At a school with a two-year athletic program, it can be difficult to put a winning basketball team on the court year after year.

The Monroe College Lady Mustangs don’t seem to be having a problem.

On Saturday night, March 15, the team took home the winning trophy for the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship, after a convincing 79-48 win against second seeded Mohawk Valley Community College.

This victory comes after a very successful season. With only three players returning from last year’s squad, the Lady Mustangs recently won their 103rd straight Region XV conference game, a streak that began in December 2003. the team set a new National Junior College Athletic Association (NJAA) record by winning their 46th straight home contest dating back to January 2004.

The Mustangs finished the season with a 26-2 regular season record on their way to capturing their fifth consecutive Region XV Championship.

According to the coaches, the secret to their success is a combination of how they play and the people who support them on and off the court. “We’re successful because of our great coaching staff who teach and train our talented girls,” seven-year Head Coach Seth Goodman said.

First year Assistant Coach James Robinson agrees. “The girls come to us not completely polished, and we help them polish their games,” he said.

Goodman, along with his three assistant coaches, spend the off-season finding new recruits. Although most of their players are from New York, the roster also boasts players from Connecticut, Florida, and the Virgin Islands. All five sophomores on the roster plan to continue their playing careers when they transfer to other programs this fall.

Sophomore forward Tiana Gilliam came from Queens to play for Monroe. The Murry Bergtraum High School graduate said she picked the school because, “it was a good fit and gave me an opportunity to continue my playing for the next two years.” Gilliam was also excited to play for a winning program.

Robinson also credits the college for the team’s success. “The school itself really supports all its teams,” he said. “They help make men and women who come here better people when they come out.”

Gilliam, who is majoring in business administration, admits that it’s tough to balance school and basketball, but says her coaches make sure the team brings homework to away games and has plenty of time at the library when they are not practicing.

How all these factors translate onto the court is the biggest reason for the team’s success. “These girls play hard, play with passion and aggression, and are fun to watch,” Robinson said.

The team relies on their defense and speed to shut down their opponent’s offensive game. Goodman credits the depth the team enjoys at every position. When Player of the Year Monet Johnson racked up two fouls in the first nine minutes of the Region XV Championship game, the rest of the team stepped up to fill the gap.

The team came together again during the National Championship game when point guard Tierra Cleaves, a member of the All-Region Second Team, was forced to the bench with an injury four minutes into the game.

“This team has bonded well and has built a tight unit,” Goodman said.

Said Gilliam, “Coach is like a father figure, and these girls are like my sisters. I’m going to miss it a whole lot. I love being a Mustang.”