Chandler Denies Mistreating Leese

Cal State Northridge women’s basketball Coach Kim Chandler rejected statements by freshman reserve Joanna Leese that Leese was treated unfairly. Leese quit the team Jan. 2.

“There were differences between what she thought her ability was and what me and my staff thought her ability was,” Chandler said. “Joanna felt she should be starting.”

Leese, a reserve forward from Edmonds, Wash., played 24 minutes in five games for the Matadors (4-10). She averaged 1.2 points a game.

Leese and her family were upset that Leese did not accompany the Matadors on their three-game, seven-day trip to Illinois beginning Jan. 2. Leese instead was told by Chandler to remain at Northridge.

“That was strictly a financial decision,” Chandler said. “I could only afford to take 12 (of 14) players, one trainer and my assistant coach. Nothing personal entered into it.

“I had to leave one post player (Leese) and one guard (freshman Ninette Reyna).”

Chandler said Leese had been last on the depth chart at her position all season and that there was nothing unusual or improper about the way she informed Leese of the decision Dec. 31.