CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Parkland College athletic department is proud to announce that sophomores Alyssa Cole and Abby Shepard, and freshman Megan Janson have been named to the 2023-2024 M-WAC All-Conference teams. Alyssa Cole was selected as the M-WAC Player of the Year and a member of the All-Conference First Team, while Abby Shepard and Megan Janson were named to the All-Conference Second Team. Janson earned Co-Freshman of the Year honors, sharing the award with John Wood Community College freshman Katey Flynn.
 
Parkland College Head Coach Jean Demosthenes was selected as the M-WAC Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Cobras to a 24-4 regular season record, including 12-2 in conference play and the M-WAC conference title and an appearance in the NJCAA DII National Tournament in his first season in charge.
 
"This award would not have been possible if it wasn't for the players and the coaching staff and their trust in me as a leader," Demosthenes said. "Even though the season wasn't always easy, we still found a way to come together as a team and focus on what we needed to do to win games." 
 
"I also want to thank our Athletic Director, Brendan McHale, who trusted me enough to give me the opportunity to coach this team," Demosthenes added. "We went into the season with only two returning players, and we added two sophomore transfers and a team full of freshman players. What this team did under those circumstances was remarkable. This is really a team award."
 
Alyssa Cole, a sophomore from Nashville, Illinois, started all 31 games for Parkland College this season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding in 28 minutes per game. She averaged 19.5 points per game (27th nationally), 11.1 rebounds per game (24th), 3.4 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game so far this year. The M-WAC Player of the Year recorded a 54.2% field goal percentage (23rd in the country) and leads the nation in free throw percentage (90.5%). The Nashville Community High School alum produced 20 double-doubles this season, tallying a career-high 19 rebounds in the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament versus John Wood Community College on March 9th. Cole, a Dental Hygiene major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Shane Cole and Jennifer Heggemeier.
 
"I am so proud of Alyssa and the work that she's put in throughout the season," Demosthenes said of his returning All-American. "Her dedication to the game, her dedication to watching film really sets her apart as a talented player. She received this award because of the hard work she put in both the off-season and during the season. She's always the first in the gym, putting in the work, and she's the last one to leave. She even puts up shots while we take breaks. I am happy that I was able to witness her success, and I am excited about her future."
 
Megan Janson, a freshman from Collinsville, Illinois, appeared in 28 games, starting 27 for the Cobras, leading the team with 30.6 minutes per game. So far, the M-WAC Co-Freshman of the Year averaged 10.4 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game, 14th most in the country. Janson shot 44% from the field, 25% from beyond the arc, and 72% from the free throw line this season, and her 2.3 assists-to-turnover ratio ranks 32nd nationally. The Collinsville High School alum scored a career-high 31 points in an 82-69 Cobra win over John Wood Community College on February 17th. Janson, a Chemistry major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Christine Chadwick and Chad Janson.
 
"We call Megan, 'Megatron,' because she plays like she's six feet tall, and because of her ability to read the game and be creative on the court," Demosthenes revealed. "Megan is a coach's dream; she's like having another coach on the floor. Her basketball IQ is top-tier, and she can conduct her team like an orchestra. I am excited about Megan's future. She has the ability to be one of the best point guards in the league next year."
 
Abby Shepard, a sophomore from Beecher, Illinois, started all 31 games for the Cobras this season, leading the team in steals. The M-WAC Second Team All-Conference guard averaged 12.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.9 steals over 27.6 minutes per game, recording 108 assists (68th in the country) and 58 steals so far this season. The Beecher High School alum recorded a career-high 26 points on 11-18 shooting in a 70-46 win over Lincoln Land Community College on Sophomore Day, February 24th. Shepard, an aviation major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Rick and Patti Shepard.
 
"Abby grew leaps and bounds this year. Her confidence level has skyrocketed, her leadership ability has skyrocketed, and her energy and enthusiasm are some of the best I've coached in 20 years," Demosthenes said of his sophomore guard. "I am excited Abby had the year that she's had, and it has come by way of her putting in hard work and thousands of shots. The thing that I love about Abby is that she is not only an offensive threat but a defensive threat as well. Abby has a bright future ahead of her on and off the court."