Colorado University Athletics
Wilsons, Hargis Help Lay Solid Foundation For Lappe
BOULDER GÇô By the spring of 2010, the writing had been on the wall for quite some time. Five lackluster seasons under the beleaguered Kathy McConnell-Miller left the Colorado womenGÇÖs basketball program searching for answers. The university hierarchy decided a change needed to be made in order to restore the fading image of a one-time powerhouse of a program.
After only one winning season in the previous six, the decision came that the McConnell-Miller experiment was a failed one. The program turned to, and eventually hired, former Buff Linda Lappe, who had experienced a wealth of success at CU during her proud playing career. LappeGÇÖs renovation project began with the signing of her first recruiting class: a towering center from Robinson, Texas, named Rachel Hargis; a dynamo of a guard from Long Beach, Calif., named Brittany Wilson; and her cerebral twin sister, Ashley Wilson.
And now, after three postseason berths and back-to-back 20-win seasons, the CU senior trio will play its final home game in a Buffs uniform on Sunday (noon, Pac-12 Network) at the Coors Events Center against Southern California.
GÇ£It does make it kind of special that they all arrived the same year as our staff,GÇ¥ said Lappe. GÇ£We recruited Rachel really late that year but not Brittany and Ashley (they were McConnell-MillerGÇÖs final recruits), so we have really gotten to know them as they have gotten to know us. TheyGÇÖve done a lot in four years. WeGÇÖre not consistently where we want to be, but theyGÇÖve helped start us in that direction and theyGÇÖre a huge part of where we are.GÇ¥
After four years, the senior trio hasnGÇÖt changed the face of CU basketball. They havenGÇÖt returned the program to the unremitting success of the Ceal Barry era. And they havenGÇÖt put forth the astronomical numbers that sometimes grab the interest of the casual basketball fan. But, what they have done in their short time on campus goes far beyond what any box score or highlight reel might ever concede.
Their legacy will instead be in all that canGÇÖt be measured. That they attacked every zone with the same tenacity, ran every fast break with the same efficiency and started every practice with the same intensity from the moment they first arrived in Boulder. TheyGÇÖve always played every moment as if it just might be their last, and if future generations can inherit those same intangibles the program will be in competent hands as the long climb back to prominence continues.
GÇ£Just in terms of where they got the program and where theyGÇÖre leading it, itGÇÖs definitely going to be even better as we move forward because of them,GÇ¥ said Lappe. GÇ£The overall passion, hard work and toughness that all three of those guys play with has really helped our program kind of take the next step.GÇ¥
The first of those seniors, Hargis, has in four years become the kind of defensive stalwart that has helped turn the program into one of the Pac-12GÇÖs stingiest. Her shot-blocking prowess GÇô she ranks eighth all-time at CU GÇô and her ability to defend in the paint were key reasons why the Buffs set a school-record in field goal percentage defense last season and have allowed the third-fewest points in the conference over the last two years. As her final year comes to an end, Hargis took a moment to reflect on how far the program has come during her career.
GÇ£ItGÇÖs been a journey,GÇ¥ said Hargis. GÇ£We have come from a team that nobody expected to do anything to one that has made a name for ourselves. Personally, I think IGÇÖve grown every year as a player and helped my team more and more.GÇ¥
The next of those seniors, Brittany Wilson, has found a niche as an explosive stat stuffer who does her best work in spurts. Her ability to have an immediate impact in all facets of the game, whether off the bench or immediately from the opening tip, has always brought forth more scoring opportunities for her underrated teammates. This year, the most obvious recipients have been sophomore forward Jamee Swan and junior Jen Reese, who are both enjoying career-best seasons in terms of scoring as opposing defenses focus on the versatile guard. Wilson, who has extracted what seems like every drop of her talent over the last four years, leads the team in both assists and steals, is third in scoring and is second in 3-point field goals made.
GÇ£ItGÇÖs so hard to believe (the end of my career) came by so fast,GÇ¥ said Brittany Wilson. GÇ£IGÇÖve played hard every time IGÇÖve been out there and IGÇÖm ready to end it on a high note. There are a lot of different emotions but IGÇÖm happy about all that we have accomplished.GÇ¥
The final one of those seniors is point guard Ashley Wilson. Unfortunately due to injuries which resulted in a lack of playing time, she has never quite found a definitive role on LappeGÇÖs unit. An assortment of knee and shoulder injuries limited her effectiveness on the court, but nothing has ever quite been able to limit her effectiveness off it. While incapacitated, Ashley has always found a way to aid her teammates by being a vocal leader in and out of team huddles alongside the coaches. As she nears the end of her career she sees a future in coaching, hoping to offer her expertise and experience to future players.
GÇ£ItGÇÖs been a fun ride,GÇ¥ said Ashley. GÇ£There were minor setbacks every single year with the injuries but always being able to bounce back was key for me and my team. IGÇÖve appreciated the support. You just have to always leave your heart out there on the floor and I think I did that. IGÇÖve always tried to do whatever I can to help my team in any type of way.GÇ¥
There may never be another class quite like this one.