My Story: Women's Basketball's Sandra Skinner

'My Story' is a new series on WKUSports.com of first-person feature articles written by WKU student-athletes. The student-athletes will be telling their own stories in their own words. Our first article in the series was written by women's basketball's redshirt senior Sandra Skinner, whose final season was cut short because of the cancellation of the Conference USA Tournament earlier this month.

It hurts. It isn't fair. Is this real? March 12, 2020, my basketball career abruptly ended.

It was a typical game day, the first for us during the Conference USA Tournament in Frisco, Texas. It was supposed to be a 2:00 game, so we were up early for shootaround and pregame meal. Right before I got comfortable for my pregame nap, social media broke news of other conference tournaments being canceled. Immediately my heart pounded. I knew ours was next.

As a senior I knew this was my last chance of playing college basketball and now devastation arose as I knew that I was not going to be able to compete again. As I reminisced, various memories of all the hard work and effort that this season consisted of played in my mind. I knew I was happy with the 100 percent effort that I gave every time I was out on that court, but not having the chance to compete for a championship hurt.

Not only has basketball given me these unforgettable experiences, but through being a student-athlete I have obtained two college degrees. I don't know if I would have been able to do that without the sport. My college career has opened so many doors. Educationally, it has allowed me to be open to other things that I would have never imagined enjoying. Things that can't be taken away, things that I have found a new love for, and things that will be with me forever.

I've had my share of ups and downs with basketball. With everything I've been through, I have always found comfort in basketball. Regardless of what happens on or off the court, it has always been there for me either as a stress reliever, a coping mechanism, a teacher, or a friend. The passion I have for basketball is indescribable.

Basketball has fostered many close relationships, allowed me to travel the world, helped me gain experiences physically and mentally that I didn't know I could even handle, and so much more.

I want to thank both college basketball programs, VCU and WKU, that I have been a part of for an incredible experience. I want to thank the alumni and fans for continuous support and encouragement throughout the years. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates for helping me fight battles that I didn't think I could win. Time flew by, but as I look back, I am able to reflect on many accomplishments and great memories.

The coronavirus pandemic has made me realize sports are more than just a game. Sports are a huge platform that allows people from all over the world to connect. Although my heart was shattered by the unexpected ending of my basketball career, I understand the severity of the coronavirus and I hope everyone stays safe.

The excitement, the tears, the tough losses, and the amazing triumphs I've experienced because of basketball will never be forgotten.

23, Out.

Sandra Skinner signature

Players Mentioned

Sandra Skinner

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