[StanFanFam13]

I thought I would do a separate thread for this apart from the game, since TV would not have covered it, it was touching, and some very useful information about the future was revealed.

First, for those who saw the game, you know that Fingall, Wilson, and Brewer each got subbed out in the last few minutes to standing ovations and oodles of warmth and applause.  After the game, each of them and Carrington were introduced by another player.  Maya Dodson got double duty and introduced both Alyssa Brewer and Nadia Fingall. 

I remember from previously that Dodson was one of the players providing Brewer with support during her darkest days.  Brewer's family did not travel for the event, but Bri Roberson and her family were there to support Brewer.  Brewer, we learned, has just completed a novel, and is planning to take a year off to spend time with family.

Dodson played together with Fingall in high school, so this marks the end of a 7 year odyssey for them.  Dodson was very well spoken and clearly cared deeply about both of the players she introduced.  Fingall teared up when she talked about the road back from her injury, and noted how pleased she was that senior day was against USC, the game in which she was injured a year ago.  She would like to keep playing for a while and then is looking at school for a physician's assistant.

Williams introduced Carrington, and as with Dodson, there was a lot of "big sister" talk.  These kids really love each other.  Tara told the crowd that they were hopeful to get Carrington back this year and that she is getting closer by the day.  Carrington had a lot of family present.  There was no hint at all that she might have another year of eligibility.  If so, they are concealing it well.

Jerome introduced Anna Wilson, reading a lovely speech from her Ipad--that Wilson recommended she get.  Tara told the crowd that she wanted Anna to have this moment, but they were still hoping to get her back for next year and that "her best days are ahead."  From this we know that the appeal has still not been decided, and it really could go either way, but if it comes through she will be here at Stanford next year.  Anna's mother and brother (Russell Wilson) were both present and spoke, and Russell gave a well structured speech in her honor, reminiscing about watching out his suburban window when they were young, watching their departed father teaching Anna reverse layups in the driveway.

So, in addition to the heartwarming stories and the bittersweet event, we did learn some interesting things.  Wilson might be back but it really is in the NCAA's hands, but there is no hint of this for Carrington. Tara is still publicly stating that Carrington is getting closer to playing. 

There were more than a few moist eyes in the crowd today.  The community of fans adopts these players from a distance and becomes emotionally attached to them, and as I noted, these senior days seem to come too often and too soon.

Thanks so much for capturing what sounds like a moving senior day for some truly outstanding players and young women! I'm sorry to have missed it but very glad to have this recap.

[StanFanFam13]

I thought I would do a separate thread for this apart from the game, since TV would not have covered it, it was touching, and some very useful information about the future was revealed.

First, for those who saw the game, you know that Fingall, Wilson, and Brewer each got subbed out in the last few minutes to standing ovations and oodles of warmth and applause.  After the game, each of them and Carrington were introduced by another player.  Maya Dodson got double duty and introduced both Alyssa Brewer and Nadia Fingall. 

I remember from previously that Dodson was one of the players providing Brewer with support during her darkest days.  Brewer's family did not travel for the event, but Bri Roberson and her family were there to support Brewer.  Brewer, we learned, has just completed a novel, and is planning to take a year off to spend time with family.

Dodson played together with Fingall in high school, so this marks the end of a 7 year odyssey for them.  Dodson was very well spoken and clearly cared deeply about both of the players she introduced.  Fingall teared up when she talked about the road back from her injury, and noted how pleased she was that senior day was against USC, the game in which she was injured a year ago.  She would like to keep playing for a while and then is looking at school for a physician's assistant.

Williams introduced Carrington, and as with Dodson, there was a lot of "big sister" talk.  These kids really love each other.  Tara told the crowd that they were hopeful to get Carrington back this year and that she is getting closer by the day.  Carrington had a lot of family present.  There was no hint at all that she might have another year of eligibility.  If so, they are concealing it well.

Jerome introduced Anna Wilson, reading a lovely speech from her Ipad--that Wilson recommended she get.  Tara told the crowd that she wanted Anna to have this moment, but they were still hoping to get her back for next year and that "her best days are ahead."  From this we know that the appeal has still not been decided, and it really could go either way, but if it comes through she will be here at Stanford next year.  Anna's mother and brother (Russell Wilson) were both present and spoke, and Russell gave a well structured speech in her honor, reminiscing about watching out his suburban window when they were young, watching their departed father teaching Anna reverse layups in the driveway.

So, in addition to the heartwarming stories and the bittersweet event, we did learn some interesting things.  Wilson might be back but it really is in the NCAA's hands, but there is no hint of this for Carrington. Tara is still publicly stating that Carrington is getting closer to playing. 

There were more than a few moist eyes in the crowd today.  The community of fans adopts these players from a distance and becomes emotionally attached to them, and as I noted, these senior days seem to come too often and too soon.

Thanks so much for capturing what sounds like a moving senior day for some truly outstanding players and young women! I'm sorry to have missed it but very glad to have this recap.