Pioneers of the Court: Yuba College’s 49ers Women’s Basketball Team rallies toward historic season
(February 10) Marysville, Calif. – While the prospectors of the Gold Rush era often faced a lonely and uncelebrated existence, today’s pioneers at
Yuba College—the 49ers Women’s Basketball
team—are carving out their own history of perseverance deserving of recognition.
There’s a growing buzz around the women’s team, unlike the early days of this season when the stands would empty immediately following the Men’s Basketball game. This newfound excitement was earned through hard fought victories, with the Women’s team already bringing home six wins this season – and they’re not done yet.
“My biggest issue with that is the fact that people don’t take women’s sports seriously. People will be leaving the men’s game, and we’re warming up, and there are people on our court or the men’s team will walk across our court,” said team Capitan Aubrey Whitright. “But those who stay witness the passion and dedication we bring to the court. Those people see just how serious we are.”
Despite injuries such as a torn achilles tendon for freshman Jennive Harris and a torn labrum for Whitright, the team is focused and looking ahead. Harris, a local Marysville native studying business administration and accounting, said she is proud to see how the season is turning out.
“So throughout the season, we’ve talked a lot about team goals as a team. We want to be a winning team, we want to be an unstoppable team and we want to make our mark because a lot of people underestimate our school and our ability as athletes,” she said.
Coach Erin Cunningham praises the unique blend of personalities and skills on the team, emphasizing how these elements translate into a powerful team dynamic.
“We have a great mix of athletes this year, a nice balance between veteran players and first-year players, but their individual personalities really make everyday fun,” Cunningham said. “Watching
them accept each other and celebrate each other for those differences is amazing. I love coming to practice and watching them come together as a unit, it’s so much fun.”
The team hopes to draw a larger crowd for their final home game of the season on February 14 against Los Medanos College. Playing at home provides an undeniable advantage, and Whitright is optimistic about filling the stands with cheering fans.
Cunningham looks forward to the team’s continued growth.
“We’ve faced adversity head-on and have come out stronger each time. The resilience these athletes show is inspiring and I’m excited for what the future holds,” Cunningham said.
For those interested in supporting the 49ers Women’s Basketball team and keeping up with their schedule, visit Yuba College Athletics.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren McDermott
lauren@25comm.com
(415) 933-9975