Believe it or not, SMU actually has a sport that it can be proud of and rally behind this spring.
The team may not be perfect, but with a record of 14-6, the SMU women’s basketball team offers excitement for both casual and serious sports fans alike.This team plays fundamental basketball and scores enough points to keep anyone interested.
The team leads the conference in points per game and play with the type of energy that excites the crowd. Senior forward Janielle Dodds is second on the career points list at SMU and coach Rhonda Rompola has more wins than any other SMU basketball coach. With all of the intrigue and success surrounding the team, the question becomes: Why are SMU sports fans and people with a little school spirit not showing support for this team?
Football is the unofficial sport of Texas, but it is currently out of season. Men’s basketball is a good sport to watch, but it is not like they are bringing home the national championship this year.
Besides, Moody Coliseum is an excellent place to escape the unpredictable Dallas weather of late. But in all seriousness, these student athletes are playing at a high enough level that they truly deserve the full support of all Mustangs.
The best part about turning out in support of the women’s basketball team is that it is not too late. They are only six games into the conference schedule and have a shot at winning the conference title. It is the possibility of SMU succeeding athletically that makes it vital for fans to support their team.
Obviously, fans make a tremendous difference in every sport. Whether it is the crowd noise on opponent’s free throws, the energy that fans provide or just the support that lets the players know people care, fans matter.
If people just turn out and help the Mustangs throughout the rest of the season, the results could be dynamic for SMU athletics. Having winning programs that are supported by the school matter because it helps with recruitment.
Even if helping the basketball program overall does not interest anyone, go to the game to be entertained. The fans who already attend games regularly are a spirited bunch and provide colorful commentary for an exciting game.
The only problem is the last two games the Mustangs have gone out and underperformed. A loss against Tulsa was harder to bear than last night’s loss to league-leading UTEP, but a loss is a loss.
This team has the potential to get the job done, something an SMU team has failed to do over the past few years.
But this team deserves some support, so let’s give it to them.
