Is passion dead in sports? Is it all about the flash and ego? When was the last time you were inspired by effort, intensity and commitment? Thanks to my regular attendance at the UAF Women's basketball games I can answer these questions without thinking twice: "No, No, and the last home game."

Every time these women take to the court, you can expect energy, will and a total commitment to winning. A major part of that commitment and energy is senior Adrienne Taalak. I would list all of her awards and achievements in scoring, leadership, and as a student athlete; but if you don't know about all of that already...you need to catch yourself up.

The girl can flat out ball. Dangerous anytime the rock is in her hands, she is a threat to drive, to three, and if she gets to the line...it's automatic. I can't imagine that there is anyone who has seen her play who has not been amazed.

Earlier in the season, tragedy struck Taalak's personal life when her mom passed away. It was a sad time for everyone following the team. I'm sure that everyone who knows Taalak even a bit felt a real sorrow for her. I know I did. What most don't know is how close she came to calling it a day and hanging up her sneakers.

"That was a tough time," Taalak said, "but I had my coach there and my teammates were there for me. Still, it was very hard. I took the two weeks off, then when I came back it was immediately 100 percent basketball and school. I had to be nice to everyone, I had to catch up on classes, I had to be enthusiastic, when really I didn't always feel like being nice or happy."

I asked her how she felt about it now.

"Well, it's like I was grieving everyday with my family for two weeks then BOOM! I was full blast back into basketball and school. It's tough to know how I feel about it; I haven't had any time yet to reflect. But I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time with my family."

I asked her what the most intense moment of the season was.

"I was more pumped up for the Western Washington game that we just played; more than any other game. We really wanted to beat them. We beat them last year by like four points, which was a huge upset. We really wanted to do that again; it felt like the rivalry we have with UAA. We have a regular routine where after warm ups we huddle at mid-court, we do our cheer then go to the bench. Well, we were in the middle of the court and they came into the middle of the court at the same time. There was a lot of bumping and pushing and...everyone was really fired up for that game. It was a rough game, very physical."

The team's record (10-10, 6-5) unfortunately doesn't reflect their efforts. Constantly in need of a break, and only getting the bad variety, the playoffs are a pipe dream at this point. Four of the team's last five losses have been by four points or less. A few breaks the other way, and the playoff picture could look very different. But this is not a story about disappointing outcome.

"I really thought we would do very well this year," Taalak said, reflecting on the season. "I know that everyone says or thinks that they work the hardest in the off-season, but I really did feel that we were outworking any other team. I think we are a good team; we have really good players, and everyone contributes."

I asked her how she felt about approaching her last few games (she doesn't plan to pursue a WNBA career).

"It's hard because all my life everything was just about basketball. It was all I ever wanted to do, and all I ever thought about. In high school, all I did was play basketball all year and then go to the camps over the summer. My goal was to play college basketball. That's all I ever wanted to do and now it's almost over and I'm just like...'now what!?' I want to finish school but I don't have any other goals, or hobbies, or anything. It'll be weird. I'm gonna miss Gonzo's voice (the MC at the Patty Center)."

The final four home games are all at the Patty Center: Feb. 17 at 6 p.m., Feb. 19 at 2 p.m., March 3 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3 p.m. March 5 is senior night.

Comment on this story...