Jessica Giordano
by Jessica Giordano
staff writer
In the huddle before each home game, Erin Crawford likes to quote from the movie “Rudy” to encourage team morale, “No one comes into our house and pushes us around!” Crawford, a point guard for the Lady Cavaliers, appears to be successful with her ritual.. The team has been undefeated at home this season.
Crawford’s passion for basketball has been in existence since she started playing at the age of 5. “I love the intensity and competition in basketball. When I go out on the court I want to win and to win you have to be intense and strong-minded,” Crawford said. She also loves the teamwork involved in the game and says that the team has worked very hard to get where it is today.
The junior human resource management major recently scored her 1, 000th career point, an honor that only seven other players have accomplished in the team’s history.
Crawford attributes her success as an athlete to the support she receives from her family and friends. “Without them I would not have worked as hard as I have, because they give me confidence in everything that I do.”
Her style and energy on the court may be influenced by the basketball great, Charles Barkley. Crawford respects Barkley because he played hard and knew the game so well. “I try to imitate the way he plays every game I play in,” Crawford says enthusiastically.
A future without basketball would not be a bright one for Crawford. “I want to be involved in basketball no matter what,” the Lady Cavaliers announces. Crawford’s future plans would like to include coaching a Division I women’s basketball team or being an athletic director for a small college.
When Crawford is not playing basketball or in class, she loves to spend time with her nephew because “he is the greatest little person I know” and getting some much-needed rest.
When it comes to admiration Crawford’s parents, Mary and Joe Crawford, have a high score. Crawford says that her mom has missed maybe one or two games in her entire basketball career and that goes back to grade school competitions. Her father, who cannot make it to many games because he must travel as an NBA referee, calls his daughter after every single game to hear about the outcome. “My parents have put their daughters first – not themselves – and that is what makes me admire them so much,” Crawford says appreciatively. “If it was not for them I would not be where I am today.”
