Electric. Powerful. Energetic. Moving. These are the words that describe the typical UConn basketball game. For me, the pride and unity I feel when I cheer in the stands are like nothing else on this Earth. The powerful sense of belonging to something bigger than you are, the intoxicating feeling of frenzied excitement as the crowd goes wild, the unwavering belief in the knowledge that I believe that we will win – this is what it means to be a Husky.
UConn fans turning it up as usual
But I didn’t always feel this way. While I used to play basketball when I was younger, the bench and I were great friends for most of the season. My height would’ve misled you to believe I was some great player, when in reality I was the backup to the center who stole the show. Despite my shortcomings (which, at nearly 6 feet tall, is maybe not the right word), I continued to appreciate the sport and love the game; however uncoordinated I was on the court, there is just something undeniably exciting about basketball: the winning feeling of shooting the perfect shot, the literally heart-pounding sensation of tearing up the court, or even just casually watching your team from the stands. So when I won the lottery this season, I, like all of you, was beyond thrilled to be able to attend the games and watch the two best teams in the world…..especially because I had never been to a UConn game before.
UConn Men’s team winning the 2014 National Championship over Kentucky
None of my friends were really into the sport, so I had never attended a game. But luckily one of my closest friends also got tickets this season, so we both eagerly threw on our Olliewood shirts and treked to Gampel. And what I found there was nothing short of amazing: UConn students are some of the most involved college fans in the entire U.S. for a reason, and we won’t let you forget it. Everyone comes together for a common goal: to see our people out there kicking butt.
There is something so satisfying and empowering to know that that’s your team on the court, representing you and giving it their all. It’s almost like we’re a part of the team too, we’re that invested in their well-being and success. You can see it in the way that students campout the night before a game, the way that we line up for hours, shouting the beloved UConn chant. This feeling of unity translates into the most incredible, dynamic, and unrivaled game experience ever, complete with funny traditions, courtside antics, and people generally going nuts. That sense of shared pride and unity, of loyalty and devotion, is so palpable and so real that it’ll make even the most apathetic student believe in the magic that is UConn Basketball. I feel lucky to call myself a husky.
UConn students camping out the night before the Notre Dame game
I could’ve called this post something cheesy like “Growth of A Basketball Fan”. But nah. I think it’s more than that. Being a husky and bleeding blue is a way of life, and I’m officially hooked.