Lady Flames reflect on abrupt end of historic season
All photos courtesy of Lee Flames
The Lady Flames anxiously awaited their chance to take the court and host the NCAA DII South Regional tournament. There was a mix of excitement and nervousness as the team prepared to play, followed by confusion and disappointment when the news came down from the NCAA — the tournament was cancelled amid growing concerns about the coronavirus.
The sudden cancellation of all NCAA athletic tournaments was a crushing blow to all — especially the Lady Flames. They were in the midst of a historic season, earning the top seed in the South Region and gaining the right to host the regional tournament. But before they even got a chance to step on the court, the tournament was over.
“Even though we were monitoring the NCAA throughout the day, and we thought there could be a stoppage of play, it still was a shock to find out our season was suddenly cancelled,” said coach Marty Rowe.
Now being able to see the gravity of the situation at large, Rowe believes the NCAA made the right decision cancelling all athletics. However, no one can deny the incredible disappointment his team feels.
“You just hate to have such a sudden end, not only to our season but to six special seniors’ careers,” said Rowe. “Losing is such a big part of sports, but you can always eventually get closure and move on. I just feel for our seniors, and that their careers had such an open ending.”
The lack of closure is perhaps the hardest thing for the Lady Flames to deal with now. After such an incredible season, we will all be left wondering what could have been.
“Even though this was so unexpected, our team understood that it was bigger than basketball and the NCAA had to make that decision,” said senior Lindsey Roddy. “Coach Rowe made sure we were all proud of everything we accomplished as a group, and even though it felt like we had more left in us, we were happy with the history we made for this program.”
“Though I am sad by the events of last week, we had one heck of a year as a team. I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of this Lee family,” added senior Abby Bertram.
Even with such a sudden and disappointing end to the season — and to some players’ careers — the achievements of this team cannot be overlooked. The foundation of excellence that they have set for women’s basketball at Lee will last long after they are gone.
“I just want our players and coaches not to focus on what could have been, but celebrate what we were able to accomplish together. No matter the ending, this was definitely a season that we’ll all look back and share so many great moments,” concluded Rowe.
