University of Charleston Athletics

 
Several years ago, the Golden Eagles decorated their locker room with several quotes.  One of the quotes they chose was “Tradition Never Graduates.”  They wanted to pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members of the team.  It is a belief of the players once you are an Eagle you are always an Eagle.  Whatever dreams you achieved when you were here, you leave behind for others to follow.
 
As we begin the 2011-12 basketball season, we are certain to feel the absence of our six seniors who combined had career statistics of 4,891 points, 2,544 rebounds, 1,318 assists, 238 blocks, and 591 steals. Last season they averaged in every game 56.7 points (77% of the offense), 26.5 rebounds (60% of the boards), 11 assists (64% of the passes resulting in scores), 3.1 blocks (75% of the swats), and 6.7 steals (66% of the times we anticipated the opponent’s moves).
 
During their career, they won 87 games while losing only 35, winning the WVIAC Conference Title in both 2009 and 2011.  They also captured the WVIAC Tournament Championship in 2009 and made the NCAA tournament twice. 
 
In the end of the season WVIAC statistics, the Golden Eagles were 2^nd in scoring defense at 63.9 ppg; 3^rd in scoring margin at +10 ppg; 3^rd in FG% at .443; 1^st in FG% defense at .365; 1^st in 3 point FG% at .377; 3^rd at rebounding offense at 44.1; 1^st in rebounding margin at +5; 3^rd in blocked shots at 4.19; 3^rd in assists at 17.09; and 1^st in defensive rebounds at 30.5.  The Golden Eagles ranked in the top three in 11 of the 21 statistical categories.
             
Julianne Smith departed the team leaving behind a legacy of hard work, team-mindedness, and a love for the game.  Although she was never a major statistical impact on the team, she was an impact on her teammates and coaches.  Moneka Slaughter became a defensive specialist over the years, coming off the bench to shut down the opponent’s low block attack.  Her willingness to be tough in the paint kept us as one of the toughest defensive teams in the WVIAC for three of her four years.
 
Ali Tobias learned to be one of the best technical defenders in the conference.  Although statistics will never show her talents, she was always in the right place at the right time.  Through her intelligence, she took away opponent’s playbook and made them play outside their comfort zone.  She was the starting point guard for four years.  Tiana Beatty became the first walk-on during Coach Winn’s tenure to earn a scholarship. She became a two-year starter and one of the most difficult players to defend on a fast break.  With her ability to hang in the air and double pump the basketball, it was almost impossible to stop her on a penetration.
 
Tarenna Dixon left her mark in the record book by scoring 1,183 points, grabbing 910 rebounds and shooting a career FG% of .514.  She was a two-time All-Conference selection and premier low block player.  Lindsey Kentner, a two-time All-Conference Selection, an Academic All-American and Honorable Mention All-American became the all-time free throw shooting percentage leader at UC with .850.  Her name will also be listed as the 8^th all-time career scorer with 1,576 points, 10^th in career steals and 9^th in career blocks.
 
The 2011 seniors leave behind a legacy both on the court and in the UC record books which will be a goal for others to aspire.  We thank them for their leadership, passion and heart.  They will always be held dearly in our minds.