Lehigh seniors reflect on careers in advance of Senior Night Saturday
2/25/2016 11:14:00 AM | Women's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh women's basketball senior class of four has certainly made its mark on the program, both on and off the court. The four members of the Class of 2016 have all been key players during their time in the Brown and White, helping lead the Mountain Hawks to 63 wins throughout their four years. The seniors have also been exemplary student-athletes as the four average a 3.48 cumulative GPA.
The four seniors took time to reflect upon their Lehigh careers in advance of Saturday's Senior Night when the Mountain Hawks will host first-place Army at 7:30 p.m. at Stabler Arena.
#5 Elizabeth Jordan – Roscoe, Ill.
Jordan has been a key piece of Lehigh's back court throughout her time at Lehigh. She has shot 34.9 percent from three-point range this season and has been one of the Mountain Hawks' most threatening sharp shooters. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Jordan is a Spanish and Hispanic Studies and Chinese double major, with Business and Psychology minors, who holds a strong 3.63 cumulative GPA.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
EJ: Wow. There are SO many. I don't know how I could pick just one…can I pick three? First, I will forever and always remember our team's trip to Europe this past summer. It was honestly the most incredible, unforgettable trip that we all got to experience together. Getting to explore and take in the history, culture and beauty of Europe alongside all of my best friends AND getting to play basketball in another country—words cannot describe. Secondly, getting to travel home to Illinois for my senior homecoming game earlier this season was one of the most special weekends I could have ever asked for, and I never wanted it to end! It was beyond special to be able to share such an awesome experience with all of my family, friends, teammates and coaches all around me. To have all the people I love together in one place while getting the opportunity to play the sport I love against Big Ten competition was the greatest combination in the world. Lastly, last year's postseason run was one of the most memorable times of my career. Beating Army on the road in the semifinals was honestly one of the most fun and exciting games I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Losing my voice, having my cheeks hurt from smiling and punching our ticket to the Patriot League Championship…coolest thing ever.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
EJ: I cannot describe to you how much I love these three. They are more than my best friends…they are my sisters. I am so blessed that God placed them in my college experience, on my team and in my life. All three are such beautiful, genuine people whom I am so proud to call my teammates and friends. They make me laugh until I cry and the memories we have created these past four years are indescribably special and close to my heart. Our relationship is something I cherish and treasure, and something I know will continue for a long, long time. Thanks for all the laughs, fun and happiness you three have given me these four years. I love you like sisters!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
EJ: Going into Senior Night carries with it such a mix of emotions. It is so bittersweet. On one hand, I am so sad to be coming to the end of my career, as basketball has always been such a big, special and important part of my life. However, on the other hand, although it is sad to end something so special, it allows me the chance to look back on this incredibly special journey of basketball that I was so lucky to have had. Basketball is something I have loved ever since I was four years old and getting to play in college was the biggest dream I ever had. Lehigh Basketball made that four-year-old little girl's dream come true and for that, I will be forever grateful. Because of Lehigh Basketball, I met some of the nicest, most genuine people imaginable, I was able to experience collegiate Divison I basketball on the most incredible team full of friends, I was able to attend a wonderful, prestigious university, and lastly, I was given four years of memories I will never forget. So, as I near the end of my collegiate career, although I cannot describe how sad I am to be ending, and how much I wish it was not the end, I feel so lucky to look at all that I have been able to experience here with all these great people around me.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
EJ: I will miss playing the sport I love with the people I love—the best combination in the world. Lehigh Basketball gave me the opportunity to share and experience my passion together with fourteen of my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
EJ: After graduation I want to further pursue my passion for languages. I plan to explore work opportunities abroad, in either Spain or China, in order to fully immerse myself in the language, the culture, the history and the people. I would love to spend an extended period of time teaching English in a foreign country and hopefully eventually become completely fluent. My goal someday is to be fluent in three languages (English, Spanish, and Chinese) and, in order to do so, I believe I need to be fully immersed in a foreign environment for an extended period of time. Eventually, I hope to be able to use my language skills and passion as a part of my everyday life.
#22 Elizabeth Sharlow – Edison, N.J.
Sharlow has been the consummate team player and one the team's most-esteemed leaders throughout her time in the Brown and White. The forward has tallied 716 points and 485 rebounds throughout her career, while shooting an impressive 49.8 percent from the field. Sharlow is a Student-Athlete Council Co-President who is active in Lehigh's leadership programs and was a nominee for the AllState Good Works Team, which honors student-athletes who have shown dedication to community service and altruism in their communities. Sharlow holds an impressive 3.63 GPA as a Psychology major and is a three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
ES: It's hard to choose one favorite memory up until this point because I have made so many amazing memories. However, my favorite Lehigh Basketball memory would have to be the run that we made my junior year in the playoffs. I will never forget that winning feeling during those games, especially after the semifinal win at Army.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ES: My relationship with the three other seniors has become very strong over the past four years. We've become one another's biggest supporters and definitely always look out for one another. We've laughed and cried together, and through it all managed to have a really great college experience. We've had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places together, especially Europe, which was an experience of a lifetime. But I will also miss the simple things like driving to practice, going shopping and having dinners together. I think all of us have very different personalities, but we have really grown to care for and understand one another. I'm so thankful to have made lifelong friends and I would never ask for anyone else to share this experience with!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ES: As my collegiate career is coming to an end, I've taken the time to reflect on my long basketball journey. I think about my parents, who also happen to be my biggest fans, and the countless sacrifices they've made to give me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of playing college basketball. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them, and for that, I am forever grateful. I think about my sisters, friends, extended family members and previous basketball coaches who have always encouraged, motivated and believed in me. And of course, I think about my coaches and teammates here at Lehigh and what a gift they have been in my life. I've been blessed with so many amazing people along the way who have taught me so many valuable life lessons that I will carry on with me even when basketball comes to an end. Going into senior night, I feel extremely humbled and thankful for all that God has given me during my basketball career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
ES: There are so many things that I will miss about Lehigh basketball, but I think the people are what I will miss most. I will miss the little things like joking around in the locker room, chatting during long bus trips, having movie nights and celebrating a win. I will definitely miss competing at such a high level and experiencing a victory after putting in so much hard work.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ES: I am hoping to attend graduate school for two years to get my masters in school counseling.
#34 Kerry Kinek – Whitehall, Pa.
Kinek, a three-time All-Patriot League selection, has permanently etched her name into the program's record books and will graduate as the program's fifth all-time leading scorer and second all-time leading rebounder. She currently holds career marks of 1,526 points and 941 rebounds and is just the sixth-ever member of Lehigh's 1,000 point/500 rebound club. Kinek was Lehigh's leading scorer and rebounder in each of her first two seasons and was named first team All-League and to the All-Rookie team as a freshman and was a third team All-League pick as both a sophomore and junior. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Kinek holds an impressive 3.47 GPA as a Supply Chain Management major.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KK: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory was definitely our trip to Europe this summer. It was an amazing 10 days of touring Europe and playing basketball. We are so fortunate to be able to experience something like that!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KK: The relationship I have with my fellow seniors has been such a blessing. We all have different personalities and come from different backgrounds, but share the same morals and values. We have helped each other to grow these past four years. More importantly we have been each other's support systems. I love Liz, LJ and Amina so much and am going to miss spending every day with them! I have no doubt that we will be lifelong friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KK: I have conflicting feelings going into senior night. I will be so happy to be with my fellow seniors and all of our families. I will also be sad and nostalgic knowing that such a great thing will be coming to an end.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KK: I will miss my teammates and coaches the most. The fun times we have on road trips, practice, and games -- there is nothing like it! There is a great culture within our program, which is something very hard to be duplicated.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KK: After graduation I will be working for GEP (Global E-procure) a consulting company based in Clark, NJ.
#35 Amina Affini – Wilmington, Ohio
Affini has been Lehigh's most consistent defensive threat and a key leader on the court. She has recorded 419 points, 236 rebounds and 96 steals throughout her time in the Brown and White and has been in Lehigh's starting five for every game this season. The Sociology/Social Psychology major and Health, Medicine and Society minor owns a strong 3.19 cumulative GPA and is a three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
AA: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point would be last season's Patriot League tournament. We went on a great run as the sixth seed, beating the No. 3 seed in the quarterfinals, then the No. 2 seed in the semifinals, then getting to play the top seed in the finals. Even though we lost in the finals, that time is one that I'll never forget. The team spirit and camaraderie was sensational, and we all just had the time of our lives. It was a time that we all played for something so much bigger than ourselves. If felt like nothing could stop us and it was truly one of the best moments of my basketball career.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AA: The relationship that I have with my fellow seniors is incredible. I would not have survived these four years without them. LJ has truly been my right-hand man. She has always been there when I need someone to talk to or someone to laugh with. Sharlow is like my soul sister. We are always laughing and know how to have a good time no matter what we are doing. Kerry is such a kind heart and soul. She is always there to help me out when I need it. I consider the three of them my best friends and we have created a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AA: I have a lot of mixed feelings going into Senior Night. I am obviously excited about the game and getting to compete against a great basketball program. I also have a little sadness running through me knowing that my basketball career will soon be coming to an end. Basketball has been my life for quite some time and thinking that I will no longer be competing competitively is overwhelming. As my college career comes to an end, I am constantly reminding myself that I am ready and prepared for this next step in my life. It is scary enduring change and a lot of times we feel that we are not prepared, but Lehigh has definitely prepared me for everything life has to offer and it is really exciting to know that something new is in store. These four years have really flown by, but I would not trade them for anything.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
AA: What I will miss the most about Lehigh basketball is being surrounded by such amazing people. The family environment that I have been surrounded by made the college experience so much easier and I credit Coach Troyan for that. The friendships that have been formed are ones that will last forever and I'm so thankful Coach Troyan gave me the opportunity to meet all of these people.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AA: After graduation, I will be attending nursing school in Ohio with hopes of attaining my RN in the next couple of years. I have always been interested in the field of nursing and I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue on doing something that I love and really enjoy.
The four seniors took time to reflect upon their Lehigh careers in advance of Saturday's Senior Night when the Mountain Hawks will host first-place Army at 7:30 p.m. at Stabler Arena.
#5 Elizabeth Jordan – Roscoe, Ill. Jordan has been a key piece of Lehigh's back court throughout her time at Lehigh. She has shot 34.9 percent from three-point range this season and has been one of the Mountain Hawks' most threatening sharp shooters. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Jordan is a Spanish and Hispanic Studies and Chinese double major, with Business and Psychology minors, who holds a strong 3.63 cumulative GPA.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
EJ: Wow. There are SO many. I don't know how I could pick just one…can I pick three? First, I will forever and always remember our team's trip to Europe this past summer. It was honestly the most incredible, unforgettable trip that we all got to experience together. Getting to explore and take in the history, culture and beauty of Europe alongside all of my best friends AND getting to play basketball in another country—words cannot describe. Secondly, getting to travel home to Illinois for my senior homecoming game earlier this season was one of the most special weekends I could have ever asked for, and I never wanted it to end! It was beyond special to be able to share such an awesome experience with all of my family, friends, teammates and coaches all around me. To have all the people I love together in one place while getting the opportunity to play the sport I love against Big Ten competition was the greatest combination in the world. Lastly, last year's postseason run was one of the most memorable times of my career. Beating Army on the road in the semifinals was honestly one of the most fun and exciting games I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Losing my voice, having my cheeks hurt from smiling and punching our ticket to the Patriot League Championship…coolest thing ever.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
EJ: I cannot describe to you how much I love these three. They are more than my best friends…they are my sisters. I am so blessed that God placed them in my college experience, on my team and in my life. All three are such beautiful, genuine people whom I am so proud to call my teammates and friends. They make me laugh until I cry and the memories we have created these past four years are indescribably special and close to my heart. Our relationship is something I cherish and treasure, and something I know will continue for a long, long time. Thanks for all the laughs, fun and happiness you three have given me these four years. I love you like sisters!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
EJ: Going into Senior Night carries with it such a mix of emotions. It is so bittersweet. On one hand, I am so sad to be coming to the end of my career, as basketball has always been such a big, special and important part of my life. However, on the other hand, although it is sad to end something so special, it allows me the chance to look back on this incredibly special journey of basketball that I was so lucky to have had. Basketball is something I have loved ever since I was four years old and getting to play in college was the biggest dream I ever had. Lehigh Basketball made that four-year-old little girl's dream come true and for that, I will be forever grateful. Because of Lehigh Basketball, I met some of the nicest, most genuine people imaginable, I was able to experience collegiate Divison I basketball on the most incredible team full of friends, I was able to attend a wonderful, prestigious university, and lastly, I was given four years of memories I will never forget. So, as I near the end of my collegiate career, although I cannot describe how sad I am to be ending, and how much I wish it was not the end, I feel so lucky to look at all that I have been able to experience here with all these great people around me.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
EJ: I will miss playing the sport I love with the people I love—the best combination in the world. Lehigh Basketball gave me the opportunity to share and experience my passion together with fourteen of my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
EJ: After graduation I want to further pursue my passion for languages. I plan to explore work opportunities abroad, in either Spain or China, in order to fully immerse myself in the language, the culture, the history and the people. I would love to spend an extended period of time teaching English in a foreign country and hopefully eventually become completely fluent. My goal someday is to be fluent in three languages (English, Spanish, and Chinese) and, in order to do so, I believe I need to be fully immersed in a foreign environment for an extended period of time. Eventually, I hope to be able to use my language skills and passion as a part of my everyday life.
#22 Elizabeth Sharlow – Edison, N.J.
Sharlow has been the consummate team player and one the team's most-esteemed leaders throughout her time in the Brown and White. The forward has tallied 716 points and 485 rebounds throughout her career, while shooting an impressive 49.8 percent from the field. Sharlow is a Student-Athlete Council Co-President who is active in Lehigh's leadership programs and was a nominee for the AllState Good Works Team, which honors student-athletes who have shown dedication to community service and altruism in their communities. Sharlow holds an impressive 3.63 GPA as a Psychology major and is a three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
ES: It's hard to choose one favorite memory up until this point because I have made so many amazing memories. However, my favorite Lehigh Basketball memory would have to be the run that we made my junior year in the playoffs. I will never forget that winning feeling during those games, especially after the semifinal win at Army.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ES: My relationship with the three other seniors has become very strong over the past four years. We've become one another's biggest supporters and definitely always look out for one another. We've laughed and cried together, and through it all managed to have a really great college experience. We've had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places together, especially Europe, which was an experience of a lifetime. But I will also miss the simple things like driving to practice, going shopping and having dinners together. I think all of us have very different personalities, but we have really grown to care for and understand one another. I'm so thankful to have made lifelong friends and I would never ask for anyone else to share this experience with!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ES: As my collegiate career is coming to an end, I've taken the time to reflect on my long basketball journey. I think about my parents, who also happen to be my biggest fans, and the countless sacrifices they've made to give me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of playing college basketball. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them, and for that, I am forever grateful. I think about my sisters, friends, extended family members and previous basketball coaches who have always encouraged, motivated and believed in me. And of course, I think about my coaches and teammates here at Lehigh and what a gift they have been in my life. I've been blessed with so many amazing people along the way who have taught me so many valuable life lessons that I will carry on with me even when basketball comes to an end. Going into senior night, I feel extremely humbled and thankful for all that God has given me during my basketball career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
ES: There are so many things that I will miss about Lehigh basketball, but I think the people are what I will miss most. I will miss the little things like joking around in the locker room, chatting during long bus trips, having movie nights and celebrating a win. I will definitely miss competing at such a high level and experiencing a victory after putting in so much hard work.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ES: I am hoping to attend graduate school for two years to get my masters in school counseling.
#34 Kerry Kinek – Whitehall, Pa.Kinek, a three-time All-Patriot League selection, has permanently etched her name into the program's record books and will graduate as the program's fifth all-time leading scorer and second all-time leading rebounder. She currently holds career marks of 1,526 points and 941 rebounds and is just the sixth-ever member of Lehigh's 1,000 point/500 rebound club. Kinek was Lehigh's leading scorer and rebounder in each of her first two seasons and was named first team All-League and to the All-Rookie team as a freshman and was a third team All-League pick as both a sophomore and junior. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Kinek holds an impressive 3.47 GPA as a Supply Chain Management major.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KK: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory was definitely our trip to Europe this summer. It was an amazing 10 days of touring Europe and playing basketball. We are so fortunate to be able to experience something like that!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KK: The relationship I have with my fellow seniors has been such a blessing. We all have different personalities and come from different backgrounds, but share the same morals and values. We have helped each other to grow these past four years. More importantly we have been each other's support systems. I love Liz, LJ and Amina so much and am going to miss spending every day with them! I have no doubt that we will be lifelong friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KK: I have conflicting feelings going into senior night. I will be so happy to be with my fellow seniors and all of our families. I will also be sad and nostalgic knowing that such a great thing will be coming to an end.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KK: I will miss my teammates and coaches the most. The fun times we have on road trips, practice, and games -- there is nothing like it! There is a great culture within our program, which is something very hard to be duplicated.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KK: After graduation I will be working for GEP (Global E-procure) a consulting company based in Clark, NJ.
#35 Amina Affini – Wilmington, Ohio
Affini has been Lehigh's most consistent defensive threat and a key leader on the court. She has recorded 419 points, 236 rebounds and 96 steals throughout her time in the Brown and White and has been in Lehigh's starting five for every game this season. The Sociology/Social Psychology major and Health, Medicine and Society minor owns a strong 3.19 cumulative GPA and is a three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
AA: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point would be last season's Patriot League tournament. We went on a great run as the sixth seed, beating the No. 3 seed in the quarterfinals, then the No. 2 seed in the semifinals, then getting to play the top seed in the finals. Even though we lost in the finals, that time is one that I'll never forget. The team spirit and camaraderie was sensational, and we all just had the time of our lives. It was a time that we all played for something so much bigger than ourselves. If felt like nothing could stop us and it was truly one of the best moments of my basketball career.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AA: The relationship that I have with my fellow seniors is incredible. I would not have survived these four years without them. LJ has truly been my right-hand man. She has always been there when I need someone to talk to or someone to laugh with. Sharlow is like my soul sister. We are always laughing and know how to have a good time no matter what we are doing. Kerry is such a kind heart and soul. She is always there to help me out when I need it. I consider the three of them my best friends and we have created a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AA: I have a lot of mixed feelings going into Senior Night. I am obviously excited about the game and getting to compete against a great basketball program. I also have a little sadness running through me knowing that my basketball career will soon be coming to an end. Basketball has been my life for quite some time and thinking that I will no longer be competing competitively is overwhelming. As my college career comes to an end, I am constantly reminding myself that I am ready and prepared for this next step in my life. It is scary enduring change and a lot of times we feel that we are not prepared, but Lehigh has definitely prepared me for everything life has to offer and it is really exciting to know that something new is in store. These four years have really flown by, but I would not trade them for anything.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
AA: What I will miss the most about Lehigh basketball is being surrounded by such amazing people. The family environment that I have been surrounded by made the college experience so much easier and I credit Coach Troyan for that. The friendships that have been formed are ones that will last forever and I'm so thankful Coach Troyan gave me the opportunity to meet all of these people.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AA: After graduation, I will be attending nursing school in Ohio with hopes of attaining my RN in the next couple of years. I have always been interested in the field of nursing and I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue on doing something that I love and really enjoy.
Players Mentioned
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