For seven weeks beginning
in February of 1997, a group of fifteen
women participated in once a week
scrimmages designed to prepare players
for college and professional basketball
competition. From this initial group a
post-collegiate women’s team was
assembled that went 28-3 in its first
season.
Originally called the San
Diego Waves, in 1998 the team voted to
change its name to San Diego Sol. That
women’s team won the regular season and
playoffs of the Tierrasanta League, won
the 1998 Division I NWBL Regional
Championship and was runner-up in the
1998 NWBL National Championships.
Past members of San Diego
Sol women’s team:
Nicole Anderson, Amber
Jansen, Shannon Anderson,
Nadine Mastroleo, Chris
Cavalin, Alisa Murphy, Julie
Cheskaty, Janine Phillips,
Amy Cleveland, Danielle
Phipps, Sharon Epps, Jenny
Shirbroun, Monica Filer,
Monique Taylor, Jenny Gross,
Deb Theroux, Jennie Harris,
Jodi Tres, Jill Haverly,
Sherri Watts, Sara Heckman,
Lakeysha Wright, Erica
Hockley, Sandy Wright, Sue
Homer, Coach Tony Allen |
The San Diego Sol women’s
team disbanded in 1999 when a number of
its players moved on to play
professional basketball in Europe. In
2001, a group of parents wanted a
quality program started that would keep
their daughters active in basketball
during the summer. Two teams were
created which included players from San
Diego area elementary schools and high
schools. Initially named the Panthers,
both teams went undefeated in the
Mission Valley YMCA league until they
played each other in the game that made
one of them league champion.
When the high school
players from that summer program began
the fall basketball season with their
respective high schools, the parents of
the elementary school girls wanted the
program to be continued. The remaining
girls were formed into an 12 and under
team and adopted the name San Diego Sol
from the original women’s team.
When some of the women
from the original San Diego Sol returned
from playing professional basketball in
Europe, they recognized the need in San
Diego for a program which offers a wide
range of opportunities for young
players. In March 2002, our staff
organized an assessment camp that was
attended for girls ranging in age from
8-18. Eight teams were then established
under the name San Diego Sol Basketball
Club.
By March of 2003 there
were 12 teams supporting over 100 girls.
San Diego Sol places girls of similar
abilities on age group teams named
Light, Heat, Fire and Elite. For some
girls our club is an introduction to
competitive basketball. Some of our
teams are highly competitive travel
teams. A girl can begin with our club
and improve her skills to any level –
from elementary and recreational levels
all the way through college and the
professional ranks.
The staff and players of
San Diego Sol give thanks to those who
helped or took part in the San Diego Sol
teams of the past and to those who
participate now and in the future. We
appreciate your efforts and commitment
to improving the level of basketball in
San Diego and the development of the
character and the personalities of the
young ladies who are proud to say,
“Sol.” |