FULTON, Mo.- The second member of the William Woods Hall of Fame class of 2013 is none other than women's basketball player, Lana Unnewehr-Brooks.
When Lana found out she would be inducted into the Hall of Fame, many emotions ran through her mind, “I was surprised when I got the call, but I consider it to be a privilege to be a part of the WWU Hall of Fame,” said Lana. “When I heard that I would be going into the WWU HOF with Helen Stephens and Coach Roger Ternes, it made me feel very fortunate to be inducted with such great people.”
Lana is a New Bloomfield native and was a part of the William Woods family from 1986-1990. Lana was a four-year standout for the Owls women's basketball team, as her name still stands atop the record books in multiple categories. Lana knew she wanted to play basketball at a young age, dating back to her time at home in New Bloomfield. “A lot of the time when I was a kid, my family and I spent hours outside playing basketball together,” said Lana. “Getting to play basketball was a great passion of mine any chance that I could get.”
Lana's fondest, yet funniest memory with the Owls came in her freshman year, “during preseason we the(team) were just done scrimmaging and we always finished up with a run around campus, well it was pouring down rain and we didn't think a run would happen,” said Lana. “Sure enough Coach Ternes sent us outside and he was following us around in his truck with headlights on and in my mind I kept thinking what a great four years this will be.”
She attributes much of her success on and off the court to two former teammates, “Joy Grimes and Teresa Kahn were a big part on why I enjoyed William Woods. Joy was to me my basketball mom, made sure I got to practice and class on time. She (Grimes) and I lived across campus from each other, however, so Kahn who lived closer to me, took over and helped me out whenever I needed it,” said Lana.
The accolades mounted in each season at William Woods, as she holds an astounding three of the top five single-season marks in points, rebounding and four in field goal percentage. She made an impact right away at WWU, as in her freshman year, Lana totaled 624 points, 317 rebounds and a field goal percentage of 62%. In the 1987-88 sophomore season, Lana easily topped her first year, totaling 710 points, 368 rebounds and a field goal percentage of 65%, all of which are ranked first in the record books.
In 1988-89, Lana continued to dominate the NAIA competition, scoring 560 points, 330 rebounds and shot 61% from the field. Her individual game records have been untouchable thus far, as she scored 49 points against Lincoln University in 1990, had nine blocked shots against Fontbonne in 1988, made 20 shots vs. Principia College in 1987 and set another record against Lincoln University, making 15 free throws in 90'.
She holds the William Woods all-time scoring record with 2,450 points and in rebounding, grabbing down 1,278 boards in four years. Lana is also in the top five at WWU in blocks (176) and field goal percentage (.624).
Lana made the NAIA Athletics All-District team in three consecutive seasons and was an NAIA Scholar Athlete in 1988-89 and 1989-90. During her four years here, the success of the Owls was incredible, as the team compiled a record of 86-30.
She is very grateful to not have only played at WWU, but also go to school here. “My family was a big support of athletics,” said Lana. “So getting the opportunity to come to William Woods was a big deal to participate in sports that I love and get a college education at the same time, so I was very grateful for that chance.”
Lana currently resides in New Bloomfield, Mo, and works for the Missouri Department of Education.
