For La Salle University’s women’s basketball team, a season filled with challenges got a jolt of inspiration thanks to none other than WNBA star Kahleah Copper.
With a tough 8-20 record, the Explorers were hungry for something to ignite their spirit—and that spark came after a game against Rider, where Copper made a special appearance that would leave a lasting impression on the team.
From the moment the game began, the atmosphere was electric.
La Salle’s head coach, Mountain MacGillivray, knew Copper was coming, but when she arrived and the game tipped off, the energy in the gym shifted.
Players like guard Sania Jenkins were caught off guard by the sight of Copper, the WNBA Finals MVP and world champion, cheering them on from the sidelines.
It was a moment that was both surreal and motivating.
For Jenkins and her teammates, Copper is the ultimate basketball role model—an accomplished WNBA player and international champion with the experience to prove it.
The fact that she was in the stands, watching them, made the moment all the more meaningful.
But it wasn’t only Copper’s presence that had the players fired up.
The game itself was tight, coming down to the very last moments, with La Salle securing a win in the final seconds of the game.
While the victory was sweet, the true highlight came after the buzzer sounded.
Copper made her way to the locker room to speak with the team, and her words would provide a sense of hope and clarity they hadn’t realized they needed.
It was clear that her focus was on what matters: sticking together as a team.
Copper highlighted how difficult it is to make crucial adjustments in the heat of the game but emphasized how well the team had managed to come together and execute under pressure, especially during halftime.
The impact of her words wasn’t lost on the players. They could feel the weight of her experience and wisdom, and it brought a renewed sense of purpose to their game.
The team has been in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and with Copper’s encouragement, they were reminded that their struggles weren’t in vain—they were part of the growth process.
La Salle’s journey this season has been full of ups and downs, but it’s also been a learning experience.
For players like guard Jolene Armendariz, Copper’s visit meant a lot beyond the game.
The WNBA star, who had achieved so much on the court, could see how tight-knit the team was even though they hadn’t been together long.
MacGillivray, who has been working tirelessly to build a cohesive team, noted that having someone like Copper acknowledge their efforts meant a great deal.
It was a boost to their confidence to know that their bond didn’t go unnoticed.
And while La Salle’s season didn’t go as planned, Copper’s message showed that there’s always something to learn, even in tough seasons.
