If you missed the 2022 Women's Basketball Team Banquet last Sunday afternoon, you made a mistake you need to correct next season. It was rare. I've been witness to a number of highly successful human organizations in my life, but this coach, her staff, and her players seem to be quality personified - which was clearly on display Sunday afternoon.
During my playing years - junior high, high school, college and city league - I played on all kinds of basketball teams, and none of them had anything close to the level of closeness, selflessness, and affection I sensed in this group. These players love each other. Tara speaks of a "sisterhood" and on Sunday you could see it and feel it.
On most teams there are one or two highly talented players and that usually leads to major stress and division. On this team Haley, Cameron, and Lexie get most of the awards, press, and notoriety, but it doesn't seem to cause any stress or division. Their teammates are their greatest fans. And when Anna, or Lacie, or Hannah, or Ashten or Agnes, or Kiki make a great play, all their "sisters" erupt in heartfelt celebration.
When you say this stuff it sounds natural, like why wouldn't they? Believe me, the depth of their sincerity is very rare.
In interviews with our players, when asked about so-and-so having a big scoring night, they answer as though so-and-so was truly one of their sisters, "Wasn't she fantastic! When she gets hot, we all set screens for her and feed her the ball!"
Carol and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Cameron and could feel the depth of her sincerity in cheering and supporting all of her teammates. During the afternoon she expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of playing power forward down the road and developing her game facing the basket a la Elena Della Donne (her favorite player.)
As she spoke, she set my mind racing - thinking of the possibilities of what she could bring to the table over the next two seasons and beyond. The sky is obviously the limit. I can see she's barely scratched the surface of what her game will become by the end of her senior season, in 2024. I can't wait to watch those explosive long first strides to layups above the rim - and all those pull-up jumpshots with her bewildered defender watching helplessly from below.
I'll continue through the off-season previewing the incredible possibilities awaiting us in November and beyond. Basically, we ain't seen nothin yet. Next season is going to be awesome! If you haven't put down the deposit on your season tickets yet - you need to!
GO CARDINAL! LET'S GO GET ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP!!
