Male Practice Players Recruited for Women's Team
Auvria Hampton, Staff Reporter

Amber Magner, CSU Monterey Bay Women’s Basketball Coach put out a call to fellow Otters on Open Forum asking for at least five males, preferably with organized basketball experience who would be interested in being practice players.  
This male squad would practice against and with the women’s team.  However, these players, which for the moment include: Alvin Mullen, Philip Houston, Mark Winkel, Nathan Marcus, Lewis Hall and Ronald Odunickan, would have to be eligible under NCAA rules, meaning enrolled full time, have a 2.0 minimum GPA and eligibility left to play. 
This is not the first time Magner has put out a call for male practice players, and it is not uncommon at other universities to have males practice against and with the women players. 
Division III schools cannot use male practice players but Division I and II can.  According to the NCAA regulations, the male practice players must be certified to play, and the male practice players are held to the same rules and regulations as the team players.  Coach Magner said, “it takes away opportunities for the women players,” when she described the controversy that arises about having male practice players.  However, Magner disagrees, finding the practice players as an asset.
CSUMB has a smaller team than most of the other teams in their division.  Magner explained that “the males are faster and stronger and will force the women players to play faster and stronger and play better.” 
Magner emphasized that in practice the women players get the same reps, they do precise and specific drills, and play scrimmages in a controlled situation. Magner said “the girls will have to work harder.”  
Magner also explained that,” the guys understand [that] their role [is] to prepare the girls to play their best.”
The male practice players will not take away their opportunities but rather help the women’s team grow and play to the best of their abilities.
Team player and CSUMB Junior Mikeshaya Edwards, who is currently sitting out due to knee injuries, said that although we may not be as tall as our competitors, we are strong in other areas.  We are quick and move well on the court.  Edwards explained that the male players would help the team develop in precision and defense.   
Magner plans to take the offense of their competitors and have the male practice players run that offense so that the Women’s team can work and practice on their defense.  This strategy will prepare the Women’s team to play the best defense against their opponent.