The Felician University’s women’s basketball program is marking the major milestone of 25 years on the hardwood of Felician University.

Steve Fagan has led the Women’s Basketball program for nearly half of those years having been named head coach of the program in September of 2008. As he looks back on the history of the program there are many highlights of athletic prowess on the court he can point to, but instead prefers to focus on how the team has helped build strong women of character.

Coach Fagan says participating in athletics at the college level regardless of the sport helps build skills essential for life and business, becoming a contributing member of society at large. “The big picture really is engaging with people of all races and creeds and to share yourself and your experiences and to learn to be open and to learn from all different types of people from all different backgrounds.” One way the team has accomplished this is by having players reach out and engage with members of the Felician family outside of the basketball court. “It’s easy to be friends with fellow players on your team, but it’s also important to connect with non-athletes, find out how they’re doing and invite them to games, so everyone feels as one as part of the Felician family.” In the past the team has held parties for international students, encouraging them to attend games demonstrating that Felician University is about more than just athletics.

Community service has been a hallmark of Felician teams including Women’s Basketball. The Golden Falcons have acted as chaperones at the Rutherford Ragamuffin Parade and held a “Shoot for Hunger” holiday food drive at home games in November and December. More recently, Felician team members and coaches have volunteered at the Tunnel 2 Towers 5K Walk and Run, a fundraiser for 9/11 first responders.

Kristen Smith

Kristen Smith played center and forward on the team for three years and served as team captain before graduating in 2019. She says the experience of working with a diverse team that included international students was a good one that helped prepare her for her career as a rehabilitation counselor at a partial care mental health program. “The biggest thing I remember Coach Fagan telling me was that you’re going to learn life skills especially when you’re not happy with each other or even frustrated with him, but you learn to work together on a common goal,” said Kristen.

Katrina Plummer who was a guard on the team from 2010 – 2014, says she would gladly go back to that time in her life calling it, “a very joyful four years.” As a dorm student, the team became like family to her and helped her become independent. “It pushed me to be accountable for my actions and I learned some very important life lessons.” Katrina says the team taught her how to work with different personalities, an important skill for her now in her work as an accountant.

Katrina Plummer

Just like other sports, basketball teaches the importance of perseverance and discipline. “It can be difficult getting up every day, working out and staying committed to a particular sport, but you’ve got to take a step back, and remember that it’s not about you, it’s about the team,” said Coach Fagan who counsels his players not to harp on yesterday but to instead work to make today a better day. “I truly believe that athletics can instill that that type of philosophy and can help prepare players for life and parenthood.”
The basketball season which usually runs from November to early March was cut short this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Fagan says he was grateful his players had the chance to at least play a shortened season of about 5 weeks, going directly back to his point of embracing and enjoying each day you are given.