MILWAUKEE, WI (February 15, 2017) – The Bryant & Stratton College women's basketball team will host Illinois Valley Community College this coming Saturday which will mark as a very special day for the Lady Bobcat sophomore players. Prior to tip-off, the coaching staff will be honoring all six sophomores for their hard work and dedication throughout their two years wearing a Bobcat uniform.

Tip-off for the game will take place at 1:00pm. Attendees should arrive fifteen minutes before tip-off to view the ceremony of the sophomores.

This will be the one of the last two remaining games of the regular season for the Lady Bobcats as their final game takes place at home on Saturday, February 24. 

"It is a tradition I have done for quite some time now," Bobcats head coach Jeff Lorenz said. "I think it is important to recognize all of the girls for their accomplishments."

The six sophomore's players being recognized are Kiara Donaldson, Ashley Williams, Jazlyn Drake, Kyla Pitts, Gabrielle Norwood, and Ashley Quezaire.

"All six of these girls have contributed so much towards the success of the program," Lorenz said. "They were the ones responsible for putting the program on the map in the college's inaugural season last year."

The Lady Bobcats have enjoyed their time as student athletes and are looking forward to a getting the playoffs started.

Player Testimonials:

Kiara Donaldson – Milwaukee, WI, Second Team All-American, Region IV Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, 1,000 point club, Jersey in Hall of Fame Ring of Honor, Team Captain

"My experience as a Bobcat has been very life changing," Donaldson said. "Being 25 years old, this opportunity doesn't come around often. I have accomplished a lot here at Bryant & Stratton College but I am still striving and very thankful."

"The coaches and teachers have made me more vocal on the court and more social to speak up if I am struggling."

"The goal in the playoffs is to stay focused, take one game at a time, play our game and never give up."

Ashley Williams – Aurora, Illinois, Second Team All-Region player, Team Captain

"It has been a joy ride and I feel like I have known all the girls on the team for more than two years," Williams said. "The Lady Bobcats are like my sisters."

"Bryant & Stratton College has taught me how to be a good leader and helped me focus on being a responsible adult."

"Our goal in the playoffs is to make it to Arkansas and become national champions."

Jazlyn Drake – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"As a Bobcat, I had a really great experience," Drake said. "I was able to travel and enjoy different things within the program."

"Bryant & Stratton helped me grow as a person because it made me understand how to adapt and overcome situations. Bryant & Stratton College helped me understand that education always comes first."

"These playoffs we will take on one game at-a-time and focus on one team at-a-time."

Gabrielle Norwood – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"The past two years have been a lot of fun learning different things from my teammates and growing as one," Norwood said.

"I will continue to motivate my teammates and make sure we all have the same mindset on making it to nationals."

Kyla Pitts – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Bryant & Stratton has helped me become a better floor general and better communicator as well," Pitts said.

"These playoffs the goal is to execute every possession like it's our last and always be a team player."

Ashley Quezaire – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"My experience as a Bobcat has been great," Quezaire said. "The coaching staff has been there for me through every up and down and we have always had a good time. I am extremely happy that I became a student athlete here."

"As a player, Bryant & Stratton helped expand my teamwork skills as well as social skills. My communication skills have grown since being a student athlete."

"For now, we need to focus on defeating each opponent and play together in order to get to where we want to be." "The goal is to make it to the national tournament."

Standing at 19-9 and 12-0 in region play, the Lady Bobcats will look to remain undefeated in the region against Illinois Valley on Saturday. 

Coach Lorenz and his staff will prepare for the remaining games of the season and then look to make the playoffs a memorable journey.

The ceremony and game will be streamed live on the official Bobcats YouTube Channel.

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