Denise grew up in Cambridge and was a standout two-sport athlete for Cambridge High School. She was a three-time first team All-Conference selection in both basketball and volleyball.
In the fall of 1994, Denise started at MATC and played on the volleyball team. In her first season, she led the team in kills and was second in both blocks and digs. For her play she received numerous awards including team MVP, WJCAA All-State and NJCAA All-Region honors while helping her team to a 16 game regular season win streak.
After a successful fall volleyball season, Denise made the transition to basketball with the persuasion of head basketball coach, Kris Quinlan. The 5’10” forward made an immediate impact as she averaged more than 16 points per game, pouring in 36 points in a WJCAA State semifinal win. Her play helped the team to a 19-8 overall record and a second consecutive WTCC Conference title. Denise received most valuable player honors and the defensive player award that season.
In her second year at MATC, she picked up where she left off. Denise once again led the volleyball team in kills and posted the team’s highest serving percentage. She also placed second in three other statistical categories, leading her volleyball coach to remark, “Denise is the most talented all-around player we have.” This all-around player and team captain was selected WTCC All-Conference, NJCAA All-Region and team MVP for the second straight season as she contributed to the volleyball team’s first WJCAA State title in five seasons.
With a successful volleyball career behind her, Denise started the 1995-96 basketball season focused and ready to help her team win. And that she did… Denise led the team in scoring for a second straight season as she averaged 21.2 points per game as her team tore through the regular season, gaining national attention. The team went 24-4 winning conference and state titles. Denise’s 573 points placed her second on the MATC all-time season scoring list and she contributed in other areas as well, as she was second on the team in rebounding and steals. Due to her outstanding season, Denise earned WTCC All-conference Player-of-the-Year, WJCAA All-State, NJCAA All-Region and second team All-American honors. She became the first basketball player, men’s or women’s, in MATC history to earn All-American honors. At the time, she was also only the second female athlete in school history to receive All-American honors.
“Denise did everything she was asked and more for our basketball team,” said Kris Mills, her former basketball coach and current co-worker in the Fitness Center. “She has always been a great leader, caring person and was an absolute joy to coach… and now is a joy to work with everyday.”
In 1997, Denise graduated with an Administrative Assistant degree; however she was not done making her mark on MATC Athletics. She served two years as a women’s basketball assistant and assistant volleyball coach before taking over as head coach of the women’s basketball team part way through the 2001-2002 season.
In her first full season as head women’s basketball coach, with her brother Dan as an assistant coach, she guided the MATC women to their first region title in school history. Her team advanced to nationals and finished second, the highest national finish in school history. Her 24-6 team received the national sportsmanship award while she received NJCAA All-Region Coach-of-the-Year and Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Coach-of-the-Year honors.
Denise currently works full-time in the MATC Fitness Center as a Fitness Center Assistant.
