Talented Athletes + Dedicated Staff = Team Success
12/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 9, 2002
Fourteen talented student athletes make up this year's Lady Cougar basketball team. They have built one of the most successful programs at Houston - but not without adversity and some behind-the-scenes help. There is more to this team than just athletes and they contribute to the success of the program in ways that often go unnoticed.
Carla Bulla is in her first season as the women's basketball athletic trainer. She has been with teams through ACL tears, sprained ankles and muscle strains. Whether it is a pre-game ankle taping or rehabilitation session, she is dedicated to keeping athletes injury-free and speeding up the recovery process when injuries do occur.
Her dedication and concern is most appreciated by the athletes she treats. A Lady Cougar recently suffered a serious ankle sprain and was placed under Bulla's care both in the Houston training room and on the road. Just three days later, the athlete was able to play 35 strong minutes and racked up a double-double against UTEP.
Despite her sports medicine prowess, Bulla is quick to credit the athletes for quick recoveries and successful rehabilitations.
"I truly think Shondra Bush is a champion," Bulla said. "She was very determined to get back on the court with the team. Physical and mental toughness combined with tolerance are what should be focused on - and it is satisfying to see such an athlete succeed."
Despite the athletic talents of these women, their primary responsibilities are as college students. With final exams just a week away and a five-day road trip keeping them away from class and organized review sessions, the Lady Cougars have to remain focused on academic success as well.
Academic Counselor Chris Cords was asked to spend five days on the road with the Lady Cougars to organize study halls and find the resources needed for the team to keep up with its pre-finals work. Cords went above and beyond his duties, acting as a liason between the athletes and educational facilities of host schools and giving personal attention to athletes when needed.
After a few team study halls and an all-nighter to put the finishing touches on a Shakespeare paper, Cords and the Lady Cougars survived an academically stress-free road trip.
Bulla and Cords are just two of the individuals who are dedicated to making this program a success. Coaches, managers and other staff work to prepare for every practice and game. These are people who genuinely want the Lady Cougars to win. Such supporters consider their roles more than just jobs - they are commitments to winning with passion and pride.