We were all feeling pretty good about the season, racking up some great wins, rolling into conference play with some fantastic victories and then … BAM! The Ponies lose three out of the last four games!!!!

Katie Remke Seal says it's up to the seniors, like Brittany Gilliam, to get the Ponies back on the winning track (photo by Travis Johnston).

This is the most challenging time of the season; this is when physical and mental exhaustion are at their peaks. The adrenaline rush that comes at the beginning of the season is gone, and the excitement of the tournament season feels like it is forever away. The practices get more and more difficult to push through, injuries start to add up. The team is tired of traveling and tired of the same routine. It sucks.

None of these challenges are season-ending, and everyone deals with these things every year. It is the same story, but winners find a way to find their motivation and keep their focus.

This year’s SMU team is a very resilient team. We have seen them come together and overcome major challenges this year. This team has an amazing senior class in Jillian Samuels, Brittany Gilliam and Alice Severin. These ladies have had storied careers at SMU. They have broken records, made game-winning shots, been floor and bench leaders.

Seniors, this team is looking to you for guidance. You have been in this situation more so than anyone else. Whether you are a silent or loud leader, your leadership is needed. Your desire and passion will fuel the others. Your energy and actions will show the others what is needed to win and to get this team back on track. Don’t give up now when you are so close to the end.

One more thing for the seniors: you will always remember how you ended your career. I was fortunate enough to go the NCAA tournament three out of my four years, but I didn’t make it my senior season. I remember ending my career in Tulsa, fouling out of a game in the conference tournament — not even in the championship game. It was terrible.

My hope for these seniors is for a different ending. My hope is that they leave here as champions. Play every game like it’s your last, because it is your last game. Senior Night will be here before you know it and you don’t want to look down and think what this season could have been. Make that change now. Don’t wait until tomorrow because it might be too late.

Seniors, tell this team that this is a must-win weekend. Dominate Rice and Houston like you know can and get this team back on track.

Go Mustangs!