Women’s Basketball Team Celebrates Seniors Despite Potential Seventh Title Season Canceled

Photo courtesy of Bob Blanchard

The Women's Basketball team celebrating after defeating Saint Anselm College and capturing its sixth championship title.

By: Rachel Galatis

The women’s basketball season may be canceled due to the pandemic, but Coach Trisha Brown is making a point to celebrate the two seniors on the team to ensure their last moments as players are memorable.

The Northeast-10 Conference announced the cancellation of winter sports in December when Coronavirus numbers skyrocketed. Sports teams have not participated in any games or competitions since last March.

Teams can continue training, although they must do so in cohorts for contact tracing purposes. This includes all team activities, such as working out in the gym, watching films, and team practices.

All athletes living on campus or commuting are required to get tested for the virus twice a week. If someone misses a test for any reason, they can not participate in team activities.

Brown said she is disappointed the team can’t play this season but understands that this will help keep everyone safe.

She plans to have the team participate in spring scrimmages if possible, which she knows will give seniors Madison Seymour and Jennifer Worden something to cherish.

“If we are allowed to schedule some games or scrimmages at any time in the spring, we will absolutely make that happen for our seniors, but if not, we will find creative ways to celebrate and thank Maddie and Jenny for a great four years,” she said.

Last year, the team finished its season with a 12-game win streak and captured its sixth Northeast-10 Conference title. This year, the team is trying to stay connected by holding regular Zoom meetings and participating in pick-up games.

Freshmen Jada Thorton and Cameron Ward will have to wait until next season to play in any official conference games.

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Seymour said she would tell herself not to take the opportunity to put on a Stonehill jersey for granted since not many people have the same opportunity.

She said that she enjoys playing for Coach Brown and appreciates all the memories she made with the team.

“I had a great four years with this team, and if I could go back to being a freshman and do it all over again, I would,” she said.

Despite the fact, winter sports saw its season canceled, there has been no word as to whether spring sports will play this year or not. It all depends on how well coronavirus numbers are in the state over the course of the next few months.

Worden said that if she could offer advice to freshmen, who will be on the team next year, she would tell them to build good relationships with teammates and work as hard as they can.

“I'm grateful to be a part of this program, and the friendships that I have made with my teammates will last forever,” she said.