Mia (MY'-uh) Smith lost her hair to chemotherapy, but the Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball coach doesn't intend to give up the basketball season.

Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and has since undergone chemotherapy treatment. Still ahead are dozens of radiation treatments.

But the 14-year coach plans to lead her team through the season that starts Nov. 18. Illinois Wesleyan is a Division III school in Bloomington.

Smith says her players have proven to be strong medicine. She says she's rejuvenated when she sees them in practice.

Senior Olivia Lett says she can tell her coach is sometimes more fatigued than usual. But Lett says Smith is in practice every day and ready to work.