In 1985, when the science-fiction comedy “Back to the Future” hit the big screen, teenaged Michael J. Fox drove a DeLorean back in time to forever change the loser status of his McFly family.

The Bears were led by Mike Ditka, and were in the midst of a 15-1 season that would culminate in a Super Bowl. First-year NIU women’s basketball coach Carol Owens averaged 13.4 points and 8.1 rebounds in her first season in a Huskie uniform.

Owens’ playing days with NIU saw an NCAA tournament birth, back-to-back 20-win seasons, and virtual ownership of every NIU statistical record. Her coaching odyssey will begin today at 7:15 p.m. with an exhibition game against Lewis at the Convocation Center.

“This is a dream come true,” Owens said. “NIU was one of the best times of my life. I hope our kids can experience what I experienced at NIU.”

Owens’ career as a player arguably makes her the premier player in NIU history. Her resume as a collegiate assistant coach is equally impressive. In her 10 years at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish made the tournament every year.

Owens plans to turn around an NIU team that struggled to a 7-21 record last season, including a 4-12 mark in the MAC, with the implementation of an up-tempo attack.

“We can be a very good, up-tempo team,” Owens said. “We want to get easy baskets and it’s something we’re capable of doing with two good point guards who can get the ball to the wings on the run.”

NIU will be led by junior point guard Stephanie Raymond, a pre-season All-MAC West selection. Raymond is an all-around threat, and averaged 15.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game in 2004-05.

All five starters return to an NIU team that has been rooted in a slower, defensive style of play. Owens said her team has the ability to play well in transition, and has caught on quickly to her desire to push the ball.

“It only took us two days to get used to pushing the ball,” Owens said. “It is something they want to do, and I don’t think they had a problem adjusting. If I didn’t think we were capable of pushing the ball, we wouldn’t.”

Expect to see NIU in multiple defensive sets that will be dictated by the pace of the game and opponent.

“We will play zone, man-to-man, a little of everything,” Owens said. “Whatever gives us the best chance to win.”

As for the preseason practice routine, Owens said her team is ready to hit the court against some fresh faces.

“Our kids have given me everything they have,” Owens said. “Lewis is an opportunity for us to get our uniforms on and beat up on someone else.”