HARTFORD, Conn. (November 3, 2015) - The women's basketball team at Lubbock Christian University took part in what many student-athletes could only dream of – the chance to play on a national stage against the absolute best in their sport, as the Lady Chaparrals did in a meeting against number one Connecticut Monday evening.
 
The takeaways for the players, coaches and staff on a cross-country trip such as this may seem obvious, but also relishing the moments and logging away memories are the families, fans and supporters of Lubbock Christian.
 
For the one-hundred or so followers that teamed up with the Lady Chaps on their five-day journey, a final score or team-by-team comparison is not a measurement of the impact instilled within Chap Nation. The countless stories and many chronicled pictures and posts make up much more than the result of a pair of games for those who share a passion for LCU.
 
Representing the ultimate significance of unity was President Tim Perrin as he joined in on the trek to show his support. "This trip is great. It gives us exposure and shares our spirit with a lot of people that have never heard of us before. The experience for our team to play against the very best and rise up in the face of adversity early in the season is amazing. To have that kind of focus and sense of urgency in a big game really speeds up preparation for the year. For the LCU community to have an opportunity to come along on the trip and share the experience is a great LCU moment. It shows a commitment to excellence and while trying to shine our light more brightly, it exemplifies the many benefits of doing this."
 
LCU graduate and supporter Terry Peacock enjoyed his time as well. "Not only getting to hang out with the players, but getting to meet the parents and other fans is always the best part. Going around and seeing the sights is fun, but being around the people and getting to know them is what I enjoy most. The game was an experience. Playing in that arena with only 6,000 fans sure seemed like a lot more; it was amazing."
 
Larry Hays, an LCU mainstay, also echoed the views of his fellow LCU alums. "This was something that unified a lot of people. For some of us that didn't know the players, it gives us a chance to get to know them better along with their parents and families. I think everyone enjoyed just getting to know one another. For the school, it's one of the best things I've ever seen at Lubbock Christian. To get this many people together on a trip like this is something and we all had fun."
 
Former Lady Chap Emily Pool also expressed her gratitude. "This definitely puts our name on the map in playing someone like UConn. Not only is it good for our women's basketball program, but it's good for the university. Given the fan and support base we brought along, it gives LCU a great name. My favorite part was the UConn game. It was incredible being there. That's my first time ever being a part of an LCU game with that many fans. Even with all of the other championships and conference tournaments we've played, we have never had that many followers at a game."
 
Perhaps Lady Chap parent, Sharon Hampton, mother of point guard Nicole, shared the finest sentiments. "The highlight of the whole trip for me was the UConn game; it's a once in a lifetime chance. My daughter got a chance to play against some of the best female athletes in the world. We are blessed with a lot of talent and ability, and to have this many people come together and support the school is truly remarkable."
 
The Lady Chaps' overall record remains an even 0-0 following the trip, but many remembrances other than statistics will continue to fill up the hearts and minds of LCU believers.