SNHU Women’s Basketball Star Reaches Major Milestone

Chris Tutt - Sports Co-Editor

There are many accomplishments that can be obtained in the game of basketball, especially at the college level. However, there are few individual accomplishments as prestigious as scoring 1000 points. On February 5, captain Gyanna Russell (‘22) did just that.

The graduate student out of East Hampton, Connecticut emphasizes that reaching this milestone could not have been done without the help of the people around her.

“My past and current teammates are the reason I reached this milestone,” said Russell. “I would not have been able to score if they didn’t pass me the ball and give me the confidence I needed. [My coaches] continuously pushed me to be the best player I could be and that got me to this point in my career.”

She could have gotten caught up in the moment while reaching a milestone such as this one, but to Russell, it was no distraction to the game at hand.

“I was more concerned about the game than the 1000th point because Assumption is a huge rival of ours,” said Russell. “I knew it would just make this milestone much better if it came with a win so I tried to not think about scoring and focused on what’s going to get us to our desired outcome.”

Russell had reached this milestone once in high school, but when going into college, reaching it again seemed to be more of a dream.

“It was always a goal of mine and I knew I was good enough of a player to get it,” said Russell. “I had reached it in high school and always thought that it would be so cool to do it in both.”

With a win in the books, Russell was finally able to take in the moment and celebrate with those close to her.

“Winning the game and scoring my 1000th point made the postgame celebrations with my family, friends, and team...so much better,” said Russell.

According to the NE10 Preseason Coaches Poll, SNHU was ranked as the fourth best team in the NE10 Northeast Division; they didn’t receive any votes for first place. With the leadership of Russell, the Penmen were able to end the season as NE10 regular season champions.

“We are definitely shocking the NE10,” said Russell. “I don’t think anyone expected us to come back as strong as we have.”

The Penmen’s NE10 Championship run begins on Friday, February 25. After such a strong showing during the regular season, the Penmen remain determined to get that ring.

Gyanna Russell (‘22) dribbles down the court

(image courtesy: Jack Drolet)