Denise (Lipnisky) McCance started as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Oakton in 2022. Coach McCance is excited for the opportunity to work at Oakton because of the supportive athletic staff and talented student-athletes.
Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Northern Illinois University. She earned a Masters of Science degree in Administration and Supervision from Western Illinois University. She also completed coursework at Western Illinois University in their Educational Specialist program.
Denise began her playing career at James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates playing four years of tennis, basketball and softball. In tennis, she was a 4-year state qualifier. In basketball, she received All-Conference, All-Area honors and was named “Ms. Hustle” by the Chicago Tribune. In softball, she was All-Conference and was the MId-Suburban South Conference batting champ 2 years.
Denise played college basketball at Northern Illinois University from 1987-1991. Her team was inducted into the NIU Hall of Fame in 2005. Her team participated in both NCAA and WNIT tournaments. Her 1989-90 team, finished ranked #17 in the nation. That team led the nation in scoring with 94.5 points per game and an overall record of 26-5. As a senior, Denise received the Coach’s Award from legendary Coach Jane Albright.
Coach McCance started her coaching career at her alma mater, Conant High School. She was a varsity assistant in both basketball and softball from 1991-93. She then went to Macomb High School and taught Physical Education and coached varsity basketball from 1993-1997. Coach McCance’s teams won Conference three years in a row, won Regionals and played in a Sectional Final. Coach McCance broke many school records including: winning a first ever regional title, wins in a season and points in a game to name a few. At that time, she was the winningest coach in Macomb High School history. Coach McCance was named “Coach of the Year” by the Macomb Journal in 1997. Coach McCance went on to Westmont High School and coached varsity basketball from 1997-2001. Her team won Regionals in 2001 and was named “District Coach of the Year “ by the Illinois Basketball Coaching Association. Coach McCance then coached sophomore basketball at Wheaton Warrenville South from 2001-04, 2009-2010. She had one of her best teams ever, winning 22 games in a row and ending up with a record of 23-1 for the season. Coach McCance also coached at West Chicago Community High School from 2012-2017 as a varsity assistant coach. From 2017-2022, Coach McCance coached at College of DuPage. She had players receive All-Conference and All-Region honors.
Coach McCance also coaches softball and tennis. She has coached tee-ball through high school softball for over 25 years. Coach McCance coached travel softball and has worked with many park districts and travel teams with skill development. She currently coaches JV girls and boys tennis at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.
Coach McCance’s coaching philosophy is built off developing a player’s skills on the court and for life. She takes pride in being a role model for female student-athletes.
Denise lives in Montgomery, IL with her husband Dusty and has four children: Dusty Jr., Ashley, Connor and Tyler. She has been a Physical Education, Health and Driver’s Education teacher at Wheaton Warrenville South High School since 1998.
