Rebel Nation Celebrates The Lady Rebel Seniors

Tonight, Rebel Nation, Women's Basketball boosters, Former players, Future players, Athletic Department staff, UNLV staff, Lady Rebels coaching staff, The Lady Rebels, and their families gather at the Redd Room within the Thomas & Mack Center to celebrate the program's five seniors.

Our 2009 seniors are #1 Dominigue Harris, #25 Raquel Jupiter, #33 Shannon Oberg, #24 Shamela Hampton, and #5 Brittany Halberg.

My family and I will miss seeing them play. Tommorow is likly the last game on their home court at the Cox Pavilion, but still lots more basketball to be played. The Mountain West Conference Championship Tournament, and a bid into the NCAA or NIT Tournament is still a real possibilty.

During the program itself, Brittany presented a slide show about some of the lighter side of the Lady Rebels. Then Head Coach, Kathy Olivier did introductions, thanks, spoke about the seniors, and future of the program as well.

The returning players introduced, and talked about the seniors. Then that senior talked. Each and everyone of the talks was very emotional and moving.

You see these women come and play the game they love. Grow as a person, and a player. You get close to some, but respect all them. So events like this are bitter sweet because it hard to let go. But them again in the back of your mind you know they are off to bigger and better things in their lifes. My family and I wish them the very best.

Zachery and Jenna are going to miss Brittany alot. She is the first player my children have known well, and really interacted with. Many times just mentioning Brittany name, who bring a change in behavior. They always want to see her and her teammates play, and win. The Lady Rebels are super role models for them.

They served a sunday bar, cake, soda and water during the gathering.

Throughout the night, many picture were taken. Towards the end of the night, I was able to get a team picture with all the players and coaches. Below is the that special picture.

2008-09 Lady Rebel Highlights

UNLV earns first win over Utah since 2004 season, breaking an 11-game losing streak to the Utes

Two wins over top 75 RPI teams (New Mexico, Utah)

UNLV set a school record in its win over Utah, making shooting 95.6% (23 of 24) at free throw line. It also tied for the 12th best performance in a game in the nation this year

Shamela Hampton became the 18th Lady Rebel to reach the 1,000 career point mark

UNLV's Shamela Hampton and Jamie Smith rank 1-2 in the MWC in double-doubles.

Brittany Halberg was named CoSIDA Academic All - District VIII First Team, the first first -team selection since Linda Frohlich in 2002

Jamie Smith is the nation's third-leading freshman rebounder

Posted a 3-0 start for the first time since 2002-03 season

Defeated Nevada, Reno by 13 point to remain perfect against their in-state rivals from the north (12-0 all-time in Las Vegas against UNR)

Won on the road at Wyoming for the first time since the 2002-03

12 three-pointers against Sacramento State in the season opener tied a school record

Jamie Smith has shattered the MWC record for rebounds by a freshman (currently at 258, previous record was 199)

Shamela Hampton and Erica Helms named Mountain West Conference Player of The Week (12/1 and 11/24 respectively)

Jamie Smith has clinched Mountain West Conference recored for most double-doubles by a freshman (2008-09 season)

Began new traditions of Rebel Reunion Alumni Night, High School Tip-Off Night, and Middle School Leadership Academy

Improved Mountain West Conference win total and overall team win total from previous season

Initiated first ever Junior Rebel Tune-Up Clinic which had over 300 participants

Renovated team lounge, women's basketball office suites, and team lockerroom and improved fundrasing efforts

Secured the #56 ranked recruiting class as listed by ESPN's HoopGurlz (2009 class)