McHenry County College men’s basketball coach Rashim Lettsome was named the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference’s Coach of the Year.
Lettsome graduated from Waukegan High School and played basketball for MCC from 2004 to 2006 and still holds several school records. Upon graduation, he continued his collegiate basketball career at Dominican University.
Lettsome also played basketball for the Lake County Stars and Kenosha Ballers, who were members of the Independent Basketball Association. He won two back-to-back championships with the Ballers in 2016 and 2017. From 2017 to 2021, Lettsome was Dominican University’s men’s basketball assistant coach.
For the 2023-24 season, Lettsome’s Scots team went 23-9 and scored an average of 82 points a game. Lettsome’s performance as a coach and mentor to his players are key reasons for him winning this award, as he ensures his students succeed on and off the court.
Tennis star athlete of the month
Cory Freed is the February Student-Athlete of the Month. The Wauconda High School graduate shines as a key member of the men’s tennis team. Cory made a big impact for the successful 2023 squad where he finished third in his flight at #5 singles.
Cory’s leadership qualities have really shined this year. From organizing hit-arounds to being the first one in and last one out at practice, Cory has shown exemplary dedication and support for his teammates. Along with being named captain for the 2024 season, Cory also sits on the Student-Athlete Council and has earned ISCC Academic All-Conference honors. With aspirations of graduating as a NJCAA Academic All-American, Cory plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in secondary education to teach and coach tennis.
Head Coach Jim Stockwell praises Cory as the epitome of a student tennis player.
“Cory is the prototypical tennis player,” Stockwell said. “Great mind, strong instincts, and loves playing the game. He is always smiling and has the short memory that is necessary. He is awesome to have in class as he is always engaged with the material, and his work is thorough and exceptional. He represents our team, our program, our sport, and our school with dignity and class. If I was going to clone a student tennis player, Cory would be my model.”
