Eternal Sisterhood Behind The Jersey’s

     Homecoming is all about bringing families together in more ways than one. Last weekend our campus hosted rivalry match-ups, exciting stories in PSH lecture hall, and amazing performances on the field and in the auditorium. Women’s Basketball faced off against the Hasting Broncos, and it was definitely a match up. After falling short a couple points our lady Yotes found the things they need to work harder at individually but mostly all together.

Point Guard scanning the court for her next move

      Senior Leader Odessa Ozuna is looking pretty sharp for her last year of playing on this court. With a heavy loaded major in Nursing, Odessa is always working to becoming the best version of herself. On the floor she is a confident, strong leader much like in her nursing labs. Her talent knows no bounds and this season our Coyotes are hyped up to get more wins underneath her belt. “My leadership style since my freshmen year has been one of the biggest changes I have noticed in myself over the past few years. As a senior, you get a better understanding of what balancing leading by example and being a vocal leader feels like. Naturally as a freshmen, everyone is told to be quiet and listen to the upperclassmen, which can make it difficult to find your voice and trust that what you are saying is true, accurate, and comprehensible. As a senior, I understand the areas I need to lead and the areas I need to follow, as well as the areas I need to be break things down. Best of all, I feel that this security and poise has translated off the court into my everyday life.” Ozuna states. Odessa was also a candidate for the Homecoming court this year and she ended up winning HOCO Queen at the football game; Saturday the 17th v.s. St.Mary’s University.

     Playing at the collegiate level poses a big challenge but also the biggest blessing of many young athletes lives. Coming into college your excepted to already be sharp physically and mentally, but many underestimate how difficult it can become to stay loyal to your plan. Everyone can paint their own perfect picture of what the game, season, or career will look like except how they will respond when it never goes according to plan? After a string of turnovers, missed goals or not getting the amount of playing time you thought you deserved, you have to figure out a consistent way to remind yourself of who you are and what you are capable of. Bringing yourself back to that zone should ideally be like flipping a switch, but it can definitely take time to find.

Perfect form after nailing a corner three

     For sophomore starter Anna Juenemen this season is looking to be another strong one for her. She ended her high school career with being 17th ranked across Kansas in her PPG (Points Per Game). This fueled her energy for her freshmen year where she had standout individual performances such as, a hard fought loss v.s. Bethel College getting her 24‑points. “I want to be someone who brings intensity, confidence, and a positive attitude every time I step on the court. Since I have experience in this program, I want to help the team stay focused, push each other to better, and stay positive through all challenges. I hope my presence helps create a team that plays hard, trusts each other, and never gives up” Anna shares. 

Transfer checking in for the first time on her new home court

     This team builds chemistry by communicating, encouraging each other, and getting to know teammates both on and off the court. They build trust by being people each other can depend on during practices and come game-time. The more they work together and support one another, the stronger the team will become. Junior Transfer Annie Dawson is looking to have a better year playing under a team with stronger upperclassmen leadership. Coming from a JUCO college her past experiences are shaping who she wants to become this season. “Transferring showed me that talent isn’t enough by itself. You have to work hard, stay consistent and be willing to adjust to a new environment. it helped me grow as both a player and a person” Dawson states.

     The biggest thing during this pre-season has been the coaches nonstop support about helping these young women getting better everyday. Each player in this program is expected to work hard and put the team first but in doing this they’re able to hold the team accountable and push each individual to be their very best. The KWU Women’s Basketball Team kicks off their season in less than 20 days. After placing 8th in the KCAC last year Coach Taylor has made it known her team is working nonstop to become top dogs this year. For information on roster size and match-ups check out the KWU Women’s Basketball homepage.