After making school history by reaching the postseason and going as far as beating the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, it was a bittersweet ending for the women’s basketball team this season when they were forced to say goodbye to three key seniors.
Guard Sumar Leslie, forward Jasmine Hoskins and guard Portia Washington have all played a vital role in leading the women’s basketball team over the years.
While coming in as freshmen, Hoskins and Washington faced a rough season after winning only two games their first year here.
“My career at Nicholls has definitely been a struggle,” Hoskins said. “I’m not going to sit here and pretend that it was all happy-go-lucky. My freshman year we only won two games. That was the most miserable year of my life in regards to basketball because I had never played for a losing program. But finishing my senior year with a strong record and beating the number one seed was more than I could have ever hoped for.”
Hoskins and Washington overcame a huge milestone when the Colonels made school history their final season here.
“It’s unbelievable because we are the first women’s basketball team at Nicholls to actually win a game in the conference tournament,” Washington said. “We have come a long way. As freshmen, we only won two games, and this year we had double-digit wins.”
After coming in as a transfer from the University of Louisiana-Monroe her sophomore year, Leslie was forced to sit on the sidelines until her junior season. As a junior, Leslie started 12 of 13 games before suffering a season-ending injury. It was not until her senior season here that she was able to truly compete and was awarded Second Team All-Southland.
“I had a blast this season,” Leslie said. “I was able to do all the things that I wanted to do. Even though we didn’t get a ring, we still made history. I feel like that is such a blessing.”
The girls have made many memories here at Nicholls over the years.
“Winning our first game my freshman year would have to be my most memorable moment,” Washington said. “We were all so excited to finally get a win.”
Hoskins will always remember their defeat over UCA in the playoffs her final season here. “I was so excited after that game because I felt like God had finally given me the chance to know how it feels to play basketball again,” Hoskins said.
Leslie will forever remember her senior season here at Nicholls. “This whole season has been very memorable,” said Leslie. “I will remember every moment I have spent with this team and coaches.”
After Nicholls, the girls plan to pursue their dreams in their chosen fields.
“I plan to become a nurse and soon go back to school to become either a pediatrician or neurologist,” Hoskins said.
Washington plans to pursue a career in Baton Rouge where she will find a job in information technology. Leslie is eager to continue her basketball career and plans to play ball oversees.