As Caroline Stedman’s career as part of the Amherst College Women’s Basketball Program draws to a close, one can’t help but be impressed with what she has accomplished. After graduating in the top of her class and excelling on not only one, but three sports teams of which she was captain, Caroline applied and was accepted to Amherst College. Caroline saw Amherst as a place where she could excel, both academically and athletically. Clearly, she made the right choice, as Amherst is one of the top colleges in the country.
Despite the fact that she did not start a single game her freshman year, Caroline showed her outstanding skills every time she was out on the court. Even though she only played about ten minutes a game, Caroline still put up an average of 2.2 points and 1 rebound per game. She showed her skills and desire to play, despite her minutes of play time being few and far apart. It was in her sophomore year that Caroline was able to put her talent on display for the world to see. She started all 33 games of the season, averaging 12.3 points and a career high 4.1 reboundst per game. Her skills did not go unnoticed, earning her All-NESCAC First Team honors; the title of NESCAC Player of the Year; First Team All-Region or All-District by the WBCA, D3hoops.com, and the ECAC; and Regional Player of the Year for D3hoops.com and the ECAC. However, this was only the beginning to Caroline’s illustrious career at Amherst.
During her junior year, despite an injury marred regular season, Caroline once again stepped up as the leader for the Amherst team. This time she led them all the way to Amherst’s first ever women’s basketball national championship.
Caroline not only led the team in scoring, but also acted as the emotional leader for the team throughout the entire season. She was named to the All-Tournament Team, and also earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the tournament.
Now, at the end of her senior year, Caroline can walk away with a smile on her face… and a championship, numerous first team honors, multiple Player of the Year awards, and a nomination for the prestigious Division III Athlete of the Year honor, which will be decided in June. Earlier this month, Caroline traveled to Denver were she was named National Player of the Year. But Caroline’s excellence doesn’t just occur on the court; her commitment to community service and athletic excellence made her a finalist for the prestigious Jostens Trophy. What is amazing is that she can do all this while getting an education from one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in The United States. Not only is she challenged on the hardwood, but is challeneged in the classroom – and she succeeds at both. She will graduate this May with a double major in spanish and economics. Caroline’s excellence has inspired both her classmates and coaches, past and present. “‘Steddy’ is why I coach”, said Stacy Bilodeau, the current coach of Walpole Highs Girls Basketball team. “She is truly an amazing kid who works extremely hard at everything she does”.
Amherst has been one of the most dominant teams in Division III sports for the past four years, and Stedman has been at the forefront of that success. Not only does she have numerous awards from her years on the team, she also has her name written throughout the record books. And now, her name ( or at least her jersey) will grace the walls of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor usaully reserved for those who go on to play in the WNBA or coach at the professional or collegiate level.
Caroline’s incredible success is not a result of her natural skills, although she has plenty; rather, her hunger to succeed. Her drive and determination is an inspiration for all those looking to get ahead, both on and off the court.
