Allen: From small school to prestigious Notre Dame

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part story on Monessen star Charel Allen.

While it’s impossible to compare athletes from different eras, it’s impressive to know that Monessen’s Charel Allen was a more prolific scorer as a high school basketball phenom than current sensation Caitlin Clark — more on that later.

Amiable and articulate, Allen, like Clark, was a three-time All-State star from 2002-2004. She was the Class A Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 when, as a senior, she guided the Greyhounds to the state title averaging 26.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.4 assist and 5.1 steals per game.

As a freshman playing in the WPIAL championship, she went for 39 points.

Her skills came in part from playing against boys. She was one of only eight girls to hit the 3,000-point mark in WPIAL history. She ended her high-school career as the fifth-highest scorer in state history. Ironically, she came in second among WPIAL scorers behind Monessen’s Gina Naccarato (3,364 points).

Allen’s credentials earned her a trip to South Bend, Ind, and a starring role with Notre Dame.

In each of her seasons there, Notre Dame made the NCAA tournament.

The two-time honorable mention All-American once scored 31 points in 33 minutes. She left campus as the No. 8 scorer and the only woman with 1,500 or more points to go with 500+ rebounds and 200 assists and steals.

She was drafted in 2008 by the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs and went on to play pro ball in Bulgaria, an interesting but challenging experience.

“I finished my playing career then got hired at Cal State Fullerton for five years,” said Allen. She has spent the last two years as an assistant coach for Notre Dame.

Her duties include scouting opponents and recruiting, keeping her busy.

“We all have position players here at Notre Dame — I may have a point guard, wing or a forward in my position group. Most schools have one position with one coach. This way, our players get a different [perspective] from a different type of coach,” Allen said. “I also handle academics — whatever the current roster might need.”

That can entail making sure transfers’ transcripts are properly handled and other unassigned duties.

Between recruiting and scouting, Allen is always on the go.

“We’re constantly looking at underclassmen in high school. A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it can be,” she said. “We have our season that we try to grind through, but we’re also trying to get out and make sure we’re seeing the high school players. It’s difficult, but I really enjoy evaluating players and talent to see how they may or may not fit in our program.”

Allen is well aware that she’s gone from a girl in a small town to a globetrotter. “I reflect a lot about that. I’m proud to make good for Monessen — my parents and my siblings are still there. I take it as a reflection of looking back and seeing how blessed and grateful I am,” Allen said. “I mean, the world is beautiful and I encourage everybody to get out there and explore.”

Unlike some youngsters who go on to college life, Allen is one of the bright ones to make the grade — the transition is not easy and that’s especially true at a school like Notre Dame.

“It was a struggle. I went from a (small) public school to a prestigious private school. As a student- athlete, freshmen are all required to go to study halls with tutors and learning specialists to help with the transition. It’s something that’s needed and very beneficial,” she added.

How does a person wanting to be a college coach know there’s a position open somewhere?

“A lot of it’s word of mouth. Usually in this profession you know who’s on the hot seat and there are whispers of who may get the job,” she said. Every head coach has a short list of who they’re interested in as an assistant. Then they post the job and the interviewing process.”

She latched on to the Fullerton job thanks to being a Notre Dame alum.

“Its network is huge and I was referred to Fullerton by an old teammate of mine. It’s as much what you know as who you know. The power of Notre Dame is huge,” Allen said of the experience.

Returning to South Bend as a coach was a dream come true.

“I’m walking and living my dream. What other job would someone want? Especially if you’ve had a great student-athlete experience there,” she said. “This is exactly what I enjoy doing. There’s a little pride behind things when you’re doing it for your alma mater. I’m blessed.”

So, does she aspire to someday become a head coach? At one time she did.

“I got that itch, and I thought I was ready, but coming here at the highest level of basketball I realize I have a lot more to learn and grow,” Allen said. “Right now, I’d say no, but that could easily change.”