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CCRI Hall of Famer Doug Haynes returns to coach women's basketball


Doug Haynes, the new women's basketball head coach for the Community College of Rhode Island, speaks with Sports Team 10 on his return to the school where his college basketball career began. (WJAR){ }
Doug Haynes, the new women's basketball head coach for the Community College of Rhode Island, speaks with Sports Team 10 on his return to the school where his college basketball career began. (WJAR)
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Community College of Rhode Island Hall of Fame alumnus Doug Haynes is back where his college basketball career began as the head coach of the Knights’ women’s basketball team.

"I went through it and I know what it was like playing local sports and we want to give these kids a chance," said Haynes, who took over the team in 2018.

Taking over the program, he knew he had the opportunity to build something special.

“My goal was to win with all Rhode Island kids," said Haynes.

During the canceled 2020 season, Haynes made the most of his time at home recruiting local talent.

"It gave me the opportunity to watch a lot of high school games," said Haynes.

A West Warwick native and 18-year high school basketball coach, he is no stranger to Rhode Island’s homegrown talent that is often overlooked.

“They should have a chip on their shoulder. Everyone is always talking about the bigger towns and states and looking past Rhode Island," said Haynes.

Haynes succeeded in putting together what sophomore Michele Moreno calls a "dream team."

"I knew them as high school players and I knew how good they are. It was really exciting starting the season with them again," Moreno said.

This year, the Lady Knights are currently on a 10-game win streak and ranked fourth in the country.

“It’s a good feeling really because you feel like someone’s really watching you, other than yourself," said Moreno. "It gives you more motivation to do your best every single time.”

After the Knights’ season ended short last year at the NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Championships, this years’ group -- led by 6 returners -- is even more confident as it looks to get back to the national stage.

“Our willingness to win, our hard work, our heart, we want to get to win every game," said sophomore Elizabeth Bruno. "We want to get to Minnesota and win the whole thing. We want to make a name for ourselves and the community as well.”

While the team has their goals on the hardwood, Haynes is more interested in how he can enrich his team's life off of it.

"I would love to see the women’s program back on the map nationally and be able to compete with the powerhouses, but my main concern is to make sure I can get them out of here with associates degrees and to get them to a four-year institution where they can continue playing basketball," Haynes said.

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