Athlete of the Week

Rachel Pittenger Guest Writer

Throughout her four years of playing for the Vassar’s women’s basketball team, Erin Harper ’06 has exhibited a wide spectrum of talents. With her record-breaking stats and her ability to make crucial baskets (as she did in her final game) Harper has proven her mettle.
Head Coach Steve Buonfiglio praised Harper for her ability to handle the ball and lead on the floor.

Further evidence of her talent emerged in her junior year, when she broke the record for career assists at Vassar.

Harper credits her fellow Brewers for her success in this aspect of the game: “I could not have done it without my teammates, because the only way I get an assist is if they put the ball in the basket.”

Harper put on a solid final show in the Brewers’ devastating 40-36 loss to Skidmore on Saturday, Feb. 19. This game left the Vassar women’s basketball team with a 7-17 record.

After Skidmore had pulled to a 38-31 lead, Harper’s three-pointer with roughly five minutes to go pulled them to within four points. Although they continued to fight, Vassar was not able to come out with a victory.

Harper agreed with Buonfiglio that the Skidmore game had a sad ending, but said that she still “look[s] back over the past four years very fondly.”

Buonfiglio added that while this loss was an emotional, somewhat disappointing end to the season, Harper’s presence in both this game and over the span of the past four years has been vital. He said that throughout her career, the team “has had moderate success, and I don’t know where we would’ve been without her.”

Buonfiglio added that Harper had an impact off the court as well.

“[She was] always willing to step up and do whatever it took, whether it meant to take the big shot or to pick a teammate up when they were down,” said Buonfiglio.