There is a lot to be said about athletes at high levels that get injured and can't participate. At times, as with Caroline, they develop in different ways. Their character grows. They mature. They understand more fully the things they took for granted. We all watched Paige become an even greater person, a true role model, a generous star, and finally an NCAA championship player. From all the struggles, there emerged strength of purpose and an intestinal fortitude that was unstoppable. For Caroline, I see joy in playing, leadership, and a willingness to give. If she gets back to close to where she was, you will all be shocked. She will be the voice of this team with Azzi and she will start because she wants to and we will go far. Hoew far? Thaty's why we play the games, isn't it?
Very true about the character that is built and displayed in injury. It can be the silver lining of a very dark cloud.
I will be surprised if Carol starts, but
also very pleased. And it will come with an important dividend. If she's on the court, she'll probably be the one giving instructions in the huddles. When she's off the floor, that duty will probably devolve to Azzi and Sarah, who are shaping up to be a goofy, fun duo.
On that note, you can see how much Sarah enjoys playing with talents on her level and coming to UConn has given her a veritable feast of superstars, players who understand the game and read the flow of action as well as she does. Paige was her partner last season, and I couldn't have imagined a better one for Sarah. Azzi will probably be her new partner this year, but if Carol can return fully to form, she'll be another one. And if she picks up the system quickly, Serah could be a third.
This is an excellent situation for Sarah, having mature superstars playing with her and shouldering much of the leadership burden for her. By the time she's a Junior, Sarah will have to be the primary leader of the team -- there will be no concealing that fact -- but getting a couple years to prepare for it will surely be very useful for her. I don't see her mentoring kids like Kelis this season, but that will come soon enough. There will be a tremendous supporting cast, of course, Jana Kayleigh KK and Ash, Blanca Kelis Morgan and Allie, in Sarah's junior season. But she's the one everyone will look to in huddles, the one who will get the bucket when needed, and make the surprising play that wakes the team up. She will put on Paige's cape that season.
But for now, Carol will be the one who sets the example and the standard alongside Azzi and Sarah.