BY CHLOE TELLER Sharn Hayward dodges a defender then sinks one of her impressive eleven three-pointers.
Her electrifying performance on Jan. 15. illuminated the basketball court and gained her both national and local media coverage from ESPN and Fox 25.
In the highlight reel, viewers could see as she took the ball up and got into position behind the three-point line. Each time, after the swoosh, Hayward ran back for defensive coverage, among the cheers of encouragement from her teammates and coaches.
Coach Trisha Brown was on the sidelines, repeating two words. "KEEP SHOOTING!"
Hailing from Penguin, Tasmania, the junior guard left an unforgettable mark on the Stonehill women's basketball game against Wagner College.
Hayward's accuracy from beyond the arc, as she drained 11 three-pointers, demonstrated her proficiency in long-range shooting but also set a record for her individual points in a single game, as well as claiming a school record.
Hayward modestly attributed her success to her team's support, emphasizing her focus on securing the win above personal achievements.
“To be honest I was just so focused on getting the win that I didn’t realize how well I was shooting the ball in the moment. My teammates and coaches were so supportive, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Hayward said.
Her coach said Hayward inspired everyone on the team.
“When a player is having that kind of a shooting night, everyone gets on board. Her teammates did a great job of getting her the ball in position to score. It was so fun to watch, and we are all so happy that she got recognized on the local and national level (ESPN) for that kind of phenomenal performance,” said Brown.
Hayward's shooting power was evident in her impressive 11-15 record from the three-point range, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her efficiency. The consistent success in making three-pointers throughout the game undoubtedly played a role in contributing to her team's success, the Skyhawks winning 67-44.
“The most memorable moment in the game for me was at the end of the game when all my teammates ran over to me to celebrate. Brooke was the first to get over to me and gave me a huge hug which was very special. Another moment would have to be in the locker room when Coach told me I had broken the school record, I had no idea that had happened, and all my teammates celebrated with me which is something I will always remember,” Hayward said.
As news of Hayward's game spread, it brought attention not only to her individual talent but to the competitiveness that women's basketball offers.
“I didn’t see that I had been featured on SportsCenter until the next morning, Coach had put it in our team group chat which was where I first saw it and I was just in shock. It was overwhelming the amount of support I received from the college community and people from home, then to be recognized on SportsCenter was just so amazing,” said Hayward.
Brown said Hayward was outstanding from her start at Stonehill.
“From the minute she arrived on campus, Sharn has brought the same outstanding work ethic and unselfish attitude to everything she does. With the added responsibility of the point guard role, Sharn has improved each day at understanding how to manage being that floor leader. Her confidence in her own game, at both ends of the floor, has improved as well,” said Brown.
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