It is common knowledge around Grounds that the men's lacrosse team won the NCAA National Championship last spring, but it may be a surprise to many Virginia athletic supporters that the lacrosse team was not the only group to reach the national finals.
Last April, another group of Virginia athletes achieved similar accolades -- even if it was on a different level. The Women's Club Basketball team traveled to Ohio University where it also reached the national finals, placing second in the NIRSA National Intramural Basketball Championships.
Created six years ago, the Women's Club Basketball team travels throughout the country competing against intramural teams from other universities, as well nationally ranked Division II, III and Junior College squads.
"We have had some considerable success in the past," current team president Beth Pyne said. "In our six years, we have won the East Coast Women's Club Basketball League three times, including last season (2002)."
As a student run organization, Women's Club Basketball does not end when the whistle blows. Being a member of the squad requires a heavy amount of fundraising to finance the team's tournament and travel expenses. The remaining money is appropriated to the team by Student Council through the same procedures as all Contracted Independent Organizations.
"There is all different types of fundraising involved with being on the team," team member Jess Parker said. "In addition to sending out letters to friends and family, we currently have a program with the U.Va. Bookstore where we are able to sell some of their merchandise at the varsity women's basketball games to help support our program."
In addition to fundraising, the women on the team are responsible for all other administrative duties including scheduling games, tournaments and arranging travel to places such as New York, Ohio, Florida and Arizona. Practices and games are run by a voluntary coaching staff that is led this season by coach Jay James.
"All of the coaches are incredibly dedicated for not getting paid," Parker said. "Between the head coach and the two assistants, they make sure that at least two of them make it to every game and practice we have."
Tryouts for the team are held at the beginning of each fall semester and the time commitment includes three two-hour practices a week and games or tournaments a majority of the weekends.
"Because of the time commitment and the high level of play we seek to maintain, girls who join our team are very dedicated and love the game," Pyne said. "At the same time, we have always put great emphasis on having fun. I think we would all agree on that as one of the best aspects of our team."
Competing essentially year-round, the squad will attempt to claim the title this April that eluded them a year ago. But win or lose, the girls will most certainly view their 2003-04 campaign as a success and look toward tryouts next fall with great anticipation.
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