Lehigh University Athletics
Women’s Basketball: 2017 Senior Reflections
2/16/2017 2:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball, Features
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Over the last four years, the three seniors of the Lehigh women's basketball teams have left their mark on the program both on and off the court. Entering Saturday's Senior Day against Lafayette, the Mountain Hawks seniors have helped the team to 58 wins, three appearances in the Patriot League quarterfinals and an appearance in the 2015 Patriot League Championship Game. In the classroom, the group has compiled a 3.39 grade-point average.
The three seniors took time to reflect upon their Lehigh careers ahead of Saturday's Senior Day at Stabler Arena, when the Mountain Hawks will host Lafayette at 2 p.m.
#10 Kiernan McCloskey – Lower Gwynedd, Pa.
McCloskey appeared in all 62 games over her freshman and sophomore seasons, averaging 3.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a freshman. After a preseason knee injury cost her the entire 2015-16 season, McCloskey provided a spark for Lehigh at the start of this season. She ranked second on the team with 6.1 rebounds per game through the first seven games of the year before a second knee injury cost her the remainder of the season. As a finance major, she holds a cumulative 3.80 GPA and is a three-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KM: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory is beating Army in the semi-final game of the Patriot League Tournament my sophomore year. We played our best basketball at the most important time and crushed a team that had beaten us before on their own home court. I have never felt such pure joy and excitement as I did in the locker room after that game. We played for each other and every member of our team felt like a part of the victory. After such a huge win, we got the reward of a whole week of prepping for the championship game!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KM: I cannot explain how thankful I am to have gone through the past four years with Kari and Kayla by my side. We are the most unique group of individuals, but we complement each other perfectly. They have taught me so much about friendship and loyalty and love and have truly made my time at Lehigh the incredible experience it has been.
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?
KM: The idea that we are approaching Senior Night is completely mind-blowing. Looking back, it seems as if the past four years have flown by. Who is letting us graduate?! As sad as I am to see my Lehigh basketball career come to a close, however, I can certainly look back and say that it has been a great four years. Things don't always go as planned, (thank you ACLs!) but I can say without hesitation that I have grown as both a basketball player and a person in my time at Lehigh and for that I will be forever grateful.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KM: I will miss my LUWB family SO much after graduating. To me, basketball has always been a perfect way to fuel my competitive fire and to have fun playing a sport that I love. However, battling through injuries the past two years has taught me that basketball is so much more than just the game we play. This sport has given me so many opportunities and has placed so many amazing people in my life. While I will definitely miss the chance to compete every day, it is the people I will miss the most. I am so thankful for the 7 years worth of teammates and lifelong friends that Lehigh Women's Basketball has given me!
What are your postgraduate plans?
KM: After graduating this spring, I will be attending Villanova University to pursue my Masters of Science in Finance!
#23 Kari Moffat – Lincolnshire, Ill.
Appearing in 43 games throughout her career, Moffat has been a critical part of the heart and soul of the Mountain Hawks over the last four seasons. A member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and holding a 3.21 cumulative GPA, she is slated to graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KM: While there have been so many amazing memories, I would say my favorite has to be our postseason run during my sophomore year. There was so much excitement and energy during that time and we were all having fun playing the game we love. The one game in particular that sticks out to me is the game against Army to send us into the Patriot League Championship. The feeling after that win will be a feeling I will never forget.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KM: My fellow seniors have become like sisters to me. I know these girls have my back on and off the court and I don't know what I would do without them. I am so thankful that basketball has brought us together to do some amazing things and go to some amazing places. Getting to spend every day with my best friends is what being a part of a team is all about. These girls are such genuine and caring people that I hold very close to my heart. I know that the friendship and memories we created here at Lehigh will 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?
KM: Going into senior night I have a lot of feelings and emotions. I can't believe that four years has gone by so fast. Playing at the Division I college level was my dream from the very beginning of my basketball career and I am forever thankful for my teammates and coaches, past and present, for the unforgettable memories and opportunities. Being a part of this team is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The love and sisterhood I feel every day walking into the gym is what makes Lehigh basketball what it is, and is why I am proud to be a part of the Lehigh Mountain Hawk family.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KM: I will miss a ton, but mostly my coaches and teammates. I found my family away from home and I don't think basketball would have been as fun as it was without having them to play for.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KM: I am hoping to continue my education at Lehigh University in graduate school.
#25 Kayla Burton – Newton, Mass.
Burton has appeared in all 118 games thus far in her Lehigh career with 22 starts. She was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team after averaging 5.2 points per game as a freshman, and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll each of the last two seasons. She holds a 3.17 GPA and will graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KB: Up until this point, I would definitely have to say that traveling to Europe with our team, my junior year, was my favorite Lehigh basketball memory. That was an experience that is simply unforgettable and something that will always stick with me when I leave this school. Not only was the trip amazing, but the people who I traveled with, my teammates who are also my best friends, really made all the difference for me. Although basketball was definitely part of it, it wasn't the central focus. Instead, being able to play basketball in different countries and having an absolute blast doing so, while traveling to various places that has an enormous amount of history, was incredible. I will always remember our Europe trip.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KB: My fellow seniors are honestly a blessing in to my life. Both Kiernan and Kari are not only supportive, cheerful and wonderful teammates, but they are my best friends. They have not only been my alarm clocks for our morning workouts throughout my career here, but they have always had my back and I couldn't have asked for better senior classmates. Kiernan and Kari are practically like my sisters and they are two people who I can come talk to about absolutely anything. I think one of the greatest attributes about the both of them is how real, genuine and honest they are with me. When I come to them for either friendship advice or basketball advice, they are completely straight forward with me no matter how hard it may be. They really are so special to me and I can honestly say that I don't know what I am going to do without them next year. The greatest part about this experience and having them as my classmates is that our relationships are eternal and way beyond the final buzzer beater coming up. And for that, I am so thankful.
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?
KB: It's funny because my dad has always told me since my freshman year to appreciate each and every moment because it is going to go by so quickly. For once, I can say he told me so. Heading into my senior night is almost mind-boggling. It's crazy how fast everything has gone by and if I am being completely honest, it was a couple of games ago when I realized that my time is winding down. With senior night approaching, I reflect on everything. I firstly, thank God for allowing me to come to such an incredible school with incredible people and allowing me to build lifetime relationships. I then think about my parents who have always been the ones rebounding me and encouraging me since I was in fifth grade and how blessed I am to have them as my parents. I've always been my toughest critic while playing this game but now that I realize that my senior night is approaching, I tell myself to enjoy each and every moment. Not to get upset with a play I made or the minutes I did not play but to truly enjoy each and every moment because I'm never going to get this back.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KB: I think what I am going to miss most about basketball is actually playing the game competitively. Basketball has been something I have practiced and worked at my whole life so knowing that it is coming to its end is emotional. However, I am extremely content with my time with this game and beyond thankful for each and every coach and teammate who has been a part of it. I am going to miss the screaming on the bench, the, "AND ONE!" chants and the overall exciting atmosphere that I have had the privilege of being a part of. It has been a phenomenal ride.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KB: Boston baby! I plan on going back home to Boston and am still in the process of working to become a sports broadcaster once I graduate. I am extremely excited to be going back to such a great city and I hope and pray that I will be able to continue my passion of sports in a different position as a sports broadcaster.
Like Lehigh women's basketball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content, team updates and more.
The three seniors took time to reflect upon their Lehigh careers ahead of Saturday's Senior Day at Stabler Arena, when the Mountain Hawks will host Lafayette at 2 p.m.
#10 Kiernan McCloskey – Lower Gwynedd, Pa.
McCloskey appeared in all 62 games over her freshman and sophomore seasons, averaging 3.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a freshman. After a preseason knee injury cost her the entire 2015-16 season, McCloskey provided a spark for Lehigh at the start of this season. She ranked second on the team with 6.1 rebounds per game through the first seven games of the year before a second knee injury cost her the remainder of the season. As a finance major, she holds a cumulative 3.80 GPA and is a three-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KM: My favorite Lehigh Basketball memory is beating Army in the semi-final game of the Patriot League Tournament my sophomore year. We played our best basketball at the most important time and crushed a team that had beaten us before on their own home court. I have never felt such pure joy and excitement as I did in the locker room after that game. We played for each other and every member of our team felt like a part of the victory. After such a huge win, we got the reward of a whole week of prepping for the championship game!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KM: I cannot explain how thankful I am to have gone through the past four years with Kari and Kayla by my side. We are the most unique group of individuals, but we complement each other perfectly. They have taught me so much about friendship and loyalty and love and have truly made my time at Lehigh the incredible experience it has been.
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?
KM: The idea that we are approaching Senior Night is completely mind-blowing. Looking back, it seems as if the past four years have flown by. Who is letting us graduate?! As sad as I am to see my Lehigh basketball career come to a close, however, I can certainly look back and say that it has been a great four years. Things don't always go as planned, (thank you ACLs!) but I can say without hesitation that I have grown as both a basketball player and a person in my time at Lehigh and for that I will be forever grateful.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KM: I will miss my LUWB family SO much after graduating. To me, basketball has always been a perfect way to fuel my competitive fire and to have fun playing a sport that I love. However, battling through injuries the past two years has taught me that basketball is so much more than just the game we play. This sport has given me so many opportunities and has placed so many amazing people in my life. While I will definitely miss the chance to compete every day, it is the people I will miss the most. I am so thankful for the 7 years worth of teammates and lifelong friends that Lehigh Women's Basketball has given me!
What are your postgraduate plans?
KM: After graduating this spring, I will be attending Villanova University to pursue my Masters of Science in Finance!
#23 Kari Moffat – Lincolnshire, Ill.
Appearing in 43 games throughout her career, Moffat has been a critical part of the heart and soul of the Mountain Hawks over the last four seasons. A member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and holding a 3.21 cumulative GPA, she is slated to graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KM: While there have been so many amazing memories, I would say my favorite has to be our postseason run during my sophomore year. There was so much excitement and energy during that time and we were all having fun playing the game we love. The one game in particular that sticks out to me is the game against Army to send us into the Patriot League Championship. The feeling after that win will be a feeling I will never forget.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KM: My fellow seniors have become like sisters to me. I know these girls have my back on and off the court and I don't know what I would do without them. I am so thankful that basketball has brought us together to do some amazing things and go to some amazing places. Getting to spend every day with my best friends is what being a part of a team is all about. These girls are such genuine and caring people that I hold very close to my heart. I know that the friendship and memories we created here at Lehigh will 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?
KM: Going into senior night I have a lot of feelings and emotions. I can't believe that four years has gone by so fast. Playing at the Division I college level was my dream from the very beginning of my basketball career and I am forever thankful for my teammates and coaches, past and present, for the unforgettable memories and opportunities. Being a part of this team is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The love and sisterhood I feel every day walking into the gym is what makes Lehigh basketball what it is, and is why I am proud to be a part of the Lehigh Mountain Hawk family.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KM: I will miss a ton, but mostly my coaches and teammates. I found my family away from home and I don't think basketball would have been as fun as it was without having them to play for.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KM: I am hoping to continue my education at Lehigh University in graduate school.
#25 Kayla Burton – Newton, Mass.
Burton has appeared in all 118 games thus far in her Lehigh career with 22 starts. She was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team after averaging 5.2 points per game as a freshman, and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll each of the last two seasons. She holds a 3.17 GPA and will graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
What's your favorite Lehigh Basketball memory up until this point?
KB: Up until this point, I would definitely have to say that traveling to Europe with our team, my junior year, was my favorite Lehigh basketball memory. That was an experience that is simply unforgettable and something that will always stick with me when I leave this school. Not only was the trip amazing, but the people who I traveled with, my teammates who are also my best friends, really made all the difference for me. Although basketball was definitely part of it, it wasn't the central focus. Instead, being able to play basketball in different countries and having an absolute blast doing so, while traveling to various places that has an enormous amount of history, was incredible. I will always remember our Europe trip.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KB: My fellow seniors are honestly a blessing in to my life. Both Kiernan and Kari are not only supportive, cheerful and wonderful teammates, but they are my best friends. They have not only been my alarm clocks for our morning workouts throughout my career here, but they have always had my back and I couldn't have asked for better senior classmates. Kiernan and Kari are practically like my sisters and they are two people who I can come talk to about absolutely anything. I think one of the greatest attributes about the both of them is how real, genuine and honest they are with me. When I come to them for either friendship advice or basketball advice, they are completely straight forward with me no matter how hard it may be. They really are so special to me and I can honestly say that I don't know what I am going to do without them next year. The greatest part about this experience and having them as my classmates is that our relationships are eternal and way beyond the final buzzer beater coming up. And for that, I am so thankful.
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?
KB: It's funny because my dad has always told me since my freshman year to appreciate each and every moment because it is going to go by so quickly. For once, I can say he told me so. Heading into my senior night is almost mind-boggling. It's crazy how fast everything has gone by and if I am being completely honest, it was a couple of games ago when I realized that my time is winding down. With senior night approaching, I reflect on everything. I firstly, thank God for allowing me to come to such an incredible school with incredible people and allowing me to build lifetime relationships. I then think about my parents who have always been the ones rebounding me and encouraging me since I was in fifth grade and how blessed I am to have them as my parents. I've always been my toughest critic while playing this game but now that I realize that my senior night is approaching, I tell myself to enjoy each and every moment. Not to get upset with a play I made or the minutes I did not play but to truly enjoy each and every moment because I'm never going to get this back.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Basketball?
KB: I think what I am going to miss most about basketball is actually playing the game competitively. Basketball has been something I have practiced and worked at my whole life so knowing that it is coming to its end is emotional. However, I am extremely content with my time with this game and beyond thankful for each and every coach and teammate who has been a part of it. I am going to miss the screaming on the bench, the, "AND ONE!" chants and the overall exciting atmosphere that I have had the privilege of being a part of. It has been a phenomenal ride.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KB: Boston baby! I plan on going back home to Boston and am still in the process of working to become a sports broadcaster once I graduate. I am extremely excited to be going back to such a great city and I hope and pray that I will be able to continue my passion of sports in a different position as a sports broadcaster.
Like Lehigh women's basketball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content, team updates and more.
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