On Saturday, the women's basketball team will say goodbye to four of the most inspirational athletes that have ever graced the floor of Alumni Arena. This group of ladies loves playing not only for the fans, but for each other as well.
Seniors Kourtney Brown, Jessica Fortman, Bridgette Kendricks, and Ashley Zuber will play their final game in blue and white at home. Throughout the years, the four girls have shown nothing but determination to help the team reach its potential.
This year, the Bulls are aiming for the top. Zuber, an exercise science major, believed that this is the first thing all fans should know.
Anybody who has kept up with this team over the last five years knows that this is the year that the team can make it happen, according to Zuber.
Amidst an aura of confidence, one thing that isn't overlooked is the emotion shared between these teammates. Indeed, it has been a tremendously challenging career for them, but none of them want to see it come to an end yet.
Fortman, also an exercise science major, has become very attached to the girls she's had the opportunity to play with.
"It is emotional," Fortman said. "So many friendships have grown. It's like an immediate family. You look forward to seeing other people's parents after the game. Other people's parents become your parents, and it's really nice to have that kind of support."
The players describe the team as their family, and they are conscious not to let each other down.
"You can't be selfish when you have an entire team and your team's like your family," Brown said. "It's like walking out on your family."
Kendricks, an early childhood education major, felt that the chemistry the team has developed from playing together for so long has made this season even more special than the others.
"This year has been the best year for me," Kendricks said. "It's not that we didn't get along the other years, but our chemistry is so much better this year. We've believed in ourselves more and it has taken us far. We play for our fans, but we really play for each other."
Looking back on their careers, the girls know that it is not the individual accomplishments that will define them, but how much they meant to each other.
"When we leave college, it's not going to be about how many points you scored or the records you set," Zuber said. "It's about how good of a teammate you were, and how you affected the other people that were around you. It's been special, but we're going to go out with a bang."
In case there are doubters out there, the Bulls won't be phased – these ladies believe in themselves. They welcome all to come and witness greatness on senior day, which is Saturday at 2 p.m. in Alumni Arena.
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