BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today we continue a new series called Student-Athlete Spotlight, presented by Coca-Cola, that will highlight Samford's outstanding student-athletes. Today's 12^th episode featured women's basketball fifth-year senior Katie Allen.
 
Allen was a member of last season's Southern Conference regular-season and tournament championship teams. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the team was only able to get together to celebrate the championship and receiver their rings last week. Allen talked about getting back together with team to celebrate the accomplishment.
 
"It was so awesome, being able to see everyone," Allen said. "Because, we haven't been able to see each other since we were on the court celebrating, and I don't think any of us knew that was going to happen, that it would be the last time we would be able to be on the court together. So, it was very exciting to be able to reminisce, look back on that, look back on the season, and, obviously, get a little bling."


 
This year's team has six newcomers, including four freshmen and two transfers. Allen talked about how the new faces have blended into the team.
 
"I think it's gone really well," Allen said. "We graduated eight seniors, and that's hard for any team, because you're bringing in now six new people, and we return seven. I think they've done a really good job, and we're really sticking to the culture that Coach Carley (Kuhns) has built. Just playing fast, playing hard, playing as a team, and I think we're really starting to come together and really get a feel for each other. Even though we're a new team, we've added some really exciting members."
 
Allen talked a little about the role she sees herself playing on this year's team.
 
"I want to be someone who is an encourager," Allen said. "I love talking with my teammates and making sure that they know, you're going to mess up, this is basketball, I mess up all the time because it's such a fast-paced sport. Making sure that they're okay, and being able to encourage them. On the court, I like to take pride in my shot and what I do. So, being able to knock down shots, but also being able to bring a lot of energy on the court, being able to get rebounds, offensively and defensively, and playing with a lot of heart and a lot of grit. That's something that I want to bring."
 
The COVID 19 pandemic is something that has changed almost every aspect of our lives. Allen talked about the changes it has brought on for Samford's student-athletes.
 
"Right now, it's really strict, but for great reason," Allen said. "It's just really sticking to staying six-feet apart, having your mask on. It's really different on the court. You have to wear a mask, you can pull them down when we're playing, but outside of that, we have to have our masks on. But, I believe it is something that has been working, it's worked within our team. So, it's different, but if it allows us to play, we're bought into it."
 
The women's basketball team is coming off a stellar season in which it captured the SoCon title after being picked to finish just seventh in the league standings. Allen talked about how the team was successful last season, and what it needs to do to have more success this season.
 
"I think something that really helped us is just continuing to grow," Allen said. "We had a really tough non-conference schedule last year, just like we do this year. Which is great because you get to play against teams that are a little bigger than you, maybe a little faster than you, but you learn to focus in more on the small details. Because that's how you beat teams, being able to beat them in the little things. I think that is something that is going to be another emphasis, just continuing to grow on the small details and continuing trust one another as a team. Trust that we are a good team and that we're capable of repeating what we did last year if we're all bought in, all hands on deck and growing, regardless of what the season may look like in the moment."
 
Allen talked about what she would like to do after she graduates from Samford.
 
"I would love to stay within sports, because I've grown up in it my whole life," Allen said. "My major is exercise science, so I am applying to physical therapy school right now, so hopefully that puts me in a spot where I can do some of what John (McBryde) does, who is our PT (physical therapist), who works with ATI. Being able to be involved around athletes, and it doesn't necessarily have to be college athletes, it can be from the high school level, middle school, maybe professional, I don't know. Just being able to invest in other athletes and helping them physically, but also I understand that there is a mental aspect to it as well and being able to bring a light to that."