Concetta Smith
Post 5-8 Senior #35
Bruno, Minn.
East Central High School

Concetta Smith returns for her senior season and will give the Falcons some outstanding leadership both on and off the court in 2004. She appeared in 19 games in 2003 and established career highs in rebounding (5) and assists (2) during the season. She was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll as a junior. She played in 21 games in 2001-02 and averaged one point and 1.3 rebounds while averaging about seven minutes of action a game. She scored four points in each of two of the team’s last three games. She grabbed a season high five rebounds in a game at Stevens Point. She played in 13 of the team’s final 14 games and averaged 13 minutes of action in the last five games. Her scoring ability has improved tremendously going into her senior season. Her consistent strength on defense and rebounding should prove to be very beneficial for the Falcons in 2003-04. She is the daughter of Gerry and Kathy Smith. She has a double major in health & human performance and Spanish. Smith is also on the UWRF rodeo team.
Career Highs
Points: 4 vs. Stevens Point, Feb. 18, 2002
Rebounds: 5 vs, Macalester, Jan 13, 2003
Assists: 2 vs. Macalester, Jan. 13, 2003
Steals: 2 vs. Luther, Dec. 29, 2001

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	19	4	8	.500	0	0	.000	11	15	.733	18	0.9	7	4	12	1	19	1.0
2001-02	21	8	19	.421	0	0	.000	2	7	.286	27	1.3	9	7	19	0	18	.9
2000-01	14	4	8	.500	0	0	.000	3	10	.300	14	1.0	3	3	6	0	11	.8
Totals	54	16	35	.457	0	0	.000	16	32	.500	59	1.1	19	14	37	1	48	.89

Christi Crews
Post 6-0 Junior #42
Waltham, Minn.
Hayfield High School

Christi Crews showed steady improvement for the Falcons in 2003. She averaged 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Crews set career highs in scoring (12), rebounding (6), and assists throughout her sophomore season. She will be looked to as a low post presence for the Falcons this season. Crews was named to the 2003 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She had at least one rebound in all but one game in 2003 and averaged almost 15 minutes of action per contest. She played in 10 games for the Falcons in 2001-02 and averaged nearly four minutes a game. She averaged 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds a game. She scored a season high six points against Stevens Point and had a high of four rebounds against Platteville. She is the daughter of Ray and Sue Crews and is majoring in social work.
Career Highs
Points: 12 vs. Stout, Jan. 22, 3002
Rebounds: 6 vs, Martin Luther, Dec. 12, 2002
Assists: 2 vs. La Crosse, Jan. 29, 2003
Steals: 2 vs. Stevens Point, Feb. 18, 2002

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	19	22	62	.355	0	0	.000	6	15	.400	52	2.7	5	5	26	33	50	2.6
2001-02	10	4	17	.235	0	1	.000	4	5	.800	10	1.0	2	2	6	0	12	1.2
Totals	29	26	79	.329	0	1	.000	10	20	.500	62	2.14	7	7	32	33	62	2.14

Erin Effle
Post 5-10 Junior #40
Rochester, Minn.
John Marshall High School

Erin Effle had a second straight strong season for the Falcons in 2002-03 and earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC team. She was the team’s top rebounder for the second straight year averaging seven per game. She was named to the 2003 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Effle also led the Falcons in scoring with a 12.8 average. She was named the WIAC Player of the Week on Nov. 26. She scored in double figures in 18 of the team’s 25 games. She started the season scoring in double digits in the team’s first nine contests. She had double digits in rebounds in six games. She had double doubles in six contests. She led the Falcons in field goals made (116) and was second in free throws made (49). She tied for the team lead in offensive rebounds (48) and was the top defensive rebounder (113). She had a career high 14 three-pointers during the year. Effle was third in blocked shots (12) and fourth in steals (32). She played a major role for the Falcons during the 2001-2002 season. She started 25 games and averaged 25.4 minutes of action. She led the team in scoring and rebounding with 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds a game. She earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC team – one of only three freshmen to earn the honor. She was named the team’s Top Rebounder and was the team’s Player of the Week on Feb. 4. She led the team in field goal shooting, - .498. She even stepped outside and hit 6-14 three-pointers. She led the Falcons with 39 steals and was second with six blocked shots. She scored 20 or more points four times as a freshman. Her best effort was a 23-point performance against Superior. Effle had four double-doubles and had a season high 13 rebounds against Northwestern. She is the daughter of Jim and Kathy Effle. She is majoring in pre-medicine with a minor in chemistry and psychology.
Career Highs
Points: 25 vs. Kenyon, Nov. 24, 2002
Rebounds: 13 vs. Northwestern, Dec. 4, 2001
Assists: 5 vs. Oshkosh, Dec. 7, 2002
Steals: 5 vs. Whitewater, Jan. 4, 2003

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	23	116	276	.420	14	34	.412	49	76	.645	161	7	36	32	94	12	295	12.8
2001-02	25	117	235	.498	6	14	.429	42	67	.627	169	6.8	27	39	59	6	282	11.3
Totals	48	233	511	.456	20	48	.416	91	143	.636	330	6.9	63	71	153	18	577	12.0

Darcy Olsen
Guard 5-3 Junior #23
Rosemount, Minn.
Eastview High School

Darcy Olsen will be the team’s floor leader again in 2004. She earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC in 2003 after leading the Falcons in free throw percentage (.848) and assist-to-turnover ratio (.89). She was also named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll in 2003. She set career highs in points (25), rebounds (9), assists (8) and steals (6) in the 2003 season. Her 10.1 scoring average was second on the team. She was twice named the team's Player of the Week. She scored in double figures in 12 games in 2003 and led the Falcons averaging 35.4 minutes of action per game. She recorded at least one assist in every game but one for the Falcons in 2003. She was perfect from the line in 11 contests. Olsen stepped into the Falcon lineup in 2002 and had an immediate impact with the team. She played and started in 25 games at point guard. She finished third in scoring averaging 8.5 points a game. She led the Falcons in assists (65) and was second in steals (35) while leading the team in minutes played a game (33.5). Olsen was second in field goal shooting (76-173, .439) and led the team in three-pointers (34). She was second in three-point field goal percentage (34 –83, .410). Olsen had a season high 22 points against La Crosse and dished out eight assists against Platteville. In one five-game stretch she averaged 12.6 points a game. She earned All-State Honorable Mention honors at Eastview, Minn., High School as a senior. She is the daughter of Jeff and Claire Olsen. She is majoring in health & human performance.
Career Highs
Points: 25 vs. Superior, Feb. 12, 2003
Rebounds: 9 vs. Superior, Jan. 15, 2003
Assists: 8 vs. Superior, Feb. 12, 2003
Steals: 6 vs. Stout Feb. 19, 2003

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	25	87	212	.410	39	96	.406	39	46	.848	75	3.0	90	34	101	2	252	10.1
2001-02	25	76	173	.439	34	83	.410	27	43	.628	56	2.2	65	35	83	1	213	8.5
Totals	50	163	385	.423	73	179	.409	66	89	.742	131	2.62	155	69	184	3	465	9.3

Amber Sickels
Guard 5-8 Junior #30
Albert Lea, Minn.
Albert Lea High School

Amber Sickels missed most of the 2003 season with an injury but is expected to be a major factor for the Falcons this winter. Her return gives the Falcons a steady, reliable force on both ends of the court. In nine games she averaged 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds. She had a career high 17 points against Stevens Point. Sickels was named to the 2003 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She scored in double digits in four games and had recorded at least one assist in every game but one and at least one steal in every game but two before being forced to sit out. She was averaging nearly 29 minutes of play per game. Sickels made the adjustment to the college game look easy in 2002. She played a key role at the wing position in every game for the Falcons. Her team-first attitude and love of the game certainly shined through in her first season at UWRF. She averaged 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds. She is a strong defensive player and showed great determination in rebounding while averaging 21.6 minutes of playing time per game. She finished the year with 27 steals and 26 assists. She scored a season-high 14 points against St. Scholastica and grabbed a season-high nine rebounds against Oshkosh. At Albert Lea, Minn., High School she was named to the All-Conference team in her final two years of competition. She is the daughter of Donnie and Nancy Sickels. She is majoring in elementary education with double minors in coaching
Career Highs
Points: 17 vs. Stevens Point, Dec. 12, 2003
Rebounds: 9 vs. Oshkosh, Jan. 19, 2002
Assists: 4 vs. La Crosse, Dec. 11, 2002
Steals: 3 vs. Eau Claire, Feb. 9, 2002

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	9	31	80	.388	9	26	.346	14	21	.667	34	3.8	20	9	23	0	85	9.4
2001-02	26	52	190	.274	13	68	.191	31	60	.517	88	3.4	26	27	57	1	148	5.7
Totals	35	83	270	.307	22	94	.234	45	81	.556	121	3.5	46	36	80	1	230	6.6

Miranda Biteler
Guard 5-7 Sophomore #12
Chanhassen, Minn.
Chaska High School

Miranda Biteler played in 15 games for the Falcons last year as a freshman. She averaged 3.9 points and two rebounds per game. Her best game of the year came against Superior when she scored 13 points and dished out five assists on Jan. 15. Biteler was named to the 2003 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. In a five game stretch she scored 49 points, had 20 rebounds, 11 assists and nine steals. She finished with a near +1 rating in assist to turnover ratio. Biteler won three letters and was a two-year starter at Chaska, Minn., High School. With Biteler’s help the Hawks finished runner up in the Section 4A playoffs after being seeded fourth. She earned honorable mention to the all-conference team after averaging 9.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game in 2002. Biteler had a career-high 22 points during the season. She was captain of the team in 2002 and won her school’s Triple A (Arts, Academics & Athletics) Award. She is the daughter of LeRoy and Wanda Biteler. She is majoring in health & human performance with minors in business and coaching.
Career Highs
Points: 13 vs. Superior, Jan. 15, 2003
Rebounds: 7 vs. Platteville, Jan. 18, 2003
Assists: 5 vs. Superior, Jan. 15, 2003
Steals: 3 vs. Eau Claire, Jan. 8, 2003

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	15	18	54	.333	9	32	.281	14	20	.700	30	2.0	23	10	26	1	59	3.9

Chantele Melgaard
Guard 5-9 Sophomore #31
Lakeville, Minn.
Lakeville High School

Chantele Melgaard averaged 7.2 points per game as a freshman with the Falcons. She started 16 games and averaged 28 minutes of action. She had her best game against Whitewater on Jan. 4 when she scored 20 points and recorded seven steals. She appeared in all 25 games for the Falcons and will again play a key role. She helped lead Lakeville, Minn., High School to the 2001 and 2002 State Class 4A Championships. Last year the team finished 28-0 and Melgaard averaged 10 points, two rebounds, three steals and one assist a game. The Panthers won its conference and sectional championships for three straight years. Melgaard was named to the all-conference team in 2002 and played in the Minnesota All-Star game. She earned four letters and was a starter in 2002. She is the daughter of Chip and Dawn Melgaard. She is majoring in pre-medicine.
Career Highs
Points: 20 vs. Whitewater, Jan. 4, 2003
Rebounds: 7 vs. Stout, Feb. 19, 2003
Assists: 6 vs. Eau Claire, Feb. 8, 2003
Steals: 7 vs. Whitewater, Jan. 4, 2003

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	25	54	178	.303	17	50	.340	54	83	.651	106	4.2	59	59	71	15	179	7.2

Chisato Nakaike
Guard 5-7 Sophomore #14
Fukui, Japan
Shogyo High School

Chisato Nakaike returns after appearing in 15 games for the Falcons in 2003. She had her best game of the year against Oshkosh when she scored 10 points and dished out two assists. Nakaike was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll in 2003. Nakaike came to the Falcons after competing in basketball at her high school in Japan. She came to River Falls for the English program so she could earn her college degree in America. She was a Best 16 player in Fukui inter-school championships and was a Best 5 at a national athletic meet. She is the daughter of Yukio and Satomi. She is undecided on a major field of study.
Career Highs
Points: 10 vs. Oshkosh, Jan. 25, 2003
Rebounds: 2 vs. Eau Claire, Feb. 24, 2003
Assists: 2 vs. Oshkosh, Jan. 25, 2003
Steals: 1 vs. Superior, Feb. 12, 2003

Year	G	FG	FGA	PCT	3FG	FGA	PCT	FT	FTA	PCT	REB	AVE	A	ST	TO	BS	PTS	AVE
2002-03	15	7	21	.333	4	14	.286	5	11	.455	8	0.5	5	3	8	2	23	1.5

Gina Astedt
Guard 5-8 Freshman #10
Blaine, Minn.
Blaine High School

Gina Astedt red-shirted for the Falcons in 2003. She joined the Falcons after a solid career at Blaine, Minn., High School where she averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.5 steals in 2002. The Bengals were the state runners up in 2002 and placed third in 2000. They finished second in the 2001 sectional. Astedt was named to the all-conference team in 2002 and led her team in steals in the 2001 season. She was named to the academic all-state team and earned two academic letters. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Charlie and Anna Astedt. She is majoring in business.

Krista Cordes
Guard 5-9 Freshman #43
Farmington, Minn.
Farmington High School

Krista Cordes joins the Falcons as a first year player from Farmington, Minn., High School. A guard, she was named to the all-conference team in 2002 and 2003. She earned four letters and was a three-year starter for the Tigers. She averaged 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and one assist a game. Cordes was selected her team's Most Valuable Player in 2003 and she finished with 1,000 career points. In 2001 she received honorable mention to the all-conference team and was named the team's Most Improved player. She is the daughter of Teri and Jack Cordes. She is majoring in elementary education.

Sydney Hall
Post 5-11 Freshman
Burnsville, Minn.
Burnsville High School

Sydney Hall will be a red shirt freshman for the Falcons. She earned two letters and was a starter last year at Burnsville, Minn., High School. Hall was named her team's Most Improved Player and earned a scholastic academic letter. She is the daughter of Brenda and Windlan Hall. She is majoring in engineering.

Natalie Hansen
Post 6-0 Freshman #45
Coon Rapids, Minn.
Coon Rapids High School

Natalie Hansen is in her first year with the Falcons and will play the post position. She was a two-year starter and earned two letters at Coon Rapids, Minn., High School. She is the daughter of Sharon and Jim Hansen. She is majoring in business.

Sarah Kochevar
Post 6-0 Freshman #33
Sheldon, Wis.
Flambeau High School

Sarah Kochevar is a talented post player who is in her first year with the Falcons. She was named to the all-conference team for three seasons at Flambeau High School. Her team's combined record for the three years was 72-3. She averaged 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists a game last year. Kochevar was the team's captain and led the Falcons in free throw shooting, scoring, rebounding and field goal shooting. She played in the WBCA All-Star game. She was named the team's Rookie of the Year in 2001 and the team's Top Rebounder in 2002. She is the daughter of Debbie and Bill Kochevar. She is majoring in elementary education.

Megan Lindman
Post 6-0 Freshman #44
Rochester, Minn.
Mayo High School

Megan Lindman is a first year player for the Falcons at the post position. At Rochester, Minn., Mayo High school she averaged 13.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 3.6 assists a game. Lindman was named to the all-conference team for three seasons and was her team's captain in 2003. Her team won conference titles in 2001 and 2003 and participated in the state tournament in 2000. She earned four letters and was a four-year starter for the Spartans. She is the daughter of Debbie and Randy Lindman. She is majoring in English - secondary education.

Melanie Preiner
Guard 5-5 Freshman #20
Stillwater, Minn.
Stillwater High School

Melanie Preiner joins the Falcons from Stillwater, Minn., High School where she was a two-year starter and earned three letters. She averaged 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Ponies. Preiner was named to the all-conference team, won the team's Coaches Choice and Hustle Awards. She is the daughter of Julie and Tom Preiner. She is undecided on a major field of study.

Traci Reimann
Post 6-0 Freshman #25
North Branch, Minn.
North Branch High School

Traci Reimann is in her first year with the Falcons after playing at North Branch High School. She was a two-year starter for the Vikings and earned four letters. She helped her team to three Minnesota State tournaments. The 2001 team finished second in the finals. She was her team's Most Valuable Player and named to the all-conference team. Reimann was her team's captain and top rebounder and averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists a game. The Vikings won four conference titles. She is the daughter of Kathy and Dan Reimann. She is undecided on a major field of study.

Kendra Sticha
Post 6-0 Freshman #34
New Prague, Minn.
New Prague High School

Kendra Sticha red-shirted for the Falcons in 2003. She was a two-year starter at New Prague, Minn., High School and averagted 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists a game in 2002. Her team won the 2000 Minnesota State Championship and finished as runner up in the 2002 sectional tourney. Sticha was the team’s captain in 2002 and was named to the all-conference team. She is an outstanding student in the classroom graduating with high honors and also was a member of the National Honor Society. Her sister, Lynn, played for the Falcons from 1995-1998. She is the daughter of Ken and Marge. She is majoring in marketing with a minor in Spanish.

Megan Strom
Guard 5-4 Freshman #24
Ellsworth, Wis.
Ellsworth High School

Megan Strom is a first year player for the Falcons who played at Ellsworth High School. She was a four year starter and earned four letters for the Panthers. She averaged 12 points, two rebound and three assists. Strom was named to the all-conference team twice and played in the WBCA All-Star game. She was her team's captain for two seasons. She is the daughter of Brenda and David Strom. She is majoring in health & human performance.

Shannon Zweifel
Guard 5-7 Freshman
Whitewater, Wis.
Whitewater High School

Shannon Zweifel is a first year player for the Falcons who will be a red shirt this year. The guard was a three-year starter and she earned three letters at Whitewater High School. She was her team's Most Valuable Player the past two years. She was also the team's captain the last two seasons. Zweifel twice won her team's Heart Award and was her team's top free throw shooter. She is the daughter of Diane and Stan Zweifel. She is majoring in elementary education.