(Courtesy of SMU Athletics)

In the current ways of college sports, it is rare to see the longevity and commitment that Lisa Dark, SMU’s associate women’s basketball coach, has had toward her team.

For 21 years, Dark has worked through wins and losses, remaining faithful to her team.

“We have a lot of longevity and I think that helps us and our entire program stay grounded,” Dark said.

After 21 years of playing as well as coaching at SMU, there has to be the something that keeps her going.

“There is two things, one is our staff. My boss Rhonda is a good boss. The other thing are our kids, they make it worth it especially when we are in the grind.”

Some moments of her coaching career stand out and remind her why she has loved her career for so long.

“It was Thanksgiving Day, we were practicing that morning and one our kids, Akil Simpson, said, ‘Coach, I am thankful for you.’ It is just stuff like that, that makes it worth it.”

When watching the team before and after the games, it is apparent to Dark that something is different about this group of young women.

“This season what is different is that our team gets along, all of them. I don’t know that we have ever had this much like between a team.”

Dark also mentioned the competitiveness needed to become a better player and a better team.

But she also believes that there must be respect in order to keep the camaraderie within the team.

“They get mad, it is not all sweetness and light when they are competing, they get mad but then they let it go. That is one of the things that makes a difference because they know they have to compete otherwise they wont get any better.”

Dark has two main things she hopes this season will bring: a winning season and no injuries.

Dark has a thankful heart for her opportunities at SMU.

“We want to win every time we step out onto the floor,” she said.

“I love the good Lord, and he has let me stay here for 21 good years and I am thankful for that.”