"Side by side or miles apart, we are sisters connected by the heart." -- Unknown

As they walked side-by-side onto the Stewart Center Arena floor, seven seniors – best friends and teammates on the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team – carried unbounded energy to that opening day of practice. It would be a scene replicated throughout the 2019-20 season.

Confident and ready, these seniors were intent on making history while building on a winning legacy at USF. All of them - Kaely Hummel, Jacey Huinker, Mariah Szymanski, Jessie Geer, Augusta Thramer, Andie Mataloni, and Abby Slater – were ready to blaze a path together that would be long remembered. And, they would do it together in a bond of sisterhood.

Singular in purpose – winning together – each of these seniors arrived at this stage in life in a bit of a circuitous route. And, each of them accepted that this year would be challenging but one rife with opportunity.

"They were certainly focused with a determination to go far. And, everyone on the team brought it to practices or games every day. Led by the seniors, this team worked hard and led by example which resulted in significant success," said USF Head Coach Travis Traphagen, who is the all-time wins leader in women's basketball at USF with 243 victories in 12 seasons.

Making History
As days ended and new ones began, the seniors' bond grew stronger. Dancing before games and unbridled celebration after wins, sometimes with the coaches participating, was pierced into their game rituals as has been the case since they came together as a group in 2016. It was a zany if not goofy group, as described by Hummel.

"We have been definitely a fun, weird group and goofy," said Hummel, a Cherokee, Iowa native, who was named Honorable Mention All-American by the WBCA in a postseason honor. "We just love being together and enjoy each other's company," added Hummel, who was also named D2CCA All-Region, earned a third All-NSIC honor. She also set an all-time USF mark in made threes with 273 (most ever by a male or female basketball player) while moving up to third on the all-time scoring list with 1,733 points.

 

As practices transitioned into games and road trips all the while managing coursework at USF, these seven seniors led the way as the Cougars began their season 4-0 after a home-win over regionally-ranked Emporia State. It was a victory that helped the Cougars enter the WBCA Top-25 at No. 19 – a first in the DII era. After a 3-0 trip to Hawaii, which included a 79-77 victory on the home floor of Hawaii Pacific – the No. 3 ranked Rainbows only loss all year - USF moved to No. 11 in the country. Then, after a road sweep over Minnesota State and Concordia St. Paul, the Cougars had a 9-0 start as they reached No. 7 in the WBCA Top-25. 

The Cougars, which would be ranked by the WBCA or the D2SIDA national polls 10 times – including nine straight weeks - dropped two straight games but quickly ended the losing skein by winning nine in-a-row before a close 78-76 loss at home to Winona State. At 18-3, the Cougars closed with eight wins in their final 11 games and with it came a program-first NSIC South Division title plus a berth in the NSIC Tournament semifinals for an unprecedented fifth straight year.  To get there, USF defeated Winona State, 71-59, as Huinker had a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds and junior forward Anna Goodhope scored 23 points.

"It was so exciting to win the NSIC South title as it was something that had never been done here before," said Huinker, who earned her second All-NSIC Defensive Team honor and was picked to the All-NSIC Academic Team for a fourth time. "That and earning a bid as the No. 3 seed in the NCAA DII regional certainly resonates with me. But it will mean a lot more down the road as we leave here and then reflect back," she said.

Life Happens
"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder. You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger. May you never take one single breath for granted. God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed. I hope you feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise that you'll give faith a fighting chance. And, when you get the chance to sit it out or dance - I hope you dance. I hope you dance." 
-- Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance

As the team bus left the Stewart Center parking lot two days ahead of the March 13 regional first round game with St. Cloud State, the Cougars had high expectations and hopes. With strong focus and a little hope, the feather in their hat was to come – perhaps the program's first-ever basketball win in the DII Championships. They were guaranteed one game but six would mean a historic run to the NCAA DII title.

This USF team was ready to dance at the ultimate sport showcase. They had experienced the wonder of a 26-6 campaign and won their first-ever NSIC South title. As they headed to Warrensburg, Mo., as the No. 3 seed, they had one more chance to leave a mark. One more time to dance.

Sometimes life happens. Sometimes the door of opportunity closes. For the seven seniors and each of their nine teammates, an opportunity to dance in the regional ended due to an unimaginable situation with the Corona virus outbreak that impacted not only the athletic landscape but the world. It led to perhaps the most frustrating and bewildering if not heart-breaking bus trip home of their lives.

On the night before the game with SCSU, the Cougars found out that their chance to play at the regional was over before it began when the NCAA Board of Governors and President Mark Emmert ruled that all championships in the winter and subsequently all spring championships would be canceled due to the novel Coronavirus which had cut a swath across the athletic landscape and endangered lives.

According to the announcement from the NCAA, the decision was based on "the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."

Therefore, USF and the other teams at the regional made preparations to return home the next morning.

"You can only control the controllable," said Traphagen, whose group of seniors finished their careers 87-35, including 59-29 in the NSIC with the South title and three 22-plus win seasons (22-8, 2016-17; 16-13, 2017-18; 23-8, 2018-19; 26-6, 2019-20) in four years. "We had to accept this and move on knowing that there were public health concerns at play with this virus," he said. "As I approached them to tell them, they knew," said Traphagen, who directed USF to a 44-16 home record over the past four years. "That is what was so hard – to look them in the eyes. It was as tough of a meeting that I have ever had with a team," he said.

Returning Home
"Sisters are for sharing laughter and wiping tears." – Unknown

Led by the seniors, the team shared hugs and emotions. Tears flowed. As they prepped for the ride home, Traphagen told the team – seniors specifically – to put on their jerseys and wear them one more time. As they moved toward the bus on Friday (March 13) morning, the emotions of the situation were evident on their faces. But as they stood outside the bus and took a picture, they showed the integrity and veracity of a special team and a group of women whose bond would forever hold. 
 
Szymanski wrote on her Instagram account, "not the way someone wants to end their basketball career. But there are only so many things you can control. I wouldn't trade these last four years for anything. I found some of my best friends while playing a game I love," said Szymanski, a native of Pulaski, Wisc., who finished her career with 1,172 points (17^th all-time at USF) and had 247 assists (8^th all-time at USF), with 171 made threes (seventh all-time at USF).

Coming Together
Every team has a makeup unique to itself. This USF squad, specifically the seniors, certainly cut a swath across the Midwest. From Gillette, Wyo., to South Sioux City, Nebraska to Cherokee, Altoona and Urbandale, Iowa, Andover, Minn., and across to Pulaski, Wisc., the hometowns of the seniors were as divergent as their paths to the USF campus.

Some of them had played in the same conference in high school. Others came to campus without any association, except through Traphagen's recruiting eye, with the women who would be their teammates. Subsequently, bonds were built – some became roommates (Hummel and Andie Mataloni) and others close friends – all sisters. Each had success in their own right and all seven earned Academic All-NSIC honors as seniors.

Huinker, a graduate student in Business Administration, who already has her nursing degree and a 4.0 GPA throughout, was been part of the USF program since 2015-16. In that season, she was a freshman on the NSIC Tourney champs and the first USF basketball team to earn a bid to the NCAA DII regionals. As such, she embraced her role as a leader with an energy level and upbeat attitude that also created a spark for this team.

"We have so many different people – leaders – athletes and women. That is what makes us unique. They bring us together as a group who love each other and will remain friends for life," said Huinker, the daughter of Darren and Janel Huinker, who averaged 4.6 points and 8.4 rebounds in playing and starting all 32 games in 2019-20.

Named the 2017-18 Elite 18 Award Recipient by the league and to the 2019-20 CoSIDA Academic All-District first team, she is the only member of this team to be on two teams that earned berths in the regional. In that vein, she is the only one to have played in a regional (nine minutes, four rebounds, two points and assist, 2015-16 vs Pitt State).

Huinker, who was hurt in the preseason of 2018-19, finished her career with 789 rebounds or sixth all-time at USF. A 5-9 forward with unlimited energy and drive, she set a USF DII-program record in offensive rebounds with 85. Huinker, who had 12 double-digit scoring games and seven double-doubles, noted how each team member embraced their particular role.
 
"Everyone stepped in and did their part and we needed contributions from everyone to  earn a South title and get the regional bid," said Huinker. "Look at that night when we were announced as the No. 3 seed, everyone was there, happy and full of life. They were ready to make the best of our opportunity," she said.

 

Abby Slater, a forward from Andover, Minn., embraced her role without hesitation and with the vigor and example of a leader. Her role became that of a bench energizer and a forward who provided post defense when called upon. Through she had just nine points and seven rebounds this season, Slater played a pivotal role in several games, including a win over Minnesota State on Jan. 10, 2020. On that night, USF swept the Mavericks for the season with a 71-64 home win as she contributed 10 minutes, pulling down three rebounds and dishing an assist.

Slater, whose dad Curt played at MSU Moorhead and brother, Austin, was a starting forward for the 2019-20 22-8 USF Men's Team that also won an NSIC South title, was all in with what she had to do.

"I have always felt no matter my role as a college athlete, I had to embrace it," said Slater, a mathematics major who will graduate a year before her eligibility was completed. "This year I felt my role was to pushing my teammates in practice and provide sideline energy. When sent in, I had to play good post defense and rebound.  We were all aware of what is expected of us. Without hesitation each of us embraced what needed to be done. Winning and having fun was what this team is all about," she said.

In 118 games, Andie Mataloni of Urbandale, Iowa knocked in 113 three-pointers. At various points this year and throughout her career, Mataloni was called on for her perimeter shooting skills, which often came at the end of quarters or when USF was suffering through a shooting slump. Mataloni, who scored in 13 games and in 10 contests hit a three during 2019-20, made nine career starts. Among her moments at USF was hitting a pair of big shots in an 89-75 home win over Wayne State on Senior Night. In front of her parents and friends, she had six points, rebound, and a steal in nine minutes.

 

As she reflected on her memories at USF, she wouldn't trade her time on campus for anything.

"I do think it has been super good here at USF," said Mataloni, the daughter of Al and Suzie Mataloni. "I have learned to accept my role and always try to be positive. I feel like everyone on our team understood their role. We get super excited and support each other. All these women are my best friends. It has been a super special time in my life," said Mataloni, a business administration major, who was a three-time Academic All-NSIC honoree.

Senior Jessie Geer has built friendships and a connection with her teammates in just two seasons on campus. A Gillette, Wyo., native, she attended Utah State prior to her arrival at USF because her dream since a young girl was to play at the DI level.  In high school, she won a pair of championships and as she heard about the NSIC and Sioux Falls, Geer saw a chance at another (championship) with the Cougars.

Tough, physical and always energetic, Geer has been a basketball junkie her whole life and one that loves her role on defense.

"When I talked with Coach Trap(hagen) about coming to Sioux Falls, I saw that this team's style of play was more fitting to what I like to play.  And, Coach is so focused on defense which fit into what I wanted to be part of. I can honestly say I love defense. A steal and a lay-up is a bigger thrill than a three," said Geer, who finished her career with 725 points, 241 rebounds, 145 assists and made 78 threes, including 50 at USF.

"This team is – other than my high school teams –the closest I have been associated with," said Geer, an exercise science major who earned Academic All-NSIC honors and had 25 double-digit scoring games with 15 this season. "We are super goofy. We have fun. They are my friends. I remember when I was hard transitioning to campus and they were here for me and always stood up for me on and off the court," said Geer, the daughter of Jerry and Sonja Geer.
 

Both Szymanski and Hummel have been stalwarts since arrival at USF. Both have played in 122 games, which ranks third in school history, and both rank among the best ever to play at USF. Both are close, close friends.

"I knew of Andie (Mataloni) – played against her in an Iowa high school game. I competed against Gus (Augusta Thramer) in AAU basketball," said Hummel, the daughter of Julie and Troy Hummel. "In time here, I grew close to Andie,  Ri (Mariah) and all these seniors. They are special people who I have had great experience with on and off the floor. Andie and I always were shooting together outside of practice and during summers. As I think about the time here, it is crazy – all of my teammates are my best friends. It is so cool. We call each other sisters and are life-long friends," said Hummel, a business administration major, who had 93 career double-digit scoring games with 26 of 20 points or more.

Szymanski, the daughter of Steve and Tracey Szymanski, will long remember how her teammates and other student-athletes at USF helped her through some early adjustment issues.

"When I first got here, I had a little trouble transitioning," said Szymanski, who set a school record for points in a game with 43 on the same night (Jan. 20, 2018) when she had a school mark of nine made threes at Concordia St. Paul. "I wanted four years to fly by. But then I developed a bond with these girls and many on the soccer team. It was fantastic and I didn't want my time to end. It has gone way too fast but I wouldn't change anything for the world," she said.

Certainly Szymanski has made an impact along with Hummel. Between the two of them, they have scored 2,905 points with 444 threes pointers, which is the most ever by a duo at USF. In a unique situation Szymanski reached 1,000 points on the same night as Hummel hit 1,500 points, albeit on the road in a win over U-Mary (80-62) on Jan. 17, 2020.

"You know, it is really amazing how close we are and how much we have shared," said Hummel. "All of this goes beyond our team. Our parents have this special bond with each other. They have always been there. All of them have supported through everything – wins and losses. We have received hugs and kind words from all the parents. Every single one of us understands how vital their support has been," she said.

Hummel and Mataloni noted that the parents tight bond with each other will also be for a lifetime. "I think our parents will have a void in their life but will stay in touch with each other. While we are sisters, they too have developed this unique, tying bond of friendship," said Mataloni.

For Augusta Thramer, or "Gus", the route to Sioux Falls was paved through AAU basketball and a few conversations with Traphagen.
  

From a tradition-rich South Sioux City, Neb., program to USF, Thramer has been part of winning basketball for a long time. Signed up as a youth to play the game she grew to love, Thramer has two sisters play collegiate sports. Her sister Autumn played at Adams State in basketball and soccer and sister Audra played basketball at Nebraska Wesleyan.
 
Her two older sisters inspired her to continue playing. "Then I played right away as a freshman at South Sioux," said Thramer, whose first of two high school head coaches was Ashley Robinette O'Dell, who starred for the University of South Dakota including being part of the 2007-08 team that finished 33-2 and advanced to the NCAA DII title game. "I always had a lot of support from my coaches, my sisters and especially my parents," she said.
 
Through it all, Thramer developed a bond with her teammates and understood her role. A sometimes starter, Thramer always pushed herself and in the process helped her team get better.  This year, she scored 20 points twice and stepped up on defense, ball handling and knocking in threes.
 
"This team's connection was such that some of us found ourselves in lead roles when we might not have expected it. All of us gave what we had every night. Sometimes we  had different roles and had to figure out what the team needed. It was fun scoring 20 points a couple of times including against Augustana this year," she said.

"It was a confidence booster," added Thramer, who finished her career with 572 points, 311 rebounds and 201 assists in 108 games with 28 starts.

But for the sports management major, 2019-20 will always be that special time – special season - that will stick for a long time.

"Funny as you think about everything we did this year. We all have different personalities and quirks and as such had tough days and great days but the thing was we all got along," said Thramer, the daughter of Richard and Manon Thramer. "This year, I think about the rally against Augustana at the Pentagon and the win against a nationally ranked Hawaii Pacific team on our Hawaii trip. Then, we had that big win over Winona State in the tournament quarterfinals. Every game and moment was worth it," said Thramer, an Academic All-NSIC honoree, who also noted the importance of the USF fan base and supporters.

"Let's not forget about fans and supporters. We talk about their passion and energy all the time. We love them. They are awesome and a big part of us," Thramer said.

"You'll Miss This"

"For there is no friend like a sister - In calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, To fetch one if one goes astray, To lift one if one totters down, To strengthen whilst one stands"
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market and Other Poems

Thramer, who one day hopes to work in collegiate athletics, was reminded by her mother on Senior Night about how she needed to embrace the final few games because she would "miss this."

"She gave me this band that says, 'you are going to miss this,'" said Thramer. "It is so true. We have such a special bond that will keep us together forever whether we are close or far. I know I will miss this. You know...seeing my friends every day; playing or practicing and going through those less than fun workouts on Tut Hill; sharing so much for so long and just being there for one another," she said.

As she thought ahead about the regional a few days before leaving for Missouri, Mataloni reflected on why the bond of this team will be such that time and circumstances of life may draw them into difference directions but it will not keep them apart.

"I know that Jessie (Geer) and I have talked about doing road races together. We have also talked about getting together a lake or someone's cabin or just doing a thing where we meet every year. I know we will not lose our ties to each other," said Mataloni. "We have a lasting friendship."

As writer Christina Rossetti noted in her poem, "there is no friend like a sister." While these seven women are not related, the sisterhood they developed will only strengthen as time goes by.   

"I have never been closer to a team," said Szymanski. "I think we showed that unique bond on the court and it was an advantage in not only our success but in building our connection. Our chemistry was incredible. We love each other like sisters and believe that will keep us together. Our tie runs very deep."

Odds are that these seniors - these sisters - will dance together again as determined by time and circumstance.