The Legend of "Lou"

[oldude]

Four years ago, a tall gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast showed up in Storrs. She was outgoing, good natured and seemingly afflicted with a perpetual smile on her face. UConn fans knew that Katie Lou Samuelson could play, but probably also assumed that among her many talents, toughness was not necessarily her strongest trait.

As a freshman Lou had her ups and downs, but eventually established herself as a starter and role player on one of UConn’s best teams ever. Lou would often drift out to the arc to catch a pass and knock down a 3, and she was very good in that role. The first real indication that there might be something more to Lou then we all thought was in the national semifinal against OR St. Lou came out after halftime in a walking boot. Subsequently, we all learned that she played most of the first half on a broken foot.

As a sophomore, with the graduation of the Big 3, Lou assumed a much more extensive role, which she did extraordinarily well, earning consensus 1st team AA honors. Along the way, many opposing teams developed a strategy for defending Lou by bumping, grabbing and outright smacking her anytime she touched the ball. She fought through it, night after night. One of her most memorable games was at MD, against a formidable Terrapin team, when she was terribly sick, the so-called “barf bucket” game. Looking like she might pass out at any minute, with multiple trips to the bucket to throw up, Lou torched MD for 23 points in a Husky victory.

The following year, as a junior, the physical punishment that Lou received at the hands of UConn’s opponents bordered on assault and battery. Early in the season, she suffered a torn ligament in her ankle. Limited in practice, playing in pain and wearing a restrictive ankle support, Lou once again was a consensus 1st team AA.

After off-season surgery, Lou approached her senior year as healthy as she had been in some time. She expanded her game to become a much better defender and rebounder. Her shooting was not as consistent as in years past, and she is not a 1st team AA, perhaps as much as anything because UConn lost 2 regular season games, the first two of Lou’s career at UConn.

In the senior day game against Houston, Lou dove on the floor for a lose ball and caught a knee in the back, resulting in a severe bone bruise. She missed the next 4 games. When she came back for the NCAA tournament, through the first three rounds, including difficult games with Buffalo and UCLA, Lou moved gingerly, clearly not at 100%. Husky fans were distraught at the thought of bowing out of the NCAA tournament with one of the team’s very best players unable to give it her best. Facing an outstanding Louisville team that had beaten the Huskies earlier in the season, once again Lou got up off the mat, playing one of her best games ever at UConn, scoring 29 pts while inspiring her teammates to a victory and a berth in the FF.

In 4 seasons at UConn the gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast has become a UConn legend, not for her scoring or passing or any of the other considerable basketball skills she possesses. Lou is a legend because of her leadership, her devotion to her teammates and most importantly for her incredible toughness.

 

[Bronxjeff]

Four years ago, a tall gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast showed up in Storrs. She was outgoing, good natured and seemingly afflicted with a perpetual smile on her face. UConn fans knew that Katie Lou Samuelson could play, but probably also assumed that among her many talents, toughness was not necessarily her strongest trait.

As a freshman Lou had her ups and downs, but eventually established herself as a starter and role player on one of UConn’s best teams ever. Lou would often drift out to the arc to catch a pass and knock down a 3, and she was very good in that role. The first real indication that there might be something more to Lou then we all thought was in the national semifinal against OR St. Lou came out after halftime in a walking boot. Subsequently, we all learned that she played most of the first half on a broken foot.

As a sophomore, with the graduation of the Big 3, Lou assumed a much more extensive role, which she did extraordinarily well, earning consensus 1st team AA honors. Along the way, many opposing teams developed a strategy for defending Lou by bumping, grabbing and outright smacking her anytime she touched the ball. She fought through it, night after night. One of her most memorable games was at MD, against a formidable Terrapin team, when she was terribly sick, the so-called “barf bucket” game. Looking like she might pass out at any minute, with multiple trips to the bucket to throw up, Lou torched MD for 23 points in a Husky victory.

The following year, as a junior, the physical punishment that Lou received at the hands of UConn’s opponents bordered on assault and battery. Early in the season, she suffered a torn ligament in her ankle. Limited in practice, playing in pain and wearing a restrictive ankle support, Lou once again was a consensus 1st team AA.

After off-season surgery, Lou approached her senior year as healthy as she had been in some time. She expanded her game to become a much better defender and rebounder. Her shooting was not as consistent as in years past, and she is not a 1st team AA, perhaps as much as anything because UConn lost 2 regular season games, the first two of Lou’s career at UConn.

In the senior day game against Houston, Lou dove on the floor for a lose ball and caught a knee in the back, resulting in a severe bone bruise. She missed the next 4 games. When she came back for the NCAA tournament, through the first three rounds, including difficult games with Buffalo and UCLA, Lou moved gingerly, clearly not at 100%. Husky fans were distraught at the thought of bowing out of the NCAA tournament with one of the team’s very best players unable to give it her best. Facing an outstanding Louisville team that had beaten the Huskies earlier in the season, once again Lou got up off the mat, playing one of her best games ever at UConn, scoring 29 pts while inspiring her teammates to a victory and a berth in the FF.

In 4 seasons at UConn the gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast has become a UConn legend, not for her scoring or passing or any of the other considerable basketball skills she possesses. Lou is a legend because of her leadership, her devotion to her teammates and most importantly for her incredible toughness.

Amen !!!

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

Four years ago, a tall gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast showed up in Storrs. She was outgoing, good natured and seemingly afflicted with a perpetual smile on her face. UConn fans knew that Katie Lou Samuelson could play, but probably also assumed that among her many talents, toughness was not necessarily her strongest trait.

As a freshman Lou had her ups and downs, but eventually established herself as a starter and role player on one of UConn’s best teams ever. Lou would often drift out to the arc to catch a pass and knock down a 3, and she was very good in that role. The first real indication that there might be something more to Lou then we all thought was in the national semifinal against OR St. Lou came out after halftime in a walking boot. Subsequently, we all learned that she played most of the first half on a broken foot.

As a sophomore, with the graduation of the Big 3, Lou assumed a much more extensive role, which she did extraordinarily well, earning consensus 1st team AA honors. Along the way, many opposing teams developed a strategy for defending Lou by bumping, grabbing and outright smacking her anytime she touched the ball. She fought through it, night after night. One of her most memorable games was at MD, against a formidable Terrapin team, when she was terribly sick, the so-called “barf bucket” game. Looking like she might pass out at any minute, with multiple trips to the bucket to throw up, Lou torched MD for 23 points in a Husky victory.

The following year, as a junior, the physical punishment that Lou received at the hands of UConn’s opponents bordered on assault and battery. Early in the season, she suffered a torn ligament in her ankle. Limited in practice, playing in pain and wearing a restrictive ankle support, Lou once again was a consensus 1st team AA.

After off-season surgery, Lou approached her senior year as healthy as she had been in some time. She expanded her game to become a much better defender and rebounder. Her shooting was not as consistent as in years past, and she is not a 1st team AA, perhaps as much as anything because UConn lost 2 regular season games, the first two of Lou’s career at UConn.

In the senior day game against Houston, Lou dove on the floor for a lose ball and caught a knee in the back, resulting in a severe bone bruise. She missed the next 4 games. When she came back for the NCAA tournament, through the first three rounds, including difficult games with Buffalo and UCLA, Lou moved gingerly, clearly not at 100%. Husky fans were distraught at the thought of bowing out of the NCAA tournament with one of the team’s very best players unable to give it her best. Facing an outstanding Louisville team that had beaten the Huskies earlier in the season, once again Lou got up off the mat, playing one of her best games ever at UConn, scoring 29 pts while inspiring her teammates to a victory and a berth in the FF.

In 4 seasons at UConn the gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast has become a UConn legend, not for her scoring or passing or any of the other considerable basketball skills she possesses. Lou is a legend because of her leadership, her devotion to her teammates and most importantly for her incredible toughness.

She has given UCONN fans (and other fans too) a lot to enjoy watching. If I could give something back it would be for her and Phee to accept the National Championship trophy with confetti falling down all around them.

GO HUSKIES!!!

 

[Jmsdawg]

Four years ago, a tall gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast showed up in Storrs. She was outgoing, good natured and seemingly afflicted with a perpetual smile on her face. UConn fans knew that Katie Lou Samuelson could play, but probably also assumed that among her many talents, toughness was not necessarily her strongest trait.

As a freshman Lou had her ups and downs, but eventually established herself as a starter and role player on one of UConn’s best teams ever. Lou would often drift out to the arc to catch a pass and knock down a 3, and she was very good in that role. The first real indication that there might be something more to Lou then we all thought was in the national semifinal against OR St. Lou came out after halftime in a walking boot. Subsequently, we all learned that she played most of the first half on a broken foot.

As a sophomore, with the graduation of the Big 3, Lou assumed a much more extensive role, which she did extraordinarily well, earning consensus 1st team AA honors. Along the way, many opposing teams developed a strategy for defending Lou by bumping, grabbing and outright smacking her anytime she touched the ball. She fought through it, night after night. One of her most memorable games was at MD, against a formidable Terrapin team, when she was terribly sick, the so-called “barf bucket” game. Looking like she might pass out at any minute, with multiple trips to the bucket to throw up, Lou torched MD for 23 points in a Husky victory.

The following year, as a junior, the physical punishment that Lou received at the hands of UConn’s opponents bordered on assault and battery. Early in the season, she suffered a torn ligament in her ankle. Limited in practice, playing in pain and wearing a restrictive ankle support, Lou once again was a consensus 1st team AA.

After off-season surgery, Lou approached her senior year as healthy as she had been in some time. She expanded her game to become a much better defender and rebounder. Her shooting was not as consistent as in years past, and she is not a 1st team AA, perhaps as much as anything because UConn lost 2 regular season games, the first two of Lou’s career at UConn.

In the senior day game against Houston, Lou dove on the floor for a lose ball and caught a knee in the back, resulting in a severe bone bruise. She missed the next 4 games. When she came back for the NCAA tournament, through the first three rounds, including difficult games with Buffalo and UCLA, Lou moved gingerly, clearly not at 100%. Husky fans were distraught at the thought of bowing out of the NCAA tournament with one of the team’s very best players unable to give it her best. Facing an outstanding Louisville team that had beaten the Huskies earlier in the season, once again Lou got up off the mat, playing one of her best games ever at UConn, scoring 29 pts while inspiring her teammates to a victory and a berth in the FF.

In 4 seasons at UConn the gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast has become a UConn legend, not for her scoring or passing or any of the other considerable basketball skills she possesses. Lou is a legend because of her leadership, her devotion to her teammates and most importantly for her incredible toughness.

Agree, she is one tough young lady. I love watching her play.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Four years ago, a tall gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast showed up in Storrs. She was outgoing, good natured and seemingly afflicted with a perpetual smile on her face. UConn fans knew that Katie Lou Samuelson could play, but probably also assumed that among her many talents, toughness was not necessarily her strongest trait.

As a freshman Lou had her ups and downs, but eventually established herself as a starter and role player on one of UConn’s best teams ever. Lou would often drift out to the arc to catch a pass and knock down a 3, and she was very good in that role. The first real indication that there might be something more to Lou then we all thought was in the national semifinal against OR St. Lou came out after halftime in a walking boot. Subsequently, we all learned that she played most of the first half on a broken foot.

As a sophomore, with the graduation of the Big 3, Lou assumed a much more extensive role, which she did extraordinarily well, earning consensus 1st team AA honors. Along the way, many opposing teams developed a strategy for defending Lou by bumping, grabbing and outright smacking her anytime she touched the ball. She fought through it, night after night. One of her most memorable games was at MD, against a formidable Terrapin team, when she was terribly sick, the so-called “barf bucket” game. Looking like she might pass out at any minute, with multiple trips to the bucket to throw up, Lou torched MD for 23 points in a Husky victory.

The following year, as a junior, the physical punishment that Lou received at the hands of UConn’s opponents bordered on assault and battery. Early in the season, she suffered a torn ligament in her ankle. Limited in practice, playing in pain and wearing a restrictive ankle support, Lou once again was a consensus 1st team AA.

After off-season surgery, Lou approached her senior year as healthy as she had been in some time. She expanded her game to become a much better defender and rebounder. Her shooting was not as consistent as in years past, and she is not a 1st team AA, perhaps as much as anything because UConn lost 2 regular season games, the first two of Lou’s career at UConn.

In the senior day game against Houston, Lou dove on the floor for a lose ball and caught a knee in the back, resulting in a severe bone bruise. She missed the next 4 games. When she came back for the NCAA tournament, through the first three rounds, including difficult games with Buffalo and UCLA, Lou moved gingerly, clearly not at 100%. Husky fans were distraught at the thought of bowing out of the NCAA tournament with one of the team’s very best players unable to give it her best. Facing an outstanding Louisville team that had beaten the Huskies earlier in the season, once again Lou got up off the mat, playing one of her best games ever at UConn, scoring 29 pts while inspiring her teammates to a victory and a berth in the FF.

In 4 seasons at UConn the gangly sharp shooter from the West Coast has become a UConn legend, not for her scoring or passing or any of the other considerable basketball skills she possesses. Lou is a legend because of her leadership, her devotion to her teammates and most importantly for her incredible toughness.

As Katie Lou arrived the question all asked: Who got the best Samuelson Sister, the best basketball player, the best defender, the best scorer--all combined. Geno joked and tweeked KLS with it .
So I ask Uconn Fans, and Geno, Did Tara or Geno get the best Samuelson Sister
Then with that answer I ask: Think of what those 3 could have achieved for themselves and had they all played for Geno how great they all may have become.

 

[oldude]

As Katie Lou arrived the question all asked: Who got the best Samuelson Sister, the best basketball player, the best defender, the best scorer--all combined. Geno joked and tweeked KLS with it .
So I ask Uconn Fans, and Geno, Did Tara or Geno get the best Samuelson Sister
Then with that answer I ask: Think of what those 3 could have achieved for themselves and had they all played for Geno how great they all may have become.

I’m just glad we got one of the Samuelson sisters.

 

[Husky pride]

As Katie Lou arrived the question all asked: Who got the best Samuelson Sister, the best basketball player, the best defender, the best scorer--all combined. Geno joked and tweeked KLS with it .
So I ask Uconn Fans, and Geno, Did Tara or Geno get the best Samuelson Sister
Then with that answer I ask: Think of what those 3 could have achieved for themselves and had they all played for Geno how great they all may have become.

They’ve all been great.....but we got the right one!!!

 

[eebmg]

I am surprised no one mentioned that Lou was leading Louisville all the way.

 

[oldude]

She has given UCONN fans (and other fans too) a lot to enjoy watching. If I could give something back it would be for her and Phee to accept the National Championship trophy with confetti falling down all around them.

GO HUSKIES!!!

That would be wonderful, particularly with Lou finally getting to play in her 1st national championship game.

Life isn’t always fair. After breaking her foot as a freshman, and then two heartbreaking losses by a single basket in OT during the next two national semifinals, it would be divine justice if Lou and her teammates could win it all this season.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I am surprised no one mentioned that Lou was leading Louisville all the way.

Words I wish I had written--I'm the obvious guy that writes the obvious. Thanks

 

[OneTrickPony]

I'm not ready to say goodbye to Lou just yet, so I'm saving my eulogy...

 

[MilfordHusky]

As Geno said, Lou is tougher than she looks. We all recall the uncomfortable halftime speech when Geno said he can draw a heart for her but can't give her a heart. She appeared on the verge of tears, but fought back. After the barf bucket game as a sophomore, no one questioned her toughness. She was the 2nd best player in the nation last year, despite 2 torn ligaments. As I wrote elsewhere, her performance against Louisville was Jordanesque--beating the other team and injury. Not only is Lou tougher than she looks, she is as tough as anyone I've seen.

 

[BigBird]

Very well written. Kudos! And KLS isn’t too bad either.

 

[itsasport]

I am really going to miss the "LOU" chants.

Concerning toughness, she showed that when she chose UConn over Stamford. Did anyone expect that? I certainly didn't.

I am amazed that her family even let Geno in their home. That says a lot about them as well.

 

[donalddoowop]

I am really going to miss the "LOU" chants.

Concerning toughness, she showed that when she chose UConn over Stamford. Did anyone expect that? I certainly didn't.

I am amazed that her family even let Geno in their home. That says a lot about them as well.

Stamford was not on her list of schools.

 

[Argonaut]

I am really going to miss the "LOU" chants.

Concerning toughness, she showed that when she chose UConn over Stamford. Did anyone expect that? I certainly didn't.

I am amazed that her family even let Geno in their home. That says a lot about them as well.

Geno recruited her older sisters, too, so he was a fixture at the Samuelson's when Lou was growing up and her final list was UConn, UCLA, Stanford, Kentucky, and Notre Dame. Nothing really to be surprised by -- they seem to have done a great job of the roots and wings philosophy with their kids.

 

[Ouremblem]

How time flies! I remember hoping she would come East to play for us and now it’s almost over. Thanks for the memories, Lou.

One last thought, for Paige. The timing of your announcement couldn’t have been better. I went to the Albany games, and watching Lou go off on Louisville was a thrill, but I also knew it was the final time I would see her play in person in a UConn jersey. Your announcement helps those of us who love Lou and Phees. That said, I got to see Aubrey play at Glens Falls, and the future looks good for us.

 

[BroadwayVa]

As Geno said, Lou is tougher than she looks. We all recall the uncomfortable halftime speech when Geno said he can draw a heart for her but can't give her a heart. She appeared on the verge of tears, but fought back. After the barf bucket game as a sophomore, no one questioned her toughness. She was the 2nd best player in the nation last year, despite 2 torn ligaments. As I wrote elsewhere, her performance against Louisville was Jordanesque--beating the other team and injury. Not only is Lou tougher than she looks, she is as tough as anyone I've seen.

Thank you so much, you are soooo right. Geno had Barbara Turner whom I thought was the toughest young women ever to wear a Uconn uniform. While courageous and determined BT's performance does not compare to a career of Barfing, limping, cracked foot, ligiments, back and playing not one game but many--many while injured or sick.
If I had a Marine, Special Forces, Navy Seals regiment I'd feel comfortable with just one like KLS. She is so much more than extra special.
Heart Geno? Heart? If you want to see the definition for HEART--look in front of you. The sad sad part is she will soon leave us all too soon. Thanks again Milford, Thank you.

 

[Los24]

I rewatched the LV game yesterday and wondered how they kept hyping Asia and Pheesa as the star seniors and left Lou out as part of the others. During the 4th quarter of the game Kara said that she will never make the mistake of lumping in Lou as "another." Her impact to the game has been great to watch.

I also think know we will miss Pheesa tremendously. Her game is so quiet but greatly impactful. She was the calm and rock to Lou's fire and leadership. They both played hard every game and wore the jersey with pride.

 

[BroadwayVa]

That would be wonderful, particularly with Lou finally getting to play in her 1st national championship game.

Life isn’t always fair. After breaking her foot as a freshman, and then two heartbreaking losses by a single basket in OT during the next two national semifinals, it would be divine justice if Lou and her teammates could win it all this season.

I agree! I can live without another FF or NC. But no one in the history of UConn has worked so hard with so many injuries and missed the NC by .1 seconds 2 years in a row. Obviouly, that isn't fair to HER. If there is a God in heaven he/she will make this happen to one who earned it. I may add, dear God, that Collier and Danger too gave more than exceptional effort and too saw those 2 , .1 second loses, if you read this please fill their wishes/prayers. Not for me, I didn't earn it, they certainly did.

 

[j66kicker]

I am really going to miss the "LOU" chants.

Concerning toughness, she showed that when she chose UConn over Stamford. Did anyone expect that? I certainly didn't.

I am amazed that her family even let Geno in their home. That says a lot about them as well.

He had been there many times before, over a period of several years, while he was recruiting Bonnie and Karlie. Geno and Lou were good buddies long before she was in high school.

 

[CMC'72]

Amen !!!

...and Awomen!!!!