Some people pick their colleges because of the size. Some pick their colleges because of its proximity to home. Others may pick their colleges because a specific program they offer is unlike any other school. I, however, chose the University of Connecticut for all of the above, and then some.
When most people think of UConn, they may associate it with being the Basketball Capital of the World. In recent weeks, conflict has arisen, trying to determine whether or not UConn should keep this title, or if the nickname should be handed over to Syracuse due to the fact that both their men’s and women’s team both made it to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four. It wasn’t only the students who were giving themselves an ego boost with the title, but even had supporters from big corporations, such as ESPN.
UConn was nothing short of quick to give ESPN a little reminder where the real success lies. At Gampel Paviolion, 1266 Storrs Road, Storrs, Ct.
Boom.
A couple short weeks later, and our Women’s team would take home the record-breaking title of NCAA Champions for the fourth consecutive year in a row under head coach, Geno Auriemma.
When Breanna Stewart, arguably one of UConn’s most successful players, told reporters in an interview her freshman year that her goal for the team was to win four national championships, many people laughed, and disregarded this comment completely, only to consider it as one of Stewart’s unreachable dreams. This would obviously mean that they’d have to win four in a row, a feat that was unheard of in the world of college basketball.
Who’s laughing now?
Even though the game that would change college basketball history took place in the far, far away land of Indianapolis, Storrs was nothing short of rowdy. As fans packed into Gampel Pavilion to view the game on projectors, the spirit and excitement that ran through that famous dome made it feel like the game was being played in person. The cheerleaders, dance team, and crazy fans did not skimp on the pride they had in the Women’s basketball team. I caught myself multiple times throughout the evening looking around, proud to be bleeding blue.
The environment was electric- something that some folks never get the chance to experience. The lights were low, the fans were loud, and there was not a dull second to be had. Even when the lady huskies were up by more than twenty points, the crowd still went wild when they scored a basket.
And nothing… I repeat NOTHING can beat the feeling of rushing onto the court when the women claimed their well-deserved victory.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as fans rushed onto Fairfield Way, the central part of the University, to continue the festivities. The following day, more fans returned to Gampel to welcome the women home from their journey to Indianapolis so the players, coaches, and athletic staff could reflect on the successful season and give their humblest thanks to the fans for always supporting them.
Yes, UConn has some of the best academic programs in the country. Yes, they are also constantly growing and renovating campus to make it better everyday. Yes, it also happens to lie in close proximity to home. But it is the pride that students at the University of Connecticut had for their sports teams and peers that really encouraged me to do everything I could to get here.
I love being able to say that I waited outside for over an hour in the bitter cold just so I could get a good seat at a basketball game. I love being able to say that I’ve battled with a few fierce bidders on UConn’s famous Facebook page, Buy or Sell, to get a ticket to that night’s basketball games. I love hearing the “ding” of the ticket scanner as my place in line moves closer and closer to the door, and I can’t help but get chills when I hear the pep band’s music getting louder and louder as I near my seat.
Although UConn is infamous for their intense winds, lack of sympathy from the Parking Services office, and lack of ability to know when to cancel classes, I love my school and I’m so glad I can call myself a husky.
The University of Connecticut will always have a special place in my heart and the chants that have more often than not been the reason I wake up with no voice will always be engraved in the back of my mind.
