This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rochester chapter.
Ally is a sophomore on the successful women’s basketball team, who currently leads the
team in scoring, averaging 10.7 points per game, and assists, averaging 3.9 per
game. The team recently beat #12 ranked Washington University (Mo.) for the
second time this season, after beating them when they were ranked #3 last month.
What made you decide to play basketball at UR?
Playing basketball at UR was an opportunity where I could have the best of both
worlds. I could be apart of a successful basketball program with a conference that
allows for a fun, travel filled schedule while still receiving an education from a
nationally ranked institution.
What has led to the team’s success this season?
I think our biggest motivator for this year was the disappointment we faced in our
previous season. Last season we were nationally ranked in the top 10 a majority of
the year until losing 6 of our last 8 games. We didn’t make the NCAA tournament,
which is uncommon for the women’s program here. This defeat became a driving
force for all of us and pushed us to improve in the offseason.
What has been your favorite moment so far this season?
My favorite moment this season was when Danielle McNabb hit a game winning
three pointer to win the Wendy’s Classic Championship. The Wendy’s Classic is
a local tournament where all the teams from the area get to compete and raise
money to fight cancer. The victory gave us our 8th straight Wendy’s title, which is an
accomplishment we take pride in.
Describe your winter break spent living in the Sue B. lounges.
Our winter break is cut short and we spend a couple of weeks living in the lounges.
They set up beds for us and usually three people stay in each lounge. Because not
many other people remain on campus, we do a lot of team bonding and spend a
majority of our time together. This year we went sledding as a team and ate at Coach
Scheible’s house, his parent’s house and a teammate’s house for dinner. We also
hosted a basketball clinic at the Penfield YMCA for young girls who wanted to learn
a bit more about basketball.
How has being a member of the basketball team influenced your college experience?
I couldn’t imagine my college experience without basketball. My teammates have
become some of my best friends on campus that I spend time with both on and off
the court. Basketball has given me some of my best friends at school and without
them my experience wouldn’t have been as great as it has been.