When SMCC Athletic Director Chris Haines needed a new women’s basketball coach for the 2007-08 season, she called the police.
Haines didn’t dial 9-1-1 or any police hotline, but she filled the position by naming current Phoenix police officer Lori Demski as the school’s new women’s basketball coach.
"This is a dream come true," said Demski, a former Phoenix College player and assistant coach. "It’s something that I really wanted to do so it’s not going to be like a burden. I’m sure I’m going to be exhausted, but I missed it so much and to get back into it I’m really excited."
Demski took over for Cassie Sawyer, who resigned after guiding the Cougars to an 11-11 record in the ACCAC and a trip to the NJCAA Region I Division II playoff tournament last season.
Haines had 10 applicants for the job and interviewed five. She became familiar with Demski during her assistant coaching years from 1997-2005.
"She had a plan right away as to what she would do and what the students would be expected to know-- what her philosophy would be dealing with different situations," Haines said, referring to her interview for the job. "She still has a real passion for basketball. That made big difference to (the hiring committee). She’s a disciplinarian as well. She pays attention to the little things."
The Cougars are expected to return four players off of last season’s team, including Ashley Sparks and Autumn Kelczewski, two players Demski tried to recruit for Phoenix College three years ago. Both players had been sidelined due to knee injuries since.
Demski played at Phoenix College from 1994-96 before moving on to Whitman College in Washington. She values her experience as a junior college athlete and says it’s a good choice for many athletes coming out of high school.
"Some students just aren’t ready for a four-year university atmosphere," Demski said. "It’s much more intense and everything else. You can a step up at junior college and get your electives out of the way. I’m going to treat it just like a (NJCAA) Division I program, but at the same time, it’s not as demanding. You’re not treated just like a piece of property…They’re going to get some good training and get a Division I quality atmosphere, without the business."
Haines hired Demski Friday (April 13), telling her to "hit the ground running."