QUIET LEADER
REDSHIRT SENIOR EUGENEIA MCPHERSON GUIDES ST. JOHN’S AFTER MISSING 2012-13 SEASON WITH ACL INJURY by Anthony Scianna
T
he Red Storm controlled their own destiny last season, limping into March Madness with one missing piece to their puzzle. An early season injury to veteran playmaker Eugeneia McPherson denied the Red Storm any type of continuity for a poised run in the postseason. McPherson’s absence was clearly felt as the Red Storm were ousted by Dayton in a double overtime thriller during the first round of the NCAA tournament. McPherson’s season was cut short after only five games due to a torn ACL. In turn, questions and speculation quickly arose about McPherson’s future. Would this injury end her illustrious career at St. John’s? Showing no hesitation, McPherson promised to return for her fifth and final season with the Red Storm. However, standing in her way was a long road to recovery. “Obviously it’s a tough injury to recover from and I’m one of the slower cases, but I did turn the corner around a couple months ago. It’s been a rough injury but I’ve had my teammates, coaches and family behind me so that’s made it a little easier,” said McPherson. “I like where I am right now, I’ll definitely be ready for Big East play and I’m just looking forward to starting the season.” McPherson returns as a trusted leader of the Red Storm
with a collegiate experience that runs deep, making her a role model for incoming freshman sensations such as Jade Walker and Aaliyah Lewis. Embracing the role of a mentor, McPherson leads by example and lets her play do the talking. “Ever since my sophomore year, I was expected to take on a leadership role. I don’t see myself as a verbal leader, I’m more of a leader by example,” McPherson said. “I think I have grown to accept my role. I’m just glad I can come back healthy for my last season with a great group of players.” When it comes to her play, McPherson can best be described as a versatile combo guard who anchors the Red Storm attack. She provides an inside and outside threat. At times she proves deadly from long range while also slashing to the basket for easy buckets. Her excellent court vision also shines through with her ability to get others involved, resulting in 151 career assists. Her reliability has gained endless praise from head coach Joe Tartamella. The newly-appointed coach enters his second season with the Red Storm and stresses just how much McPherson means to his squad. “I’ve always called her our ‘glue player’,” Tartamella said. “Gina has the ability to make a play or be the player who can get you through tough times during the year, during the week,
Eugeneia McPherson
missed most of last year with an ACL tear.
Photograph by Diana Colapietro
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