Once a Lion...ALWAYS a Lion!!

Today's post is written by senior Randi Henderson:

Instead of using my last blog to tell you how sad I am that my basketball career is over, I am going to recognize the joys I had when wearing the Green and Gold jersey. Even though I am young, life has shown me some of its finest curveballs I really start to laugh when I think about the player I was when I first walked on this campus; compared to the player I am now. As a freshman, I tore my knee and didn’t play much.

Freshman year I learned what the MSSU vs. Pitt State rivalry really means…by the way we beat them TWICE that year. Then there was my sophomore year, boy did that team do big things! Prior to conference season our defense was ranking very high in the country and our team had gained a national ranking. During conference we beat top ten, nationally ranked, Emporia and then beat #2 nationally ranked Washburn on their home court! We ended the year 18-10, just one game shy of the NCAA tournament.

As a starting point guard for the Lions during my Junior year I had the most fun I have ever had playing the game of basketball with those seven seniors, Jolea, and Michelle. We had our ups and downs, but we took the conference by surprise finishing 19-10 and winning the first round game at the conference tournament in Kansas City (a first under Coach Mitts’ and her coaching staff). This season, our team consisted of nine new players (I was the only returning starter). The highlight of the season was beating an undefeated Washburn team on their home court. This year we played really well at home. Senior night was a highlight as everyone brought their best and we beat a very good Fort Hayes team by 38 points! There was only one thing that would have made that night better, a hug from Coach Williams. But, I know he was there looking down with a smile.

During my career as a Lion, each team finished in the top five or better in the conference. The Joplin As soon as it clicked for everyone on the team, all you could see were smiles from ear to ear. So, to my teammates: thank you for holding me accountable. community support is outstanding. Our fans are some of the best in the country. They make sure we are fed well and even open up their homes to us girls. So, Thank you!! To my awesome teammates (their have been so many throughout the years), you guys are the best. As an athlete things are not easy; however, the game becomes fun when the people involved in your life hold you to the same high standard they hold themselves. This is something that the members of this program do for one another (some year’s it took longer to learn than others—this year is a good example).

Then there is my coaching staff. Each one of them expected every player to bring their best effort on a daily basis. Clearly, with nine new players our coaches had a lot of things to teach. But, with Coach Mitts passion, Coach Hubbard’s amazing game plans, Coach Jones yelling, and Coach Moeller’s awesome skills we finished with winning season. I know that as a team we all wished that we could have given the coaches more wins this year, because they work hard enough to deserve to win every game. Finally, to my fellow senior Jolea: thanks for helping me carry the load and being yourself on a day to day basis. If I had it all to do over again, my choice would be easy...MSSU.

Once again, Thank you to all those who support MSSU Lady Lions, I couldn’t not have done it without you. To the ’10-’11 squad, Jolea and I expect big things next year. Work hard and know that your best will always be good enough!

It’s a great day to be a LION… Once a Lion, ALWAYS a LION!

Randi Henderson
Sr. Point Guard