2008 Woodie Awards
Holt's success means good things for MTSU
Editorial Board
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Opinions
Despite an unwarranted negative reputation associated with MTSU athletics, the department and coaches have done an excellent job recruiting talent and running successful programs.
Yesterday, former Lady Raider forward Amber Holtwas selected ninth by the Connecticut Sun during the first round of the Women's National Basketball Association Draft. Holt is the first Lady Raider to ever be drafted in the first round and in the top 10 throughout the WNBA's 10-year existence.
By outranking players such as LaToya Pringle and Erlana Larkins from the No. 2 seed in the tournament, North Carolina, and Laura Harper from the 2005 championship team, Maryland, MTSU has made a statement that its athletic program delivers the best athletes.
It should be taken into consideration that earlier this season the Lady Raiders were forced into a compromising position and were stranded with only eight players.
Despite having only three players left on the bench, Holt and her teammates conquered opponent after opponent, displaying the heart and emotion Rick Insell's coaching instilled in his team.
Since Holt has become such a success and inspiration to MTSU, it only makes sense that other athletes will want to come and learn from Insell's program.
The thought that the next Candace Wiggins, Candace Parker or even Matee Ajavon could step on MTSU's court next year proudly wearing a blue jersey is proof that we have raised our standards athletically.
Not only does our women's basketball program put up results, other sports are stepping up to the plate as well.
MTSU seniors Damon Nickson and Franklin Dunbar are preparing for the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, Desmond "Boogie" Yates will be a front-runner for Sun Belt Conference player of the year in men's basketball next season and Alysha Clark, a two-time Atlantic Sun Conference player of the year at Belmont University, will take Holt's place on the Lady Raiders for the upcoming season.
Also, the men's basketball team will return with every significant player from a team that finished third in the SBC this past season.
If you've never been to a game, you're missing out. If you're a seasoned fan, you understand the excitement that goes along with cheering for our Blue Raider teams.
It is an exciting time for MTSU athletics. Student and community fans alike should take notice because there are some good sports being played in Murfreesboro.
And, if recent events are any indication, you will likely get to witness more professional athletes in the making.
Yesterday, former Lady Raider forward Amber Holtwas selected ninth by the Connecticut Sun during the first round of the Women's National Basketball Association Draft. Holt is the first Lady Raider to ever be drafted in the first round and in the top 10 throughout the WNBA's 10-year existence.
By outranking players such as LaToya Pringle and Erlana Larkins from the No. 2 seed in the tournament, North Carolina, and Laura Harper from the 2005 championship team, Maryland, MTSU has made a statement that its athletic program delivers the best athletes.
It should be taken into consideration that earlier this season the Lady Raiders were forced into a compromising position and were stranded with only eight players.
Despite having only three players left on the bench, Holt and her teammates conquered opponent after opponent, displaying the heart and emotion Rick Insell's coaching instilled in his team.
Since Holt has become such a success and inspiration to MTSU, it only makes sense that other athletes will want to come and learn from Insell's program.
The thought that the next Candace Wiggins, Candace Parker or even Matee Ajavon could step on MTSU's court next year proudly wearing a blue jersey is proof that we have raised our standards athletically.
Not only does our women's basketball program put up results, other sports are stepping up to the plate as well.
MTSU seniors Damon Nickson and Franklin Dunbar are preparing for the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, Desmond "Boogie" Yates will be a front-runner for Sun Belt Conference player of the year in men's basketball next season and Alysha Clark, a two-time Atlantic Sun Conference player of the year at Belmont University, will take Holt's place on the Lady Raiders for the upcoming season.
Also, the men's basketball team will return with every significant player from a team that finished third in the SBC this past season.
If you've never been to a game, you're missing out. If you're a seasoned fan, you understand the excitement that goes along with cheering for our Blue Raider teams.
It is an exciting time for MTSU athletics. Student and community fans alike should take notice because there are some good sports being played in Murfreesboro.
And, if recent events are any indication, you will likely get to witness more professional athletes in the making.
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