SILVER CITY, N.M. – Most years a senior class might consist of a few players, some that have come through the program all four years or have transferred in for a couple years. When it comes to the 2014-15 Western New Mexico University women’s basketball senior class, all seven have come to WNMU with different reasons at hand, but have all been on the journey together. A journey that has helped change what Lady Mustang basketball is all about.
“This is an important group in our programs history, prior to these young ladies arrival we had went through some lean years, now the mentality and expectations have changed, we expect to win,” Head Coach Rusty Kennedy said. “Replacing these young ladies will be a daunting task, they are all outstanding students, great people and what they have done in restoring the competitiveness of this program cannot be understated.”
Just three years ago, the WNMU women’s basketball program was in transition. A winless 2011-12 season was witnessed and experienced by only one of the seniors in Desiree Young (North Ogden, UT/Weber High School). The next season brought along five wins and then in 2013-14 the program blossomed to 11 wins and brought along seniors Stephanie Moore (Anton, TX/Anton High School), Nalani Hernandez (Tucson, AZ/Tucson High School), RaTanya Newsome (Tucson, AZ/Tucson High School), Ashley Mitchell (Fort Defiance, AZ/Window Rock High School) and Ashley Witherspoon (San Marcos, CA/Mission Hills High School). Stephanie Douthit (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Mountain ) joined the program this season.
The Lady Mustangs have continued their progress as a program and eclipsed last year’s 11 win total with 13 so far this season, the most since 1997-98.
Young, who is the only one of the group to play all four years at WNMU, has seen the growth in the program and how exciting her senior season has become.
“I love playing at WNMU because of the strong support system we have here in our fellow students, other athletes, coaches, professors, alumni and community. Since I chose a program so far from home, my family cannot make it to many games, so the support from everyone here has become very important to me,” Young said, who is from North Ogden, Utah. “I am so proud to be a part of this program for four years. My freshman year, people would ask me if I wished I had chosen a different program, a winning program. Honestly, there were times that year when it was tough to say no, but since the beginning of my sophomore year, I never felt that way again.”
Newsome and Hernandez came as a package deal from Southern Oregon to complete their careers at WNMU. The duo came both from the same college and also played high school ball together in Tucson. Getting the chance to live closer to home and make history has been what drives them in their final go-round.
“The biggest thing for this semester is making a push for the playoffs. We are in control of our own destiny and we must take advantage of that,” Newsome said.
“This has been a great season for women’s basketball and one of the best seasons we have ever had since I arrived at WNMU,” Hernandez said. “We are writing a new story with the help of my teammates and one of the best coaches I have ever played for in Coach Rusty Kennedy.”
Others have had different paths taken that have led them to Silver City.
Mitchell played at nearby Cochise College and has enjoyed playing for Coach Kennedy and this team that has formed a strong bond.
“The team is who I play for because they are the best group I’ve ever played with; we’re like family,” Mitchell said. “What made me come here is the program and Coach Kennedy’s philosophy of the game. For the rest of the semester I hope to play to the best of my potential as I can.”
Douthit, like Mitchell, is a fellow resident of Arizona, but her journey to WNMU was anything but ordinary. Stops included RMAC school Regis and Division I Texas State before arriving in Silver City.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing at WNMU as the environment has been different than anywhere else I’ve played,” Douthit said. “Coach Kennedy was one of the main reasons why I transferred to WNMU because of the excitement he brought to be a part of a building program.”
Moore and Witherspoon arrived from Texas and California, respectively, having played at junior colleges.
Moore played at South Plains College and getting her to transfer relied heavily on what WNMU and the entire program had to offer.
“My decision to come to WNMU had to do plenty with the atmosphere and mentality of the basketball program, but also that I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try some place new,” Moore said. “Playing here has been a great experience. I have loved getting to know my teammates and coaches and being able to spend time with them on the road and at home. I missed my family and friends, but the people I met and made friends with here made it a much easier transition. The students, athletes and teachers at WNMU instantly make you feel part of the Mustang family.”
Witherspoon played at Palomar College and looked at coming to WNMU for the great opportunity to play and pursue a degree.
“I chose to transfer to WNMU because it was a great opportunity to play basketball and to focus on obtaining my degree and I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Witherspoon said. “I have established relationships with my teammates that will last a life time.”
The numbers have spoken to just how much the seniors have meant to the program this season. The top three scorers on the team (Mitchell, Moore, Newsome) are seniors, Hernandez leads the team in rebounds and blocks, Douthit and Young have played important roles with clutch three-pointers, Witherspoon providing lock-down defense against some of the top offensive players in the conference. Mitchell leads in points per game and three-pointers. Newsome has the lead in steals and assists, which are tops in the RMAC as well. Moore is second in scoring and field goals made.
While the seven seniors have experienced a lot as a group, there is still unfinished business this season. Knowing that a possible RMAC Tournament spot is within reach, every game is magnified and that much more important.
“In my last semester here I hope to make a playoff run,” Witherspoon said. “It would be a great way to top off my college experience since I will be graduating in May.”
“Everyone is a leader in their own way which is great for a team, we truly have each other’s back,” Newsome said. “I am honored to be a part of history in the making and I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else; I love these girls.”
“It’s been a huge blessing playing here and as the season comes to an end I am thankful to have been a part of history in the making,” Hernandez said.
“Being in a small town really makes the team more of a family, a close knit group of girls,” Douthit said. “It’s also been nice to be a part of a group of seven seniors, as everyone has a way of being a leader for some of the younger players. I hope that we can make the playoffs and go as far as possible.”
“I have had an amazing two years at WNMU and I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” Moore said. “Playing basketball has been a huge part of my life and I am proud to say that I got the opportunity to be a Western New Mexico Mustang!”
“I began to take pride in being here during those tough times my freshman year, and I soon realized the opportunity I had to be a part of something so meaningful,” Young said. “I am so thankful for my teammates and the efforts everyone has made in turning the program around. I would choose this journey over any other.”
“My thoughts are, that I’ve accomplished so much as a person and a player, I am just grateful to play the game I love and it paying off at the end,” Mitchell said.
Not only have these seniors been successful on the court, they have also been off the court as well and the future is bright for every one of them.
“I have no doubt this group will be successful professionals in their adult life in whatever vocations they choose!” Kennedy added.
The final three games align in such a way that if the Lady Mustangs can obtain a few victories, they can not only continue their climb up the win charts, but also reach unprecedented waters of being in the RMAC Tournament.
WNMU will begin their final road weekend of the regular season this weekend at Colorado Christian and Colorado Mines. They will then finish the season at home on Feb. 28 against in-state rival New Mexico Highlands.
If seven WNMU seniors have anything to say about it, this hopefully won’t be the final three games of their careers, but a continuation to more basketball into March.
