The K-State women’s basketball team honored its three seniors before the tip of Monday’s game against TCU. Chantay Caron, Katya Leick and Ashlynn Knoll were all three in the starting lineup as the Wildcats capped off their 2013-14 home regular season schedule. Though K-State fell 51-46 to the Horned Frogs, the Wildcat legacy the three seniors left behind will not soon be forgotten.
“They’ve meant a lot,” head coach Deb Patterson said. “They have been strong and physical. They have really tried to take on a lot of responsibility.”
Caron, Leick and Knoll are a perfect microcosm for what the K-State program has been all about the last couple of seasons. Marred by injuries (Knoll and Leick both suffered season ending knee injuries during their first seasons at K-State), the Wildcats remained resilient and continued to battle no matter the circumstances. The three seniors leave behind a winning culture and a solid foundation of dedication both on and off the court.
Patterson spoke at length about how this year’s seniors went about their careers in a different way. Knoll and Leick both transferred to K-State after stints at other schools, meaning Caron was the only true four-year senior on the roster. Patterson noted that for two transfers to come in, learn the system and contribute as must as Knoll and Leick have in their one healthy season is remarkable. In their abbreviated time together, the three seniors helped lead the Wildcats to 71 wins, two NCAA Tournament appearances and a Women’s National Invitation Tournament semifinal appearance.
