Story and Photo by Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
drewmoody@verizon.net
You'd think it was just another sunny summer day in the life of
an average 22-year-old.
But Denae Dobbins' life is about to change dramatically, and she
knows it. Her agent, Chris Coates, is expected to finalize contract
negotiations soon. The stroke of a pen will officially give her the
title of a
"professional basketball player."
Denae Dobbins
Initial doubts about her new pending career have melted
away. "I'm ready to go, I'm excited," she said, sitting near the
entrance to the Glenville State College gym where so many
cheered for the Lady Pioneers during her years there.
Within days of signing with Coates Sports Management, four
European teams offered the former Lady Pioneers center
a contract to play professional basketball in Europe.
Until a few weeks ago Dobbins was focusing on taking
the remaining five classes to finish her criminal science degree,
with a sociology minor.
Then Dobbins was invited to participate in a "pro try-out camp"
in Boston. The invitation was extended to the top-50 players
in the Northeastern U.S. It's a venue mainly for European
teams to see U.S. athletes in action.
At first she didn't know if she wanted to go.
"It took me about a month to decide." She wasn't even sure
she wanted to continue playing basketball after college.
"I've talked it over with everyone that's important to me,"
Dobbins said, matter-of-factly.
"We've all decided it's the best thing for me to do right now."
And so while many Gilmer residents were enjoying the Folk
Festival, Dobbins along with her father, Dave Dobbins, and
Lady Pioneers coach Steve Harold traveled to Boston.
She shined there, just like she has in Glenville. Dobbins was
honored by being selected to the All-Star Team.
"Denae did well," said Harold. "She's a pretty special player."
It is very rare for someone of Dobbins' size (6'- 6") to be able
to do everything well, her coach said. "She's an outstanding
rebounder and shot blocker."
He also noted that Dobbins is a graceful, fast runner; can
dribble well, and is a dependable shooter.
"She did amazing things here at GSC in just two years," Harold
said. He's clearly happy for her to have this opportunity - a first for
any GSC women's basketball player.
Dobbins obviously has the skill to play at the next level, he said.
Initially, Dobbins accepted a full scholarship to James Madison
University in Virginia. She played there two years, starting most
of the games. But she wasn't happy.
Looking back on her career as a Lady Pioneer, she's satisfied.
"I love my teammates," she said of her fellow ballplayers. Dobbins
also praised Harold's coaching skills.
Despite her probable impending European fame, she still had
time to volunteer at the Lady Pioneers Team Camp last weekend,
offering coaching assistance.
And between spending time with her boyfriend, family, and a new
German Shepherd puppy it probably won't seem like forever till
that call comes, likely beckoning her overseas.
Denae is the daughter of David and Deborah Dobbins of Lower
Cedar Creek in Gilmer County.
Some of Dobbins' 2-year, 65-game statistics and senior year averages:
POINTS - 1,001, ave. 16.1 per game her senior year
REBOUNDS - 728, ave. 12.9 per game and 1st in WVIAC Conference
BLOCKS - 234 (a school record), ave. 3.7 per game, 1st in conference
FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE - 54%
DOUBLE-DOUBLES - 35 (school record)
Dobbins also earned the following honors:
Two time 1st Team All-WVIAC
Two time WVIAC All-Tournament Team
Five time WVIAC Player of the Week
WVIAC Tournament MVP
East Regional All-Tournament Team
Daktronics All-East Region 1st Team
Kodak All-East Region 1st Team
Daktronics Honorable Mention All-American
Kodak Honorable Mention All-American.
During her career at GSC the team compiled an equally
impressive record:
Earned two trips to the NCAA II National Tournament, including
a berth in the Sweet 16.
Established a WVIAC record with seven straight trips to the WVIAC
Tournament finals.
Claimed back-to-back Tournament Runner-up finishes.
Earned the 2005-06 WVIAC Regular Season Championship.
Established a school record 30-win season.
Dobbins also played basketball all four years at Gilmer
County High School, helping the team make it the State
Tournament 3 of 4 years. In 2002 they were State
Runner-Up Champions. | 
