A lot was on the line at the women’s basketball game on February 20, 2016. It was Senior Day and if they were defeated, it would be their last game of the season. If victorious, it would seal their spot in the Midwest Conference Tournament.
Unfortunately, the ladies fell short to the Carroll Pioneers. Carroll led 38-17 at half time and when the second half started, the Pioneers never looked back. While the scoreboard showed that the Foresters lost, the two seniors on the team were still winners.
Michelle Ricolcol ’16 and K.C. Stralka ’16 were thanked with standing ovations as they were taken out of the game. When the players arrived at the bench, they were greeted by hugs from every player and coach. It was a touching and sad moment watching the women’s Forester basketball careers come to a close.
Both Michelle and K.C had huge turnouts from their families and got to share their last moments as basketball players on the court with them.
“The game was bitter sweet, but it was nice being on home court with my family and friends despite the loss,” said Ricolcol after the game.
The seniors had the privilege of playing all four years of high school and college together making them close teammates but even better friends.
“I’m very happy she has been by my side the whole time,” said Stralka, when asked about the other.
“I want to thank her for sticking with me all these years. She is a great player but even a better person,” said Ricolcol of Stralka.
The ladies truly made a big impact on the team, and their stats and leadership have left a mark. Michelle, known as “Coco” and K.C. both averaged 12 points per contest. Coco led the Midwest Conference in Free Throw Percentage with 83% while K.C. led the Conference with number of double/doubles with 11 for the season.
Head women’s basketball coach, Tamlyn Tills, shared her thoughts on the ladies. “Coco and K.C. have been a joy to coach. They have embodied the spirit of Forester Basketball by their leadership both on and off the court. They have left their mark and have earned their place in the rich tradition of Forester Women’s Basketball.”
There is no doubt Coco and K.C.’s presence will be missed on the court and in the locker-room next year.
“I only got to play with them for one season, but they made a huge impact on me. They were great leaders verbally and on the floor. They always had a lot of energy and got the team going every game day. Even though they may be gone, they are Foresters forever,” shared Taylor Farrell ’19 on her senior teammates.
“They will difficult to replace, but we have a tremendous group of young women who are dedicated and committed to the success,” said Coach Tills.
