Women’s Basketball: Cole steps up as Pitt’s leader on the glass

Chelsea Cole is certainly no stranger to the record books.

At her New Jersey high school,… Chelsea Cole is certainly no stranger to the record books.

At her New Jersey high school, Rancocas Valley in Mt. Holly, Cole set both the school record for most blocked shots in a game with 11, and the state record for most rebounds in a game with 29.

Now as a junior forward with the Panthers, Cole has made history once again by becoming the first Pitt player to secure 20 or more rebounds in a single game since 1980.

Cole’s back-to-back 21-rebound performances against Duquesne and Marquette marked not only her personal best efforts, but also those of the entire Big East conference.

However, Cole doesn’t set out to break records.

“I did not even know about the rebounding records and the 1980 historical mark,” Cole said. “The coaches always stress improvement, so if I get 20 rebounds, the next step is to go out and get 30.”

It is this humility and tenacity that allow Cole to excel on the court. She is currently first in the Big East, and seventh in the nation, averaging 11.5 rebounds a game.

As a freshman and sophomore, Cole learned about work ethic and opportunity from other Panther star players, laying the foundation for her own success.

“During my freshman year, I definitely looked up to Xenia Stewart and her commitment to the team,” Cole said. “She came in every day with intensity and a willingness to improve.”

In fact, Cole’s best personal memory from her time with the team comes from her freshman season, when she made her first start against Seton Hall and scored 17 points.

“I remember Mercedes [Walker] was injured, and I did not know I was getting the start until right before the game,” Cole said. “I was nervous, but I knew it was an opportunity to make my mark and come out of Mercedes’ shadow.”

Cole might have emerged from under Walker’s wing, but Cole’s style of play is still unique.

While Walker and Cole are both 6-foot-3, Walker was able to rely on her ability to take up lateral space under the basket. Cole, however, looks to her quickness to dominate in the paint.

“Because of my build, I realize that I can’t go through people,” Cole said. “I have to get around them or go over them.”

Cole noted the summer conditioning and strength-training programs allowed her to develop her physical ability so during the season practice can be dedicated to working on game situations.

Another quality of Cole’s that makes her indispensable as a forward is her versatility. Prior to a game against Appalachian State, coach Agnus Berenato decided to move Cole from the four spot to the five spot, a position which requires speed and agility.

“I thought Appalachian State was a little quicker than us, so I made the switch with Chelsea,” Berenato said. “Chelsea can contain like a guard.”

In fact, Cole thrives off of the energy that comes with utilizing her quickness.

“For me, when I dive for loose balls and really make hustle plays throughout the game, that is when I know I am playing my best,” Cole said.

Rebounding can sometimes fall under the radar, as the flashy scorers seem to take priority. But for Cole, being able to focus on her rebounding efforts has been quite enjoyable, especially since she trusts the talent surrounding her on the court.

“In high school, I felt that I needed to be the main rebounder and the main scorer for the team, but now I can get back to my specialty,” Cole said. “I have fun rebounding, especially because it comes easily to me from experience.”

For Cole, the realization that she needed to factor into the rebounding equation came early in pre­season workouts.

“Coaches kept emphasizing that we needed to improve our rebounding, and I finally recognized that they were talking about my department and that I needed to step up my game in that area,” Cole said.

Based on the praise from Berenato, Cole appears to have done just that.

“Chelsea is getting better every game,” Berenato said. “She is coming into her own and becoming an explosive athlete.”

After Cole’s 15-rebound performance against Valparaiso, Berenato said every game Cole “is capable of 15 rebounds and more.”

In four out of the next five games, Cole posted rebounding numbers of 16, 19 and her two season-high 21-rebound performances.

Cole can see differences in this year’s team that have contributed to her success on the boards.

The Panthers have developed a team of balanced scorers, multiple players who will take shots and distribute the ball more evenly than in the past.

Cole sees this as another chance to impact her team.

“Now that the scoring is more dispersed, we have more people shooting,” Cole said. “Consequently, there is more need for rebounds and second opportunities.”

The identity of the 2009-10 Panthers has been somewhat of a mystery. Initially, the plan was to solidify the team as a running team that attacked the transition game. While that idea still is a goal, a shift has been made to sharpen execution¸ a plan which Cole says includes “making offense from defense.”

Regardless of which direction the Panthers choose to follow in their strategy, Cole will undoubtedly play a major role as a key rebounder and defensive force.

The accolades continue to come to Cole, as she was recently named to the weekly Big East Honor Roll, which distinguishes outstanding players in the conference. Yet, Cole has not lost sight of her original intent for the season.

“My focus has been to let the game come to me, and that has helped me with my rebounding this season,” said Cole.

If Cole builds upon her already-impressive statistics, her name might once again find its way into the record books of collegiate women’s basketball.