AP Named Washington Huskies Kelsey Plum Player of the Year: Anything Can Happen
By Bret Stuter
Her Career, Her Passion, Her Legacy. Washington Huskies Kelsey Plum Named AP Women’s Basketball Player of the Year: “Anything Can Happen”
University of Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball guard Kelsey Plum did not set out to set records. She began her NCAA college career in Women’s basketball simply to be the best she could be. As it turned out, that is pretty good. In fact, it’s the best in the nation.
Congratulations to @UW_WBB's Kelsey Plum, the @AP National Player of the Year! pic.twitter.com/nol7PkODgu
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) March 30, 2017
PAC-12 First
She is the first PAC-12 player to be named to the distinguished honor. In the history of the PAC-12, and the years of great play, this becomes more than just good women’s basketball. It rises to the level of excellence of athleticism.
ICYMI: @UW_WBB's Kelsey Plum is the FIRST #Pac12WBB player to be named AP Player of the Year! 🙌
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) March 30, 2017
Read: https://t.co/N5WG44wuSg
NCAA Top Scorer
AP awards are not handed out like candy. This distinction was not due to the right endorsements or knowing the right people. She worked hard at her craft, to the point where she drew comparisons to NBA great James Harden.
It was all work. Washington Huskes Women’s Basketball Team Kelsey Plum was the NCAA top scorer.
Watch: With this basket, Kelsey Plum broke the NCAA record for most points scored in a single season. #PlumsPursuit pic.twitter.com/4ax9J0SmYK
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) March 21, 2017
Some believe that there is a difference in the quality of play based on gender. But I have seen NBA caliber talent, and I dare to assert that Kelsey Plum can compete even at the NBA level. She approached the NCAA all time record set by Pistol Pete Marovich.
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Kelsey Plum Remains… Kelsey
And so, as she and so many University of Washington Huskies Athletes do, did not laud not shy away. She sat in front of a microphone and delivered the type of speech you would expect from the neighborhood playground victor. Soft spoken, from the heart.
Ladies and gentlemen, your AP Player of the Year, @UW_WBB's Kelsey Plum! 🙌
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) March 30, 2017
Watch: https://t.co/qcjjBLiDnV https://t.co/cY3FCb2Jv4
Turn The Page
The Kelsey Plum chapter of the University of Washington Huskies is ending now. Well, in some regards. Her legacy, her passion, and that infectious smile will live on.
“I really am grateful for the opportunities." - Kelsey Plum.
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) March 31, 2017
The AP Player of the Year talks about the memories. #PlumsPursuit pic.twitter.com/unrbHt4FqZ
Because You Loved Me
She gave us records. But she took memories and love from teammates, coaches, and fans. Your love. Almost as though her NCAA career sprang from the lyrics of a Celine Dion song.
You have become as much part of her as she has become to the history of the game. So much so that she is already eager to hand the baton to her successor.
"“Anything can happen. I hope someone breaks every record I set this year”-Kelsey Plum"
Not too quickly, I hope. Give us a moment to admire your work Kelsey. You worked hard for each and every record. Now let the fans of the Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball Team savor your handiwork.
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As virtually every parent in the nation tells their children:
“Chew Slowly. Give yourself a chance to taste each bite.”
And so we shall. Start savoring fans.