By Matt Schwab

Las Positas College freshman Monique Cavness, who led the state in rebounding this past season, became the first player in Hawks' history selected to the WBCA Two-Year College Coaches' All-America Honorable Mention team.

Cavness, a 5-foot-11 forward out of El Cerrito High, averaged a hearty double-double of 17.8 rebounds and 14.0 points per game last season. She finished with a flourish, getting 18 rebounds, four blocks and 10 points against Ohlone after amassing an impressive 31 rebounds and 18 points against Mission College.

First-year head coach Caleb Theodore is thrilled with Cavness' sensational college debut season.

"I am elated to hear that the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) recognized Monique for All-America Honorable Mention," Theodore said. "… Monique has superseded all expectations for our program. She's made a permanent impact with her leadership on and off the court. She's made history. She's set the tone, become an example, and a reference for what players in our program can achieve with hard work and dedication. These outcomes represent her process."

The 'process' is about more than wins and losses on the court at Las Positas.

"Our primary goal is to empower (players) as women and as student athletes. Basketball is our classroom to teach life lessons. One of our pillars to success is to 'Win at the Highest Level,'" Theodore says.

Before taking the helm at Las Positas, Theodore enjoyed success as First Assistant Coach at Cal State East Bay under former head coach Shanele Stires (now at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo) with a team that finished as California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament Champions and advanced to the NCAA Division II West Region championship game. The Pioneers finished with a D2SIDA National ranking of No. 10.

He clearly sees a bright future for Cavness, a true trailblazer for his program.

"When you grab hold of an opportunity every chance you get, you can make history. Las Positas College couldn't be more proud."