens committed to ESU this month as well.
Renberg said she was looking forward to performing on the big stage that White Auditorium has to offer.
“I know I’m going to be nervous,” Renberg said. “I know I’m just going to tell myself to take a deep breath.”