Collegiate sport teams added new members to their rosters annually. While these new members were often freshman, three members of the 2013-2014 Lady Bisons women’s basketball team transferred to Harding from other colleges. They all had to adapt to a new college environment and a new team. Even though they went through a huge change, each player agreed that it was an easy transition to be a part of the Harding basketball team.
Junior Jackie Bacon transferred to Harding from Avila University in Kansas City, Mo., because she was ready for a change with basketball and her college experience in general.
“The Christian atmosphere was something that really attracted me to Harding right off the bat,” Bacon said. “In addition to that, the women’s basketball team had a good reputation. After meeting the girls for the first time, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Bacon also said she loved the support that the Harding community gave to the basketball teams.
“I love how much support we get from the students and fans,” Bacon said. “The Rhodes Rowdies do a great job of creating a fun and motivating atmosphere at games, and I look forward to playing in front of them for the next two years.”
Bacon said the biggest difference for her was the intense and competitive practices at Harding. The basketball practices brought the team together and the girls learned to support one another.
“I love that all of us challenge each other every day in practice,” Bacon said. “We aren’t afraid to play aggressively and make each other better.”
Senior Tanja Steed, who transferred to Harding from Utah State, said the girls on the team were like sisters to each other.
“They care about each other and always want each other to improve each day to better ourselves,” Steed said. “But being so close means we play as a team and not individually like other teams I have played on. We are a family here.”
Junior Lauren Crenshaw transferred to Harding from Oklahoma Baptist University. She said that the transition was easy for her, and her teammates were very open and accepting.
“The coaches are very loving and they care about you as people, not just as basketball players,” Crenshaw said. “It’s like a big family.”
All of the girls agreed that that the transition to Harding was a great one. They not only found their family through the basketball team, but they became a part of the Harding family. They also loved the Christian atmosphere and the immediate acceptance that they felt from their team.
“The Christian atmosphere at Harding is unlike anything I’ve ever been around before,” Bacon said. “Everyone I have come across is very friendly and helpful. So far, I have really enjoyed my experience here,” Bacon said.
