Crowd Energy and Team Grit Power McMurry Women’s Basketball’s Success  

McMurry Women’s Basketball’s previous and current success causes the stands to be filled with many supportive friends, classmates, and professors. The energy from the crowd acts as a symbiotic relationship by fueling the players, leading to a more entertaining game for the audience. They have continued to have a very successful season so far, and according to the most recent game recap, their most recent win “improves McMurry to 15-4 overall and 9-2 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the top of the conference standings”.  

I interviewed important senior players, Aryana Cleveland and Jordan Gillespie. I chose them specifically because they are frequently mentioned in game recaps as integral to the game. For example, “Cleveland and Gillespie Power War Hawks to Fifth Straight SCAC Win”. Just last week, Gillespie was named the SCAC Women’s Basketball Defensive Player-of-the-Week and shared that being recognized for her skill means a lot to her.   

As the season has progressed, practices have evolved alongside the team’s growth. Cleveland explained that practices now move at a faster pace, as the team has become more comfortable with their plays and overall speed. Gillespie added that practices have shifted toward focusing on the small details from each game, allowing the team to make steady improvements from one game to the next.  

When asked how the team stays locked in during tough stretches, both players emphasized the importance of support and positivity. Cleveland highlighted the team’s collective mindset, saying, “We have to remind ourselves of the end goal and that it takes all 17 to bring home a win. Our grit has to be stronger than the other teams.”  

Gillespie believes that the biggest area of growth has been each player identifying their individual strengths and settling into their roles. Cleveland pointed to trust as the key factor, noting that trusting both teammates and coaches has strengthened the team’s bond.  

Looking ahead, the team remains focused on continuing their success. Gillespie shared that the team’s primary goal is to take each game one at a time, with the ultimate aim of becoming conference champions and returning to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament. For Cleveland, the motivation is deeply personal. As a senior, she is focused on giving everything she has to the team, while collectively striving to remain persistent and face adversity, which is an approach she believes leads to growth both on and off the court. 

The work the women’s basketball team has taken to strengthen their bond is no easy feat; it requires trust, hard work, and strength. No matter how the team changes after graduation, the efforts and bonds that they have built will no doubt carry on for years to come.