Murray State University Athletics
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/ Women's Basketball
Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics
Hawthorne Ready To Help Lead Racers Into Unknown
10/15/2020 4:58:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Texan looking to build off last year’s solid campaign
Heading into what will undoubtedly be the most unusual season in college basketball history, the Murray State women's basketball team will be heavy on the newcomers with seven of the 15 players on this year's roster having never suited up for the Racers before.
With so many new faces and so many questions, as of this writing, still unanswered, the newest additions to the Racer family, as well as returners, will all be looking for someone to turn towards to help lead them as a unit. One person ready to embrace that role is senior Laci Hawthorne.
"A leader to me is a person that leads not only by what they say, but by example, as well. They do all the right things, they hold themselves and others accountable and work hard on a daily basis," says the Fort Worth, Texas native.
As Hawthorne talks, it becomes clear that the leader she is describing is what she strives to be and after a year of learning the ropes after a junior college transfer, she is ready to take the reins this season.
"Returning this year, I know more about our team, about the conference, about our opponents and feel more comfortable helping lead the team. My journey has been different, I was at another Division I school for a year, at a junior college for a year and then here last year, so I think all of that has helped mold me into who I am now."
With a staff of skilled professionals and decades of experience, Hawthorne and her teammates have plenty of places to look at for inspiration on their own leadership styles. However, with all successful organizations, leadership starts at the top and on this team that means head coach Rechelle Turner.
"Coach Turner is someone who works hard and she doesn't have to tell you to work hard, because you want to work hard for her. She leads us with her words, but also with her actions by doing the right things, even when no one is looking. She also holds us accountable, as well as herself."
With preseason camp officially underway, Hawthorne and the Racers are ready to drown out all of the noise surrounding this season and play basketball.
"Our coaches have specifically emphasized mental toughness with us this year. So I think going through all these challenges just to get to the season, will make us not just physically tough, but mentally tough as well. Then, when we finally get out there for the first game, I feel like all the trails we have gone through will have us ready to play"
With so many new faces and so many questions, as of this writing, still unanswered, the newest additions to the Racer family, as well as returners, will all be looking for someone to turn towards to help lead them as a unit. One person ready to embrace that role is senior Laci Hawthorne.
"A leader to me is a person that leads not only by what they say, but by example, as well. They do all the right things, they hold themselves and others accountable and work hard on a daily basis," says the Fort Worth, Texas native.
As Hawthorne talks, it becomes clear that the leader she is describing is what she strives to be and after a year of learning the ropes after a junior college transfer, she is ready to take the reins this season.
"Returning this year, I know more about our team, about the conference, about our opponents and feel more comfortable helping lead the team. My journey has been different, I was at another Division I school for a year, at a junior college for a year and then here last year, so I think all of that has helped mold me into who I am now."
With a staff of skilled professionals and decades of experience, Hawthorne and her teammates have plenty of places to look at for inspiration on their own leadership styles. However, with all successful organizations, leadership starts at the top and on this team that means head coach Rechelle Turner.
"Coach Turner is someone who works hard and she doesn't have to tell you to work hard, because you want to work hard for her. She leads us with her words, but also with her actions by doing the right things, even when no one is looking. She also holds us accountable, as well as herself."
With preseason camp officially underway, Hawthorne and the Racers are ready to drown out all of the noise surrounding this season and play basketball.
"Our coaches have specifically emphasized mental toughness with us this year. So I think going through all these challenges just to get to the season, will make us not just physically tough, but mentally tough as well. Then, when we finally get out there for the first game, I feel like all the trails we have gone through will have us ready to play"
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