Why Caroline Ducharme's greatest impact for UConn WBB had nothing to do with basketball

[BRS24]

As we move forward after the end of this season, here's a good reminder of keeping the faith, being a good person, and putting everything into perspective. I honestly don't know if I could continue to stay with a sport, considering all of the commitments day in and out, especially if I had no idea whether I'd ever get back. I know we've seen a bit of this before, however it's worth reading again.

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The Milton, Mass. native sat out the majority of back-to-back seasons dealing with severe concussion symptoms and underwent extensive rehabilitation to not just return to the basketball court but gain back control of her everyday life.​

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Ducharme, once the No. 5-ranked high school recruit in the country, knew her game may never return to what it once was, but that wasn’t the reason she decided to push through.​

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To her, being able to rejoin her teammates, her best friends, on the sideline and support them was what mattered most.​

 

[bayern7]

The dignity that she’s shown through this whole situation, so incredibly proud that she’s a Huskie. Makes me emotional every time I think about this kid

 

[BBallF]

She had such promise and such great talent. It is so very sad. There may however be a silver lining for her. I think she is a born coach.

 

[BB Dawg]

She had said this past season she wanted to coach. I remember in the year prior to entering her Freshman season she had won a 3 point contest over Azzi. Also, Geno use to call her the Silent Asassin.

 

[maple]

It does bring a tear to my eye when I (part selfishly) think of how good Caroline was before her head injuries and how much greater she would have become. She’s got tremendous spirit and is a true fighter. I think she’ll make a great coach one day, following in the tradition of Jamelle, Rizzotti, Berube, Shea … I wish her nothing but the best and hope she has great success in life now that her UConn career is over.

 

[Dogdude]

It may be sad the way her playing career ended, but she's going to have a great life. With her spirit, nothing will hold her back. I have said this before, but I think she's got a greater impact going forward as more than just a coach, but as an advocate for invisible injuries, the head injuries becoming more common in youth sports. She'll be great, I'm sure.

 

[Skeets]

Godspeed Caroline!

 

[Huskie837]

Quality person, her future is so bright. She'll be successful at anything she tackles....

 

[Inthepaint]

True courage lies not in the absence of fear but in its conquest

 

[broooce]

As team mom and "player-coach" in practice, has she said anything about pursuing a coaching career?

Does UConn have any graduate assistant jobs coming open? Or maybe join Carla at Northwestern as a GA? Or Shea at Vandy? With her pedigree it would be great to be able to start a career in the BIG or SEC and learn from coaches who have had success already, rather than at a lower level.

 

[Old Man UConn]

She was a big time recruit and had quite a freshmen year. Played hard and physically going to the hoop and could shot. Will never know how good she actually could have been if not for the head injury. Will be going to coaching ranks? Think she would be very good.