New Year, New Team, Same Goal for Tuskegee

Tuskegee Women’s Basketball

Slaughter Shotz

On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, history was made. The SIAC Women's Basketball Title came home to 12000 W Montgomery Rd, also known as Tuskegee University. Winning their first championship in 15 years was the icing on the cake after an undefeated season of conference play for the first time since 2013. A handful of key contributors have entered the next chapter in their lives, including last year's SIAC Player of The Year, Ashiala Jackson, and Defensive Player of The Year JuToreyia Willis.

Nonetheless, first-year head coach Chiante Wester has a ton of talent, including a couple of young women who are members of the preseason All-SIAC team. We had the privilege of catching up with Arielle McElroy and Brittney Boling to talk about their journey as champs and what it will take to bring home another trophy.

Brittney Bolin following her SIAC title game victory against Miles College

Brittney is a legacy HBCU student, with her family roots matriculating from Alcorn State University and Tougaloo College. She reminisced on what it meant to cement her name in history at her beloved University.

"[Last year] we knew we had the talent. It was just about the work that we put in. When I heard the buzzer go off and I looked at the score and saw that our hard work had paid off, it was unreal. The fact that I can call myself a champion feels like a blessing and a reward. Many people want to be a champion, but it can feel impossible if you don't put the work in."

Despite last year's milestone, Tuskegee enters the season expected to finish second in the West Division. In Bolin's eyes, this is a recurring theme.

"In the past four years, I've learned we're viewed as the underdog. It puts a chip on my shoulder coming into the season to build off this number two seed and prove the people wrong."

Bolin doesn't let the ring stop her from working hard and maintaining her full-ride scholarship. Brittney speaks on what it means to be a SIAC All-Academic Honors recipient.

"It takes discipline. Receiving that recognition on and off the court shows people that my talents extend further than my on-court production. It pushes me to keep excelling in the classroom." Bolin's setting herself up for a bright future by focusing on what matters most on and off the hardwood. Her teammate, Arielle McElroy, is just as focused on making a name for herself.

McElroy, a Senior guard from Chicago, IL, turned her dreams into reality upon graduation from Iowa Western Community College. She was adamant about attending an HBCU on a full-ride scholarship with a winning basketball program, and Tuskegee checked all the boxes off her wish list.

Since her arrival, Arielle has managed to accumulate an impressive 3.88 GPA. She ensures that she sets the golden standard for her younger sister and brother to look up to, who is also her biggest motivation and why she strives so hard.

"[My younger brother], is a preseason All-American football player at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, has inspired me more than anyone I know. While my grades are better than his, he strives to be just as great academically. His work ethic is something I've always admired, so I try to be the best I can and set a good example.”

Tuskegee

Arielle McElroy (1) and Britney Bolin (23)

McElroy has been no stranger to acquiring academic accolades throughout her life, but the preseason nod was the first time she'd gained recognition for her skills on the court. While she was pleased to receive the respect from her peers, she doesn't want this to foreshadow the legacy she's building off of the court.

"I want to be remembered as somebody who's more than just an athlete. I hold about five different e-board positions on campus with different organizations. I don't want just to be seen as someone who can dribble a ball. While I may be busy throughout the week, I still want to ensure I take full advantage of college."

For Brittney and Arielle to win another SIAC title, they know the importance of stacking the momentum they build each day. With many freshman and transfer students on the roster, developing team chemistry will be essential for the team's success this year. The dynamic duo will look to lead their team to the promised land again in hopes of cutting down the nets one more time in March.