The Battalion - January 28, 2021 by The Battalion

Silver Taps

Jarrod Cooper Glenn Oct. 4, 1997 - Dec. 11, 2020

Brandon Reed Williams March 12, 2001 - Oct. 29, 2020

Ryan Harrison Boles Oct. 18, 2001 - Jan. 24, 2021

Photos by Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Following a summer of protests, former A&M President Michael K. Young created a Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to issue a report relating to the university’s campus climate.

A&M report shows diversity shortcomings Board of Regents moves to improve campus climate with $25M in allocations to increase diversity, Sully statue to stay By Julia Potts @juliaapotts

he Texas A&M Board of Regents met on Jan. 15 to discuss the University Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s report on A&M’s campus

climate. The commission’s presentation of the report, originally planned for October of last year, consisted of a number of statistics and information gathered from it’s 45 members including students, faculty and staff. The di-

versity report, titled “Stronger Together,” was presented by co-chairs of the commission John Hurtado and Jimmy Williams. “The data and discussions of the commission show that Texas A&M has reached an inflection point, and it is time for Aggies to do what Aggies do best: lead and serve,” the commission’s executive summary reads. “Our work as a commission revealed that there remains within the Aggie community a strong desire to show bold leadership in support of diversity, equity and inclusion; to commit to improving our campus climate; to trust one another; to have difficult conversations; and to ensure that ALL Aggies are welcome and respected at the school we think so grand.” The Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was created by former A&M President Michael K. Young following multiple protests over the summer that highlighted campus climate issues at A&M. Much of what was discussed during the Re-

gents’ meeting detailed what the board would do to improve campus climate and respond to the findings released in the report. A key reason for many of the summer’s protests that led to the establishment of the commission is the Lawrence Sullivan Ross statue located in Academic Plaza, which has been a source of disagreement among the A&M community for decades. Section VIE. of the report recognizes that although relocating the statue of Ross is not popular among all demographics, the institution must “decide how we want to be perceived, both now and in the future.” “When Texas A&M rejected segregation and allowed Black and/or African American men and then women to enroll, each decision was controversial and divisive,” the report reads. “Any poll of current and former students at those times would likely look much like the current surveys that have been conducted over the statue. The decisions made

by our leaders in those times reflected that the institution was moving and growing in a new direction.” Although not explicitly stated, this section of the report indicates that the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion believes altering the statue would signify progress for A&M. In a Jan. 27 interview with The Eagle, interim university President John Junkins said the statue of Ross will not be moved and that a biography adding historical context about his service in the confederacy may be added. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Regents issued a report which includes a budget to address the concerns from their statement on diversity and states their actions moving forward. The budget of nearly $25 million is allocated to different goals to increase diversity. Those allocations are as follows: $1.5 million for the expansion of the DIVERSITY ON PG. 2

Aiden Shertzer — THE BATTALION via 12thman.com

The 2010-2011 A&M women’s basketball team beat Notre Dame 76-70 to win the program’s first and only NCAA National Championship.

A&M women’s basketball celebrates national championship anniversary Coaches, players reflect on success 10 years later, look toward future By Hannah Underwood @hannahbunderwoo A decade ago, Texas A&M women’s basketball was in the middle of a season that would end in the program’s first and only national championship, a 76-70 win over Notre Dame. Though the circumstances are much different this year, the Aggies are taking the time this weekend to celebrate the 10-year mark of that feat.

As A&M hosts No. 22 Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 31, around 11 members of the 2011 national championship team will be in attendance and honored at halftime and throughout the game. The championship trophy and other memorabilia will be available for attendees to take photos with on the concourse. The Aggies’ 18-year head coach Gary Blair said due to COVID-19 protocols, he and his current team won’t be able to meet with the former players who return to Aggieland this weekend. “A lot of that is being taken away from us because of COVID[-19] and the protocol, CHAMPIONS ON PG. 6

Stark Galleries’ newest exhibit “Armchair Travel” provides an on-campus look at international art.

‘Armchair Travel’ the globe Stark Galleries opens new exhibit highlighting international artwork By Jessica Le @jxssicalx As a safer alternative to international travel during the pandemic, a new exhibition in the Stark Galleries allows students to learn about diverse cultures through a broad range of artwork. The J. Wayne Stark Galleries opened the “Armchair Travel: Exploring International Art and Artists from the Permanent Collection” exhibit on Thursday, Jan. 21 and it will be available until Wednesday, March 10. Director of the University Art Galleries Catherine Hastedt said there are two reasons

she decided to display this collection. “We’re in the midst of COVID[-19], so I wanted people to be able to travel sort of, … even though they can’t visit those countries,” Hastedt said. “When we’ve done international art before, it’s always been appreciated by the visitors and the students because they say, ‘It was so nice to see artwork from my country.’” This exhibition specifically focuses on the element of diversity in both the artists and media of art. “Selected from Texas A&M University’s permanent collections, the art on display allows you to ‘travel’ to the Far East, Europe, Africa and all the way to Central and South America,” the University Art Galleries website reads. “Artists such as Sunol Alvar, Kathe ‘ARMCHAIR TRAVEL’ ON PG. 5

NEWS

The Battalion | 1.28.21

DIVERSITY CONTINUED Student Pipeline $7.8 million for the increase of the Regents’ Scholar Program to 93 recipients per year for four years $7.5 million for an increase in National Recognition Scholarships to 89 students per year for four years $1.6 million to establish Pathways-to-Doctorate Fellowships for 10 students per year for four years $5.25 million to grow the ACES Faculty Program by nine faculty per year for four years $100,000 for the recognition of outstanding Aggies $1 million to establish a task force to study A&M’s history through displays and iconography During the presentation, Junkins said he and university leadership will give attention to the most important or pressing issues facing A&M’s campus. He also stated that their decisions will be made under the umbrella of the Aggie Core Values and the responsibility as a land-grant university to always aim to improve. “The largest area that we see we need to improve is the demography by increasing the fraction of the African American students that we’re attracting from Texas, and we also want to improve the demography of the faculty,” Junkins said. The discussion on diversity and inclusion ended with the Board of Regents unanimously voting to improve diversity at A&M. The improvements include the expansion of scholarship funds and a focus on recruiting minorities, both in their student body and staff. The Board of Regents’ official statement included the hope that all members of the Aggie family feel included. “Based on what we have learned from the Commis-

sion’s report, we believe we cannot achieve unity of pride and purpose for all Aggies unless we strive to ensure no Aggie is disrespected, mistreated or excluded,” the Regents’ statement said. Key takeaways from the full report: There is no specific language regarding what should happen to the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross on A&M’s campus is included in the report. The reports suggests A&M examine Aggie traditions and symbols that negatively affect marginalized groups (including the Sul Ross statue). The reports suggests A&M expand the compositional diversity of the university. The reports suggests A&M offer more courses that focus on learning the culture and history of different identities. Qualitative data indicates that students from marginalized communities do not feel a sense of belonging at A&M at the same rate as their white peers. Black and African American students graduate at a rate 20 percent lower than their white peers. Many peer institutions, like the University of Texas and the University of Florida, do not experience disparities to this extent. Metrics for faculty of color from 2015 to 2019 are relatively flat and indicate challenges in recruiting, retention climate and equity. A large majority of former students would like to see more visibility around the effort and success of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Brady Stone and Myranda Campanella contributed to this report. Additional analysis of the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s 113-page report will be available on thebatt.com in the coming weeks.

Texas A&M System opens second RELLIS academic complex via rellis.tamu.edu

RELLIS’s new academic complex includes classrooms, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and learning resource center.

New building offers space for students to learn, connect By Alyssa Gafford-Gaby @AGaffordGaby The RELLIS Academic Alliance has completed and opened its second academic building on the 2,000-acre campus in Bryan. Founded in 2016 by the Texas A&M University System, the RELLIS campus opened its doors in 2019. Shortly after, the Blinn College District opened facilities in the complex to provide space for its partnership with A&M, known as TEAM, which allows for students to earn associate degrees or take lower-division courses that may be needed to achieve their bachelor’s degree. The second academic building opened on Tuesday, Jan. 19, welcoming students at the start of the semester with additional space. The building includes innovative classrooms, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and a Learning Resource Center. With RELLIS preparing to open an engineering program, the new building provides much-needed space to facilitate new coursework. “The completion of the second phase of Texas A&M System’s academic buildings at RELLIS strengthens the

programs currently offered and opens the door for exciting and innovative new opportunities,” John Sharp, chancellor of the A&M System, said in a press release. “I look forward to seeing the RELLIS Campus continue to grow and serve the surrounding Brazos Valley region and beyond.” The second academic complex allows students to have greater access to resources on the RELLIS campus. RELLIS admissions coordinator Dalton Jones said offices have been moved to the new academic building so students can meet with advisors, connect with student organizations and more. “The academic complex two [is] deemed a lot more of a welcome atmosphere and environment,” Jones said. “We moved our entire admissions staff over here to welcome guests, new students and current students. With that, we moved our student engagement office that is specifically designed within this new building so students who are looking to be more involved on campus have a better space to do so.” RELLIS is currently one of 11 regional universities within the A&M System which offer a combined total of 25 bachelor’s degree programs. Associate Vice Chancellor for the RELLIS Academic Alliance Nancy Jordan said the Academic Alliance allows for

high-quality academic programs at affordable costs, helping students and the System thrive. “Students take their lower-division coursework at Blinn College District and then walk across the street to study their upper-division coursework and earn a bachelor’s degree from one of the 11 universities at RELLIS,” Jordan said. “Students benefit from the opportunity to complete their degrees in a small campus environment with the help of faculty and staff who support them through every phase of the college experience.” Along with offering its own programs, RELLIS serves as a resource for students with its TEAM Program through the Academic Alliance. Communication junior and former member of the TEAM Program Jacob Wallace said although his time at RELLIS is done, he is excited to see the campus expand for students like him. “What was nice about the RELLIS campus is that the faculty was super updated,” Wallace said. “I’m glad they are expanding the program and adding more space for other students using the TEAM program.” For more information about the RELLIS Academic Alliance visit rellis. tamus.edu/academicalliance/.

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SILVERTAPS

The Battalion | 1.28.21

Silver Taps October 4, 1997 — December 11, 2020

JARROD COOPER GLENN A loyal spirit with a selfless mind By Jessica Le @jxssicalx

kind-hearted Aggie and an introvert who loved deeply, Jarrod Cooper Glenn always prioritized helping his close friends and family during their times of need. Representing the Aggie Spirit, Jarrod portrayed the values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service through his words and actions. “In his own way, he undoubtedly demonstrated what we think and love about Texas A&M — strong morals and core values,” his mother, Lisa Glenn, said. “Although he was very quiet and an introvert, he was very humble and kind to those that were around him that he cared about. He never bragged or boasted.” Wanting to be an Aggie since he was little, Jarrod began to participate in some of the campus traditions early on. His girlfriend, Amanda Zgabay, said he had always been passionate about all things A&M. “He just loved A&M since he was born,” Zgabay said. “He really enjoyed football games, going to them when he was younger with his uncle being a Yell Leader in college [and] getting to experience the student section and tailgating beforehand.” Not only did Jarrod enjoy watching football in Kyle Field, but he was also an athlete himself. “Baseball was a huge part of his life. He’s pretty competitive when it comes to any type of game,” Lisa said. “He liked to play golf … with [Amanda] as well, [and] intramurals at A&M with his cousins and friends and Amanda.” In particular, Jarrod’s father, Mark Glenn, said one of the memories that stands out to him the most was of Jarrod skiing and how comfortable he had looked on the slopes. “I remember always skiing behind him because he was fearless. He would go fast, and he had made it look easy, and there was just something about him just being free,” Mark said. “I was always amazed at his freedom there, at his fearlessness and the ease in which he did it.” In addition to being a multi-sport athlete, Jarrod also had the talent of bringing out laughter in others. Zgabay said he was witty, often coming up with one-liners that brightened people’s mood.

PROVIDED

Jarrod Glenn (far left) was an electrical engineering senior and will be honored at the Feb. 2 Silver Taps ceremony.

“He was the quiet guy standing in the back at the party, not causing a scene, but poking the bear so that the bear would cause a scene and then laughing at them when they did,” Zgabay said. “He was very funny. It took him a while to warm up to people, but once you got to know him and hang out with him in a more quiet setting with fewer people, he would talk and tell jokes.” A quality many admired about Jarrod was how willing he was to help others. Zgabay said Jarrod was an honorable person who could be trusted to do anything for the people he cared about. “He was so loyal to me from the very beginning,” Zgabay said. “He would not let me walk back from the library [alone] no matter what time of the night. He would always come with me. I didn’t leave the library until 5 a.m. some nights, and he would stay there all night long with me and that continued throughout all of college.” Selflessly, Jarrod did not harbor any expectations of receiv-

ing something in return for his efforts. His desire to assist people was genuinely rooted in his love for them. “He would never ask of anything for himself,” Mark said. “For example, you couldn’t get him to tell [you] what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas. He was certainly very considerate of others and what they needed, but he would never tell you what he needed or wanted.” Pronounced in his loyalty and altruism, Jarrod will continue to be admired for the profound love he had for the people around him. “He was a very kind soul,” Lisa said. “He would quietly and humbly sacrifice whatever he needed to do to make sure that the people around him were taken care of.” If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in need of someone to talk to, call the A&M helpline (979) 845-270 from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays or at any time on the weekends. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Line (800) 273-8255 at any time.

SILVERTAPS

The Battalion | 1.28.21

Silver Taps March 12, 2001 — October 29, 2020

BRANDON REED WILLIAMS

An old soul with a patient, kind heart By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

nclusive and caring, Brandon Reed Williams will be remembered for his admirable work ethic and servant spirit.

Brandon’s heart always focused on serving others. His father, Jeff Williams, said Brandon’s decision to be an organ donor — his final act of service — was made because of his desire to help others. “He served. He served other people,” Williams said. “If he couldn’t do what he wanted to do with the parts that he had, then he wanted to serve somebody else and give those organs away.” Brandon’s mom, Jolene Williams, said his organs ended up saving four men’s lives, in addition to donating corneas to two women and tissue which will benefit up to 80 people over the next several years. As a member of the Corps of Cadets, Brandon was focused on joining the U.S. Air Force as an officer, determined to become a cargo pilot. He was a recipient of the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program, Jolene said, and within Squadron 8 at Texas A&M, Brandon also served as a career readiness corporal and a fire team leader. “He was really proud to be part of the Outlaws, Squadron 8,” Jolene said. “He considered Squadron 8 his brothers and sisters … he did feel very connected to that group.” In addition to his passion to serve his country and serve others, Jolene said Brandon chose to major in wildlife and fisheries sciences because of his love for the outdoors. “He loved to get out there … whether it was hiking, or hunting, or fishing,” Jolene said. “My husband’s mom has land, so when he would go to Grandma’s it’s doing all that, but it’s also setting traps for the raccoons. It’s the whole outdoors, and he loved being free in the outdoors, but also taking care of nature.” In high school, Brandon was involved in a number of activities, from sports to robotics. However, Jolene said Brandon’s favorite hobby was shooting, and he competed in rifle and pistol shooting through 4H from the time he was 10 years old. “He was just very diverse, and because of that I think it made it easy for him to get along with a wide variety of people as well,” Jolene said. Jeff said although Brandon didn’t consider himself the leader

PROVIDED

Wildlife and fisheries sophomore Brandon Williams (second from left) will be honored at the Feb. 2 Silver Taps ceremony.

of the pack, he was very outgoing and personable. “He knew exactly how to get along with people and how to work with people,” Jeff said. “He was very caring.” With his father being a member of the Class of 1996 and his two uncles also former students of A&M, Jolene said Brandon

never considered applying to any other college. “He loved the tradition; he loved the spirit of A&M,” Jolene said. “He knew that was the family he wanted to be part of. He believed in the Aggie Spirit.”

October 18, 2001 — January 24, 2020

RYAN HARRISON BOLES Brady Stone, Editor-in-Chief Myranda Campanella, Managing Editor Julia Potts, News Editor Bec Morris, News Editor Hannah Underwood, Sports Editor Jennifer Streeter, Asst. Sports Editor Casey Stavenhagen, Asst. Sports Editor Shelby McVey, Life & Arts Editor Jessica Le, Asst. Life & Arts Editor Amina Butt, Maroon Life Editor

Joshua Howell, Opinion Editor Caleb Powell, Asst. Opinion Editor Will Nye, Photo Chief Abbey Santoro, Asst. Photo Chief Mitchell Beddingfield, Multimedia Editor Annie Wells, Multimedia Editor Cori Eckert, Design Editor

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2021 sprint semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media,a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. PROVIDED

Ryan Boles (right), pictured with his brother Nathan and sister Ella, will be honored at the Feb. 2 Silver Taps ceremony. Editor’s Note: A Silver Taps tribute article for Ryan Boles will be published on thebatt.com prior to the Feb. 2 ceremony.

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LIFE&ARTS

The Battalion | 1.28.21

Tackling mental health taboos amid the pandemic

Graphic by Gabrielle Shreve — THE BATTALION

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Opinion writer Kaelin Connor discusses the stigma surrounding mental health By Kaelin Connor @KaelinAC

s a Fish Camp counselor this past year, one popular question my fellow counselors and I asked one another was what our deep and shallow fears were. Shallow fear responses ranged from light-hearted spider phobias, needles and uncomfortable spacing between holes. But what really got me thinking was what my deepest fear actually was. I confess that the first thing which came to mind was being alone. Not the kind of no-one-is-home alone or the party-where-you-don’t-know-asingle-soul alone, but the suffocating toll of mental and emotional loneliness. This past year in quarantine has brought enough loneliness to last a lifetime. One moment people were enjoying their spring break trips, and the next ... well, we’re all very aware of that.

‘ARMCHAIR TRAVEL’ CONTINUED Kollwitz, Joan Miro and many more will educate, entertain and inspire you.” As a way to learn about these artists, Hastedt said there are labels with snippets and stories placed next to each of their pieces. “It’s a chance for people to learn little facts that are interesting about the particular artists,” Hastedt said. “As you go through the exhibit, you’re learning about different artists’

COVID-19 affected the world with ferocious havoc, killing millions and sending everything we know into dark isolation. But with prolonged solitariness comes its symptoms — increased anxiety, depressive spirals and substance use, which, according to a MMWR study, has affected 18- to 24-year-olds the worst. The study found that in compared young adults’ responses in 2019, 2020 saw levels of anxiety triple, levels of depression quadruple and suicidal thoughts more than double. It’s an interesting find because older demographics are most negatively affected by the coronavirus itself. “Hopelessness is one of the big drivers of suicide,” Dr. Sarah Vinson, an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine, said. “It’s normally not about wanting to be dead; it’s about not wanting to live like this, whatever ‘this’ is.” Suicide is a prevalent worry with-

in the medical world and should be a concern for any parent. Gun sales have skyrocketed. Alcohol sales have increased tenfold. The issue among younger adults is that the people offering us advice, our parents, are often left speechless since they’ve never gone through anything similar themselves. The fear of not knowing what the future holds while simultaneously trying to keep a grip on reality is enough to send any person over the edge. Although the issues we’re seeing within the younger generation are concerning, older people are not immune to mental illness. A survey done by The Recovery Village in September found that 55 percent of participants reported increased substance usage that month. 18 percent of participants reported the uptick in use was significant. For 53 percent this was due to stress, for 39 percent it was due to boredom and for 32 percent this was a type of coping mechanism.

viewpoints from their cultures [and] get little insights on how to appreciate art that you may not have understood before.” In addition, University Art Galleries’ marketing and communications specialist Molly Painter said students have the opportunity to explore numerous types of artwork in-depth. “This exhibition will feature international items from our permanent collection like porcelain and clay sculptures, dyed silk, etchings and lithographs,” Painter said. “Visitors can expect to see how cultural influences are

reflected in an artist’s work. [They] will learn about various techniques and aesthetic styles from around the world.” Hastedt said she hopes there will be something to attract everyone’s interest within this collection. “I want the galleries to be welcoming to the broadest spectrum of students,” Hastedt said. “We hoped that students and other people that come to the galleries will really take the time to study the [art]. It’s always interesting to me to see how different people interpret

Unfortunately, mental health has been taboo for centuries, with many people believing those suffering from psychological illnesses are unreliable or liabilities. The break from societal norms by experiencing mental illness is enough to ruin reputations and any chance of recovery. Health is not something that can be seen, but the centuries worth of misinformation and stigma don’t negate that people are sick. While the public’s physical health is the country’s priority, we cannot sweep mental health considerations to the side. The problem is there isn’t much we can do to significantly aid mental health with the precautions and restrictions in place for the ongoing pandemic. These years are supposed to be some of the best of our lives, or so they say, but the pandemic and additional academic stress makes this statement debatable. The line between enjoying our time in college and making the right decisions to better our future is becoming thinner the longer the pandemic drags on. We wake up and get on our computers to attend class. This is the extent of a lot of students’ lives in college during COVID-19. Will jobs be available once we graduate? Will we be able to enjoy the luxuries of normal life before we enter the workforce? Will our generation even be able to pick up the pieces where we left off? These questions are a few of many that go through students’ and young adults’ minds on a daily basis as we navigate life through these less-than-normal times. The stress added onto our daily lives by trying to be safe and make the most out of our college experiences has made navigating school and personal issues a struggle none of us saw coming. If you were to break a bone, you’d seek out treatment. Why shouldn’t we treat our mental health the same way? If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (HELP). Kaelin Connor is a psychology junior and opinion writer for The Battalion.

what they see because you bring your own life experiences.” Painter said she would like to see students take the opportunity to observe the exhibition. “The art in the Texas A&M University collections truly belongs to all of us,” Painter said. “I would encourage anyone to visit and see the vast depth and breadth of what our collections have to offer.”

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SPORTS

The Battalion | 1.28.21

via 12thman.com

Former A&M guards Sydney Colson and Tyra White celebrate the team’s national championship win.

CHAMPIONS CONTINUED and we cannot quite celebrate it the way it should be celebrated, but we’re going to do the best we can,” Blair said. “I had an idea that we were going to go down to the Queen [Theatre] and they were going to show the games, but now’s not the time. We’ll have to wait another time. All of the things that were planned, we’re having to cut them all short and that’s what’s tough.” While they won’t be able to have the reunion they had initially planned, A&M associate head coach Kelly Bond-White said it was the players and support staff that made the 2010-2011 team so special. “We’ve built this place on family. When we talk about a 10-year anniversary, just sharing a lot of stories, surprisingly a lot of them are not about the actual games themselves but more about the journey that it took our young ladies and our staff, our fans, everybody that was along for that ride,” Bond-White said. “That’s what I think I remember most and what it’s done most for my career is make me more appreciative of the people that are involved in each year’s journey.” While the 2011 title was the first for the Aggies, Blair had experienced that level of success in seasons prior. As an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, Blair helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship win in 1982. He also served as head coach at Arkansas when the Razorbacks won the WNIT Champion-

ship in 1999. “When you start talking about team sports, you realize how hard it is to win a national championship,” Blair said. “Boy, you were just riding the wave. You were at the highest moment of your life, in recruiting, in coaching, in teaching.” Blair said the Aggies’ national championship in 2011 came as a result of hard work and dedication. “When we got there in 2011, we earned our way the whole way of getting there,” Blair said. “We were not a Cinderella [team]. We were in, ranked probably [No.] 5 through 11 [or] 12 just about the whole year … We just felt like we could play with anybody in the country.” While Blair said the moment of winning was satisfying, the interactions he has had since mean a lot to him. “Winning the thing, it stays with you every day,” Blair said. “Every day, if I’m out somewhere new, people want to see the ring or they want to hear the stories or they want to tell me their stories, where they were. They were in Afghanistan serving, they were over in Europe on a vacation, they were down the street at a block party with their neighbors and came running out on the street whooping and hooting and everything that you’d want to do.” Guard for the 2011 A&M team Sydney Carter said she can still recall every moment of the 2010-2011 season. “There’s not one thing that I can’t remem-

ber about that season,” Carter said. “That year was so special, and you could tell back in the summertime. There’s workouts that I remember, there’s moments in games where I can remember certain shots. There’s not just one moment that I can pinpoint.”

“Every day, if I’m out somewhere new, people want to see the ring or they want to hear the stories or they want to tell me their stories, where they were.” GARY BLAIR, HEAD COACH

While the season ended on a high note, Carter said there were still low moments for the team, including a loss to Kansas State on March 2, 2011. “I think that really shifted our mindset to, ‘Okay, it’s time to really turn it on because it’s getting close to March,’” Carter said. “I think that loss probably hurt a little more than the Gonzaga loss [in 2010] because we kind of just went to Kansas State and laid an egg.” Bond-White said it took a talk from A&M assistant coach Vic Schaefer for her to finally take a moment to revel in the Aggies’ victory. “It was one of those things that you don’t

appreciate in the moment as an assistant because you’re so caught up sometimes in the grind of the job,” Bond-White said. “I’ll never forget as the confetti fell, we were back there, thinking about the recruits we needed to call to make sure they saw this, make sure they do that. I’ll never forget Coach Schaefer walked over to us and said, ‘Forget about that for a minute. This isn’t something that happens all the time. Totally take in this moment because there’s no guarantees that you’ll ever be back here in your career.’ I’m glad he said that because then it became about the journey, and you think about moments that led to that.” One of the moments that led to the national title, Bond-White said, is “probably my lowest moment as a coach.” The season prior, on March 22, 2010, A&M fell to Gonzaga 72-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. “I just felt absolutely gutted for our players when we stood on that floor after a loss to Gonzaga,” Bond-White said. “We knew we were that team that was building toward that. You want to have answers for your players, and we didn’t have many answers because we thought we were the better team and that we would be advancing further in the round.” Carter said the loss to Gonzaga was a turning point for the team. “It just did something to us,” Carter said. “We knew we had fallen so short of the goals we had to begin that season, so we came back in the summertime. We might have taken a week or two off and then we immediately got back to work … If anyone asks me what it took to get there, I tell them it started in the summertime. It didn’t just happen, we didn’t just turn it on in March for March Madness. It was a process.” Four months after the Aggies brought home their national championship, the ESPYs provided another once-in-a-lifetime moment for Blair when he met former Auburn and Philadelphia 76ers player Charles Barkley at a pre-show event. “I had never met him, but I admired him and always called Danielle Adams the Charles Barkley of women’s basketball,” Blair said. “Barkley motions me with his little finger, ‘Coach, can you come over here a second?’ We sit down on the bleachers where we were going to take the picture. Barkley doesn’t mince words, he says, ‘Coach, I like the way you coach. I like the way your players respond. They look like they’re having fun and they’re playing the game the way it should be.’ For once, I didn’t have a word to say back to Charles Barkley, but I will always remember that moment. “When a peer, a hero of yours and our players can stop to single [you] out, ‘I watched your game,’ that meant a lot to my kids; it meant a lot to me personally.”

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