AUSTIN, Texas — Joyner Holmes’ senior season wasn’t supposed to end this way. As Texas was getting ready to play in the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, the season was shut down because of the coronavirus. A final run in the NCAA Tournament was taken away from the Longhorns.
- UT standout expected to be first round WNBA draft pick
- Experienced highs and lows in college
“The way the season ended I know everyone is really sad about it,” Holmes said. “I feel we were at our peak towards the end. I feel we could’ve made a deep run in the tournament.”
Holmes' college basketball career featured some incredible moments, as well as some tough times. She started in 92 games during her time in Austin and ranks 29th in school history with 1,270 points. She holds a UT record with seven consecutive games of getting a double-double. She also battled injuries and missed some time during her sophomore season when she was suspended from the team for a semester. All of those experiences have shaped who she is as a player and person today.
“Being able to have hardships and experience things normal people wouldn’t experience in their college career has molded me into the woman I am today,” says Holmes.
Now she is ready for the next phase of her career. Holmes is expected to be a first round pick in the WNBA draft.
“I think I’ve proven myself to be a first round pick, so I hope that happens,” Holmes says.
Wherever she goes,, she says she is ready to prove herself and realize a lifelong dream of playing in the pros.
“I know for sure I’ll be excited but also relieved,” says Holmes. “Just a relief I’ve made somebody’s team and they can see in me what a lot of people have seen in me before.”