WESTON, Mass. -- In a historic celebration of the Conference of New England's (CNE) (formerly known as the Commonwealth Coast Conference), 40th anniversary, the league recently announced its All-40th Anniversary Women's Basketball Team, honoring 47 standout former student-athletes who left a lasting mark on the conference's history. Among the esteemed honorees were two former Regis College women's basketball players, Julie Rando Ranucci '94 and Jen Erikson Baker '95, both of whom played pivotal roles in shaping the program's legacy.
To earn a spot on the prestigious All-40th Anniversary Team, athletes needed at least two First Team All-Conference selections or at least one Player of the Year honor—criteria that both Erikson and Rando exceeded.
From 1989 to 2011, Regis Women's Basketball was an integral part of the CNE, capturing four conference championships (1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996), showcasing the strength of the program and the talent of players like Rando and Erikson, who helped elevate the team to new heights.
Regis Women's Basketball Team 1992-93
Julie Rando Ranucci '94: A Dominant Force in Regis Women's Basketball
Julie Rando's name has become synonymous with success in Regis women's basketball. A recipient of the prestigious 1994 Mother Regis Award, Rando was a dominant force during her time at Regis, playing an instrumental role in leading her team to three conference championships over her four-year career. Her exceptional play earned her three First Team All-Conference selections, and she was named Player of the Year in her senior season.
Rando Ranucci's leadership on the court helped her teams achieve a remarkable 77-26 overall record (.747), showcasing both her individual talent and her ability to elevate her team's performance. Her all-around style of play made her one of the most formidable players in the program's history.
Julie Rando Ranucci's impact on Regis women's basketball is etched in the program's history. She currently stands third on the all-time scoring list with an impressive 1,632 career points—a milestone that remains a cornerstone of the program's legacy. During the 1992-93 season, Rando set a school record by averaging 20.24 points per game.
But Rando Ranucci's contributions went far beyond scoring. Her relentless defense and all-around game made her one of the most versatile players to ever wear a Regis uniform. She holds the two highest single-season steal marks in Regis history, with 132 steals during the 1992-93 season and 123 steals in the 1993-94 season.
Rando Ranucci's name also appears prominently in other categories in the program's record books. She ranks third in all-time points per game (16.48), third in career steals (255), and eighth in career assists (308), proving her all-around skill set and value to the team.
Jen Erikson Baker '95: A Legacy of All-Around Excellence at Regis
Jen Erikson Baker's career at Regis College is a testament to her all-around excellence, making her one of the most influential players in the program's history. Throughout her career, Erikson helped lead her teams to an 82-22 overall record (.788). Her contributions were essential to the success of the team, and her individual achievements further solidified her place in Regis basketball history.
Erikson Baker scored 1,108 career points, which places her 12th on the all-time scoring list. But her legacy extends beyond her ability to score. In 1994-95, Erikson was named Player of the Year and earned All-American honors from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), cementing her status as one of the top players in the country during her time. Her playmaking ability was second to none, and she ranks third on the career assists list with 341 assists. On the defensive end, Erikson Baker was equally impressive, ranking second on the career steals list with 276 steals, demonstrating her relentless effort on both sides of the ball.
Erikson Baker also set two school records that continue to stand today. She holds the record for most assists per game in a single season with 4.59 assists per game during the 1994-95 season. Additionally, she recorded the most steals in a single game with 13 steals against Wentworth on February 6, 1993. These achievements not only highlight Erikson Baker's individual success but also reflect her impact on her team's success and the program's overall history.
Being named to the CNE's All-40th Anniversary Women's Basketball Team is a testament to the lasting impact these student-athletes have had on the conference. Rando Ranucci and Erikson Baker's remarkable careers continue to inspire future generations, embodying the excellence that has defined Regis women's basketball over the years. Both were inducted into the Regis College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2011, respectively. In 2019, they returned to Higgins Court, surrounded by family, friends, and former teammates, to celebrate the unveiling of their retired uniforms—a tribute to their enduring legacy and influence on Regis College women's basketball.
As the CNE celebrates its 40th anniversary, these two remarkable alumnae stand as shining examples of the talent and dedication that have helped shape both the Regis women's basketball program and the conference itself. Joining them in this recognition is Regis College Athletics Director of Communications, Meghan Foley, who played basketball at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, from 2016 to 2020.