208 Athletics She Shoots, She Scores! Seniors Sage Hawley and Aubrey Isbell basketball career points hit record numbers. On December 12, 2024, senior Aubrey Isbell scored 14 points to surpass 1000 career points in the game against Arkansas-Monticello. On January 16, 2025, 5th-year Sage Hawley scored her 2000th career point in the game against Southeastern Oklahoma. They could not have done it without their team. Each one works hard for their success, which is what makes this team great. Going into the game, Hawley knew she was close to surpassing the threshold of record-hitting points, and as she played, she counted her points. Once she hit the shot she knew. “It was awesome. Nobody else knew I hit it, but I knew I hit it,” said Hawley. This achievement is rare for women’s basketball. Many women have not hit that mark in their career. Not only is it rare in NCAA basketball, but she is one of two people in program history to have achieved this goal. “I didn’t realize how little it had been done, but it just makes me grateful that I have the opportunity and the skill,” Hawley said. Hawley spoke about not being able to do this without her teammates. “What has kept me going is my teammates. I have a drive to compete, but as I’ve gotten older it’s definitely been my teammates that I play for,” said Hawley. The team has formed a bond off the court as well as on the court. The community they have formed as a team is what has led this team to greatness. “Our Christmas parties are my favorite. We all get together and give either silly gifts or we do a white elephant. During that time we are the only people on campus, so it’s just real team bonding. I just love it,” Hawley said. Not only did Hawley achieve a big goal, but so did Isbell. Hawley was so proud of her teammate, and is thankful for her. “Aubrey and Rory work so hard for us and for this team. Aubrey says she bleeds black and gold, and I think all three of us do,” said Hawley. Aubrey Isbell has been at Harding since her freshman year. With head coach Tim Kirby’s help he has progressed her career in many ways. “It’s been a blessing playing here, getting to know the girls, getting to play under the three coaches that I played for, and just being in this atmosphere. I don’t really think you get that experience in a lot of places,” Isbell said. She has found a new sense of confidence. She has gotten the chance to be on the court from the early years of college career. She has been able to have four years of experience, compared to other programs where you only have two or three. “I think that’s helped me develop to where I am now, because I don’t think that would have happened had I not got to play all four years.” This goal was an unexpected achievement. She was so focused on her duties of being a captain, teammate and friend that she just stepped onto the court each time to play for each other and the Lord. “I didn’t know the night I hit it. I knew I was somewhere close and then after the game, Coach Kirby in the locker room told me congrats that I hit my 1000 career points and it was also my 100th game at Harding,” said Isbell. That game will hold a lot of memories for her. It was such a sweet moment that she got to share with her team. They understood the hard work it takes to get to moments like these. This team is special in many ways They have grown to be a family. That is what has inspired each girl to continue to work hard for each game. “These girls are my family. I don’t have any sisters of my own, but these girls are my sisters,” said sophomore Kinley Hammit. Isbell and Hawley have given the underclassman an example. They are great leaders and have put in the time, effort and hard work. “One thing is our team is absolutely better because of them, not only from their skills standpoint, but they just bring us all together,” said Hammit. Written by Aubrey Hudkins DRIBBLE AND SHOOT Senior Aubrey Isbell dribbles the ball to shoot a basket. She played a hard game, scoring points for the team. Photo by Abigail Callicoat CELEBRATE TOGETHER Fifth-year Sage Hawley and senior Aubrey Isbell celebrate their accomplishments together. The two hit milestones in their collegiate athletic careers. Photo by Abigail Callicoat
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