Nicole Letendre ‘23

Chief Features Editor

On January 28^th, 2023, Holy Cross honored five accomplished women who previously played on the women’s basketball team in the 80s and 90s.  In the Hart Center Basketball court, the Holy Cross women’s basketball team played Army in an exciting and hard-fought game, resulting in a score of 74-66 with Army coming out slightly ahead. Nevertheless, the stands were filled with excited fans, the Holy Cross cheerleading team, dance team, and the pep band. During the game’s half-time, five women were honored for their athletic abilities and incredible spirit while at Holy Cross: Kathleen Courtney, Sherry Levin, Lauren Maney George, Amy O’Brien Davagian, and Janet Hourihan Brooks. The jerseys of each of these women are now retired, marking their place as role models in women’s basketball history at Holy Cross. Each of these women’s names were read as they processed onto the court and stood proudly in front of their jerseys. Having recently passed away from a battle with cancer, the sons and husband of Mrs. Hourihan Brooks walked out to meet her jersey. It was such a sentimental and solemn moment for the Holy Cross community. According to the Telegram & Gazette, Hourihan Brooks was a three-time All-MAAC selection, 1984-85 MAAC Player of the Year, steered HC to the 1985 NCAA Tournament, and was later inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1991. This event comes as part of the 50^th anniversaries of both Title IX and the milestone of coeducation at Holy Cross. Each of these women are incredibly accomplished and were dedicated members of the women’s basketball team during their time at Holy Cross. Julia Biamonte ‘26, member of the Holy Cross cheerleading team, commented, “The opportunity to participate in the recognition of the women’s basketball crusader legends was especially powerful for me. Since stepping foot on campus, it has been clear to me that becoming a crusader is not just a four year opportunity; but, rather a community that extends far beyond graduation. These five women exemplified that with their successes on and off the court.” This ceremony was such a beautiful and special way to honor their hard work throughout the years, and I’m sure many female athletes at Holy Cross will continue to look-up to them for years to come.