NIU women’s basketball coach Jane Albright has completed her 1989-90 coaching staff with the hiring of Sandra J. Schuster as a part-time assistant.

Schuster, a 10-year girls basketball coach at Cobden Unit School in southern Illinois, taught science and physical education at the middle school and high school levels since 1979. She coached the Appleknockers’ varsity girls squads to a 124-110 record during a tenure that included seven winning seasons. The 1986-87 team posted a 22-5 record, won their Class A regional title and closed the year as a sectional finalist.

Following the successful 1986-87 campaign, Schuster was named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association District 21 Coach of the Year. She was picked as assistant coach for the Lions Club All-Star Team in both 1985 and 1987.

“Sandra is a well-respected coach and individual in the southern part of the state,” said Albright. “She exemplifies characteristics we feel are important in the Northern Illinois program—enthusiasm and solid work ethic. Her 10 years in the high school coaching ranks not only provides her with experience, but adds a dimension to our recruiting plan.”

Duties for the new Huskie coach include opponent scouting, game and practice coaching, and assisting with the program’s administration and recruiting.

In addition to her work at Cobden, Schuster worked summer basketball camps at Murray State (Ky.), MacMurray College, Culver-Stockton College and NIU.

Schuster played basketball two seasons at Murray State (1976-77, 1977-78) before receiving her bachelor of science degree in biological science and physical education in 1979. She has an associate’s degree from Shawnee Community College (1976) and is an Anna-Jonesboro (Ill.) High School graduate.