Photo courtesy of the Athletics Department
Katlyn Grover ’20 with Director of Athletics Lori Hendricks, her coaches and her family.
BY JULIA KLEIN ’21
Mount Holyoke College senior Katlyn Grover ’20 completed her final game as a member of the Lyons’ basketball team at Mildred Howard Gymnasium on Feb. 22. The team faced off against Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in their last game of the season. Grover had missed the previous 19 games of the season due to an injury. “I can’t thank the Athletic Trainers enough for getting me ready to play that day and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,” she said.
Grover totaled 14 minutes on the court. “Stepping onto the court after being out so long for my injury was truly a moment to remember,” she said. “I didn’t care whether I made a shot or not, I was just happy to play with my team and end on such a high note.”
“Despite having her season shortened by injury, [Grover] was the heart of our team and fostered a culture of passion, respect and accountability,” Basketball Head Coach Jackie Ward said.
Prior to the start of the game, there was a ceremony to honor Grover’s time on the team. She was presented with two bouquets of flowers and was accompanied by members of her family and the team’s coaching staff.
“My family, friends, coaches and teammates made Senior Day so special and I am so grateful for all of them,” Grover said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate my four years on this team.”
“[Grover] has given a lot to Mount Holyoke Basketball over her four-year career and senior night was a great opportunity to honor her contributions to the program,” Ward said. “[Her] leadership on and off the court was invaluable to the development of our program and she will be greatly missed.”
Throughout the game, the Lyons were led by Annika Brooks ’21 who notched 13 of the team’s 36 total points. GraceAnne Woods ’21 was the team’s second leading scorer with nine points off of two field goals and five free throws.
The Lyons were suffering from multiple injuries heading into the contest, and only had six players who were able to participate in the game. The team rushed the court after the final buzzer, finishing their season with two three-point baskets from Katlyn Grover.
“I look forward to seeing [Katlyn] excel in all of her future endeavors,” Ward said.