Kristen Shimko hasn’t coached a game yet at Morton College, but the new women’s basketball coach already has generated a positive buzz.
She’s already got 13 players committed to play this season, including five returning players. Her assistant, Amy Jendra, is a product of her father’s highly-successful George Shimko Basketball School.
“We’re enthusiastic to have Kristen on board,” Morton College athletic director Billy Jacklin said. “She’s a high-energy, hard-working, determined person. When she walks into the gym, her charisma rubs off on to the players in the gym. I’m confident she’ll do a great job of taking Morton College women’s basketball to the next level.”
A closer look at the Shimko DNA reveals an emphasis on the fundamentals of the game and preparing players for life beyond basketball. As a full-time academic advisor at Morton College, Shimko will be able to impact students looking to take the next step in their lives, whether it be in a career field or moving on to a four-year school.
“Every aspect of this position was appealing to me,” Shimko said. “I like the dynamic of the school. I really want to make a difference and change the culture. Coaching for my dad’s program for so many years really taught me the importance of utilizing each player for their talents and to not limit them based on their typical positions.
“All of our players will be given the confidence to handle the ball, drive to the basket, shoot and defend,” Shimko added. “The ladies need to understand that each of them has an important role on our team and with them accepting their roles and being eager to learn, they will be nothing short of successful.”
Shimko brings experience as a player and coach to the table at Morton College. She has coached at her father’s basketball school for 10 years and served as an assistant on a 22-4 Argo High School girls varsity squad this season.
As a player, Shimko was an all-Southwest Prairie Conference selection at Plainfield North High School in 2012. At Concordia University Chicago, she received the 2015-16 Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference Scholar-Athlete Award.
Shimko has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Concordia University Chicago and a master’s degree in school counseling from Saint Xavier University.
“We want players who are energized and excited to be a Morton College basketball player,” Shimko said. “We want each player to be selfless, caring and really wanting their teammates to be successful.”
