A new semester has begun, which means Raider athletics are back into the swing of things. One team that has come back on a hot streak is the Red Raider Women’s basketball team. Since returning from winter break, the team won four of their last four games.
A key factor to these wins has been Molly Schany, a junior exercise science major from Emmetsburg, Iowa, who was recently named female Raider Athlete of the Week. In the last four games, Schany racked up an impressive 54 points, 27 rebounds, four blocks and four steals.
The 6’1” forward has been playing basketball since she was in third grade, where she started playing for her school’s traveling team. Schany credits her love for the game not only to her first coach Joe Carter, who taught her the fundamentals of basketball, but also to her parents. “My parents have been my biggest inspiration through it all.” Schany said. “They (her parents) have always been there to support and believe in me even when I did not always believe in myself.”
Schany will tell you about how her parents’ elevated expectations of her in all aspects of life is what drives her impressive work ethic and dedication to the game, her schoolwork and personal life.
Schany is an excellent definition of what a student athlete is, as she has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her time here at NW all while balancing basketball, schoolwork, tutoring and being a TA. Not only is she impressive at college but she is also impressive to her sisters back home. When asked about her biggest accomplishments Schany said, “one of my biggest accomplishments has been being someone my sisters look up to and respect my opinion.”
Kristen Rotert, head coach of the women’s basketball team had plenty to say about Schany. “Molly has provided a big presence inside for us all season and been especially effective in our last two wins vs. MMC and Midland. She has done a great job establishing an inside post presence for us and has been very efficient around the basket. Molly is a great player and teammate and provides leadership for our team through her strong work ethic,” Rotert said.
It is safe to say that Schany was more than deserving of winning Raider Athlete of the Week. If you have not gotten a chance to see Schany as well as the rest of the women’s basketball team this year, their next home game is at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21.
