Ranger of the Week: Lamija Coric

The Parkside women’s basketball team had a historic weekend at DeSimone Arena. The Rangers welcomed back Parkside alumni as part of “Alumni Day at the Games” on Saturday, Feb. 4 as the team hosted Lake Superior State. The Rangers put on a show, scoring a program single-game record of 109 points as they blew out the Lakers, 109-68. Playing a major role in the victory and having a historic day of her own was senior Lamija Coric, our Kenosha.com Ranger of the Week.

Lights-out Lamija

Coric, a native of Lulea, Sweden, scored a career-high 17 points in the victory over the Lakers. She was electric from long range, going 5-for-5 from behind the 3-point arc. She also collected a pair of rebounds and a pair of assists.

When asked where she hopes to take her season after this game, Coric said: “I just want to play at my best level and elevate my team. I’m very defensive minded, so that doesn’t necessarily mean scoring a ton of points. I just want to play strong defensively and make stops when my team needs them.”

About Coric

Coric grew up playing soccer in Sweden and was coached by her father from a young age. When her family moved to a new neighborhood when she was seven years old, Lamija made new friends who loved the game of basketball and they helped spark her passion for the game.

As the years went by, Coric focused more on basketball, and she chose to move to the United States to play at the collegiate level. Coric played for two years at Utah State Eastern, a junior college in Price, Utah. When the time came to move on to a new school to finish her degree, Coric chose Parkside for its great location, as well as its great programs both academically and athletically. Coric had an unusual recruitment process with Parkside. Trying to find a new school in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that she was unable to visit the campus in person, meet head coach Jen Conely in person or have Conely come to any of her games.

“The decision was basically made on approximately four phone calls with Coach Conely,” Coric said. “That and looking at pictures of campus on the Internet.”

Coric is currently finishing her degree in Biological Sciences with a Math minor. After college, she plans to return to Sweden, where she will attend medical school and work in research.

Up next for the Rangers

Parkside Athletics is excited to collaborate with Aurora Health Care and host a Community Day at the women’s game at 1 p.m. and the men’s game at 3 p.m. against Purdue Northwest on Saturday (Feb. 11). This Community Day presented by Aurora Healthcare will offer:

• FREE admission to all children 12-under.
• An opportunity to participate in a FREE youth clinic held in the Rick Kilps Center with Ranger student-athletes and playing on inflatables!
• Fun opportunities for children to participate in promotions taking place during the games.
• Ranger Cash to use in the concessions stand or in the Ranger Store.
• Ability to meet and get posters signed by the Parkside basketball teams following their games.

For more information, visit parksiderangers.com.