[81alum]

From my seat I could look across the court and watch as the players left out the tunnel.  Some ran off quickly after the post-game center court huddle, no doubt wanting to get away and hide their grief.  But after she led the team in the huddle, Haley was the last to leave.  She consoled her teammates and helped to shepherd them toward  the exit, but several times she paused and turned around or looked over her shoulder, waving at the crowd, not afraid to make eye contact with her watery eyes.  The Haley I want to remember is the Haley who played with joy and was smiling as she exulted in the game, but this image of Haley is etched in my brain, and I don't think it is entirely a bad thing.  We were standing and clapping and cheering them despite the loss, showing our love for the team, and she acknowledged us.  The love between the fans and the players is mutual, and it was felt keenly in that agonizing moment.

[81alum]

From my seat I could look across the court and watch as the players left out the tunnel.  Some ran off quickly after the post-game center court huddle, no doubt wanting to get away and hide their grief.  But after she led the team in the huddle, Haley was the last to leave.  She consoled her teammates and helped to shepherd them toward  the exit, but several times she paused and turned around or looked over her shoulder, waving at the crowd, not afraid to make eye contact with her watery eyes.  The Haley I want to remember is the Haley who played with joy and was smiling as she exulted in the game, but this image of Haley is etched in my brain, and I don't think it is entirely a bad thing.  We were standing and clapping and cheering them despite the loss, showing our love for the team, and she acknowledged us.  The love between the fans and the players is mutual, and it was felt keenly in that agonizing moment.