McConn and Collopy commit to their next chapter

Kylie Bridgeman, Sports Writer|February 27, 2022

Hajra Munir

The girls’ basketball program held their SENIOR night on Feb. 2 alongside national signing day. SENIORS Micah Engram, Simone Simmons, Katie Collopy and Sophia McConn were all recognized for their athletic careers.

Two lady Eagles are headed to compete at the next level in basketball. SENIORS Sophia McConn and Katie Collopy, signed their letters of intent for collegiate basketball on Feb. 2.

“It was very exciting, but also relieving,” McConn said. “I was super glad to have finally made my choice.”

McConn chose Chatham University as her next destination in her basketball career. She was accepted into their fast track master’s program, therefore, she will be able to leave college with her master’s degree in just four years. However, the school’s basketball program also attracted her.

“They have a very solid program and I really connected with the coach,” McConn said.

For similar reasoning, Collopy has elected to continue playing basketball at The University of Pikeville. Collopy connected with the team’s positivity and spirit, but also sees the opportunity their education program can give her.

“They have a ton of hands-on experience in all of their programs, and experience is super important in the field of education,” Collopy said. “It will undoubtedly prepare me for my future.”

Both McConn and Collopy have suffered injuries in the past that have disrupted their ideal high school career, but despite the obstacles they have reached the next level.

“This season has been extremely hard to not be playing because of my knee injury, but SENIOR night was the best,” McConn said. “I feel very proud to be a Walnut Hills graduate.”

Not only have their seasons been riddled with injury, but uncertainty as well.

“Our season last year was completely wrecked by COVID,” Adam Lazar, varsity head coach, said.

The lady Eagles were unable to play 11 games last season due to COVID-19 shutdowns, both at the beginning and end of the season because of cases on their teams.

Those shutdowns caused Collopy and McConn to miss big opportunities to showcase their talent in their junior year, but their SENIOR season has fulfilled a lot of their hopes. Fortunately, they’re not done playing the game they love just yet.

“Playing my last home game was very surreal,” Collopy said. “I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet, but it’s a mix of indescribable happiness and sadness as I move on to this next chapter.”