Feb. 19, 2008
By Becky Murdy, Penn State Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Leader (n): A person who is selfless and giving, who is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that their team is successful. A person who is willing to practice and play no matter what is going on off the court. They must be a good example for the team and a good representation of the team toward the community.
If you're looking for this definition you won't find it in a dictionary or on any website. This definition is how Lady Lion head coach Coquese Washington describes her senior captain, Kam Gissendanner.
As five years of collegiate basketball slowly comes to an end, a time of reflection on achievements is deserved for the two-time All Big Ten Honorable Mention winner. The Clairton, Pa., native has been playing basketball since she was eight years old. Though Gissendanner's parents never forced her into basketball, but her natural ability and passion for the game could not be ignored.
"My mom and dad both played basketball in high school and a little in college," said Gissendanner. "Athletics are in my bloodline, I was born with the drive."
Her transitions from grade school to high school to Division I college basketball all made her a stronger player on and off of the court. As a college athlete Gissendanner has played for three coaches at two different Universities. As a freshmen, she played for Kay Yow at N.C. State before transferring to Penn State to player for Rene Portland and, now, for Coquese Washington.
"It wasn't that difficult for me to be introduced to different coaches and program styles," said Gissendanner. "I have been adjusting within this game all of my life. It is just another adjustment that I had to make as far as playing for three different people. It has been interesting, but an incredible learning experience."
Penn State seemed to be just the fit for Gissendanner, chosen as one of the team captains each of her three years as an eligible player. Her responsibilities as a captain were easily taken on as her leadership skills proved to be a positive lift to the Lady Lions.
"My responsibility is to keep this team together--making sure everyone is in their appropriate spot at the appropriate time whether it be on the court of off," said Gissendanner. "I keep everyone together on the same page. Coach Quese preaches positivity, and as a leader it's easy to listen to a coach who always has something good to say, it keeps me optimistic in all situations."
Through some frustrating games and seasons, Gissendanner has never let her team down. Gissendanner makes it apparent that this is a team sport and that staying optimistic and positive is the only way to make the game she loves worthwhile. "I have seen Kam grow a lot just over the course of this season," said Coach Washington. "She has learned how to play through frustration. She has learned how to bounce back from difficult situations as well."
"No matter what happens in a game or practice, basketball has always been fun for me," said Gissendanner. "I have always had a passion for the game. It is something that can always put me in a good mood."
As a Lady Lion, Gissendanner has been presented with numerous awards for her skill and perseverance. In 2006 and 2007, she was a Big Ten Honorable Mention winner, an award presented by both the coaches and the media. In 2007, Gissendanner was awarded the Jeannette Goss Courage award, an award given to a player in recognition of outstanding courage and overcoming adversity.
Gissendanner's selfless play and contagious enthusiasm has given her a place in Lady Lion history. On January 10, 2008, Gissendanner became the 30th player in Lady Lion history to pass the 1,000-point mark. Though she has achieved more than many, she still strives for more.
"I will always strive for more," said Gissendanner. "I know that there is much more to accomplish especially on a team level. I have been able to accomplish some things individually, but I would really like to look past the individual stuff and focus on the team aspect of the game."
Gissendanner's love for basketball is not the only thing that she loves about her sport. In playing basketball at Penn State, Gissendanner's family has grown to include her coaches and teammates.
"Some of these girls will be in my wedding one day," said Gissendanner. "They have impacted my life forever, they are my family".
With postseason play approaching, the end of Gissendanner's Lady Lion career seems to be too close, but to her she will always be a Lady Lion. Gissendanner's time at Penn State has been full of broken records, awards and life-long friendships.
"I hope that my team, fans, family and coaches remember me as a player who loved playing for Penn State," said Gissendanner. "I love putting on my blue and white uniform every game and representing the University as a whole. This team has a lot of responsibility to carry on a long held tradition of great play, and I hope that I showed these traditions respect."
With so many people supporting Gissendanner, her future looks bright no matter what path she chooses to take. Gissendanner's eyes are focused on the rest of her season with the Lady Lions, but she hopes to be selected in the WNBA Draft in April. Whether she continues basketball as a career or not, her memories at Penn State will be something to be proud of.
Before Gissendanner leaves Penn State, she has a message for her teammates to keep them strong when she is no longer there as a teammate.
"Get absolutely everything you can out of Penn State. You all have four or five years and when it is over, it is over. You will never be able to re-live these games. Take your time, love the game you play and respect each other".
"For me, it has been a great few years and an enjoyable ride".