STORY BY CARLY GRENFELL

After coming up short against Eastern Michigan in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) on March 20, our season finally came to a close.

On the bright side, we got to play the last game of the year on our home turf. That, in and of itself, was an incredible feeling, especially as a senior. I cannot say enough about the support we have received through thick and thin.

I have said this once before, but what makes Drake so special is that every fan, friend, supporter and follower hurt just as much as we did after losing in the conference tournament. That speaks volumes. Drake is truly a family and a home away from home for all of us.

I will miss this place with everything I have. But even so, it will always be a part of who I am. I cannot walk away from an experience of this magnitude without a tremendous sense of pride.

Drake is different.

We do things the right way, with integrity, and have so much to show for it through the kind of people who represent Drake and our athletic programs.

I’ve been asked many times already how it feels to be done with basketball. For lack of a better word, it feels ‘weird.’ I don’t remember the last time I’ve had this much free time.

While many tears have been shed, it is bittersweet.

I have found so much peace in the fact that I still get to watch this program evolve and grow into something great. This season was a huge stepping-stone for Drake Women’s Basketball because the team reached 20 wins and earned an automatic bid to the WNIT.

For such a young squad, the future is nothing but bright, and I can’t wait to witness it for myself.

Although my career has ended, in many ways it hasn’t. I might not be lacing up every day as a basketball player, but for the rest of my life, I get to say I am a Drake Women’s Basketball alumna. In my mind, that’s pretty darn cool too.