A brief history.........
Hello, my name is Eileen McMahon Copenhaver and I currently reside in Orland Park, IL. I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago and have had many wonderful basketball experiences at Maria High School, Curie Gym, Loyola University of Chicago and at the University of Illinois at Chicago that have inspired me to begin JJC Basketball Academy, INC.
1975-79 Maria High School.
1979-83 Loyola University of Chicago. Scholarship Student-Athlete for women's basketball.
1983-90 Loyola University of Chicago, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach.
1990-98 University of Illinois at Chicago, Head Women's Basketball Coach.
2005-present Providence High School, Girl's Varsity Head Coach.
Inducted into the Loyola Athletic Hall of Fame, Maria High School Hall of Fame and the GCAC Hall of Fame.
Since 1998 I have volunteered at First Church of the Nazarene programs, Saint Elizabeth Seton Church helping out the girl's and boy's basketball teams with Tom Mangin, Mokena Youth basketball leagues and Orland Park Youth programs.
In 2004 created JJC Basketball Academy to provide my son and others to learn about the fundamentals of basketball.
In 2005 created JJC Jayhawks a 4th grade boys basketball team.
Why JJC Basketball Academy?
I am alot like you....I want my child to understand the importance and fun of hard work, that is one reason for the creation of JJC Basketball Academy and the other is my love of the game of basketball and seeing players improve with effort and proper practice. Seeing improvement no matter how small can inspire you to work hard on the basketball court and off. Emphasis will be on your child's effort put forth in mastering the skills and building self-esteem and letting the basketball development and knowledge of the game grow at the players pace.
What I bring to the basketball court?
30 years of basketball experience as a player and coach, organizational skills, 3 Hall of Fame Inductions, and most importantly a true love for teaching the game of basketball!!
What is going to be the focus of the camps?
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals!!!! The challenges and instructions will be at a high level but just at a steady pace. Many drills will be used and introduced throughout the weeks to keep challenging the participants to continue to improve their game.
