What a season. I can’t believe it’s over.

The season started out with such potential and momentum from last season. Everyone had high hopes for what this team could — and should — accomplish.

Jillian Samuels will graduate with more three-point field goals than any player in the history of SMU women's basketball (photo by Travis Johnston).

Very quickly, the Mustangs faced one of their largest tests of the season. They lost their star post player, Delisha Wills to a torn ACL. To some, this was the end; the idea of a successful season was not a viable option at this point. However, we saw what this team was made of. They came together, played hard and extremely well without their most dominant inside presence. They quickly found their rhythm with each other on the floor and were rolling through most of the season. However, their momentum only took them so far, and the season didn’t end as strongly as we had all hoped.

Given their circumstances of injuries I would still say this was a stellar season for the program. Rhonda Rompola once again achieved a 20-win season, which to most didn’t seem possible at the beginning of the season. This team — and most importantly the seniors on this team — are due a lot of respect for what was accomplished this year.

We are saying goodbye to one of the more accomplished classes SMU has seen in a long time. These women have set the bar very high for the upcoming classes.

Jillian Samuels has been a sharp shooter, floor leader, defensive spark and overall great point guard for this team. Jillian led this team by example; she was always willing to do whatever was needed to get the win. Her leadership will be greatly missed in the years to come, as any previous guard will tell you those often are the most difficult shoes to fill.

I remember watching Brittany Gilliam play for the first time and thinking, who does this girl think she is? I have since realized she is one damn good player, that’s who she is. Brittany is a stealthy force on the floor — she often provided the offensive spark the team needed. She is a nimble and creative scorer. Her no-fear approach on offense will be missed.

Alice Severin will missed for her post play ... on both ends of the floor (photo by Travis Johnston).

Alice Severin accumulated the fewest of the accolades of her class, but for many reasons she is leaving a bigger hole than the others with her departure. (This is coming from a completely biased former post player ☺.) Alice’s calm-but-aggressive demeanor on the floor immensely helped her team on the defensive front. She never was one to watch the action go by, she would dive on the floor for a loose ball, and she would take the charge of anyone flying in the lane, and of course block anyone who would come in close to her proximity on the floor.

These ladies, with Delisha Wills (who will return next year), should be proud of everything they accomplished individually and as a team. They have been incredible players to watch on the floor. I hope they take everything they have learned along the way and apply it to their soon to be professional lives. Thank you, ladies, for everything you have done for this program. Good luck in the real world.

Congratulations to the entire team on a great season. It may not have ended the way you wanted it to, but you should be proud of everything you accomplished as a team.