Porter added to Central women’s basketball staff

PELLA—New Central College Women’s Basketball Coach Moran Lonning is adding a familiar face to her staff.

Essance Porter, who played at Simpson College during Lonning’s tenure there as assistant coach, will serve as the Central women’s junior varsity coach.

A 2022 Simpson graduate, Porter came off the bench, appearing in 13 games last season and averaging 3.2 points. She played in 19 games for her career.

Porter served as a student instructor for four Simpson women’s basketball camps and was also a summer YMCA camp leader in Waco, Texas.

“After five years of coaching Essance and witnessing her contagious energy and ability to make those around her feel so special, it’s hard imagining being in a gym without her,” Lonning said.

“She has always had a passion for coaching and I’m excited for her to get into the coaching role now here. I hope that I can help mentor her because I loved our relationship as a player and coach and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us as coaches together.”