BY SCOTT
HADDOW
With the hand Christi Bauck was dealt three years ago to start
her university basketball at Laurentian, most would have folded
and walked away from the sport forever.
Not Bauck, she kept persevering, even when the going got
tougher.
"My first three years didn't go exactly as I had planned," said
the six-foot-three athlete. "My first year, I tore my ACL...My
second year, I came back ready to go and then broke my leg.
Last year, I had to still bide my time...and continue to learn
the game at the university level. Overall, it didn't set me
back too much. My closest friends are on the team...they helped
me through it. "It wasn't a question of if I could come back,
it was a question of when. I had to do a lot of training in the
gym to rebuild muscles in my leg. I knew I was going to get
through it. It was hard, but it wasn't the quitting point for
me at all. There's no way I could give it up...basketball is a
big part of my life."
She just continued to work hard and it has paid off. Bauck is
now playing a major role for the Lady Vees this season,
establishing herself as a premiere shot blocker and overall
defensive presence.
Like most injured athletes, Bauck had a difficult time dealing
with being on the sidelines and watching her teammates go into
battle every weekend.
"I just wanting to contribute to the team, instead of being a
cheerleader was the toughest part," said the centre/forward. "I
wanted to feel more like a part of the wins and losses. It was
hard, coming in excited to play, but then having to play a
different role on the bench. I was still a part of the team,
but it was an adjustment for sure. It definitely helped me a
lot though. If anything...I learned more about basketball,
watching from a different perspective."
Being on the bench game after game wasn't all bad and has
actually given Bauck some practical experience for others.
"Because I didn't have to worry about playing time...I just
tried to learn as much as I could," said the Glenngarry native.
"It helped me grow as a player. I learned the intensity it
takes to contribute at this level. It was really good in my
eyes. Now, if other players get injured or have set backs, I
can support and help them through it. I really feel for them
because I've been there."
This season is a big year for Bauck and she's intent on making
an impact.
"I really want to contribute more this year," said the
21-year-old. "I want to be more of a team player. Coming back
from the injuries last year, I was focused on myself...saying
it's my time and turn to do this and do that. This year, I am
focused on helping the team. It's not about how my game is
going, but how the team's game is going. So far, so good. My
leg feels great and there's no lingering effects."
Bauck is an athlete who inspires and sets a prime example of
how to persevere and succeed.
"Christi works her butt off and is a total character," said
head coach Mike Clarke. "Most kids would have quit in her
situation. She never even complained. All the things coach's
preach - determination, hard work, positive attitude - she
exemplifies it all. She's the type of kid I will be telling
stories about for 10 years."
With each game, Bauck becomes stronger and more confident.
"She's in awesome shape," said the coach. "Christi is one of
our strongest and fittest kids...she can bench press
140-pounds. Last year, she was a step behind the play. Now,
she's in position and anticipates things. Her impact on the
team is far greater than what her impact has been on the court.
She's emerged as a defensive presence. I'm a little surprised
at how good she really is defensively and she's getting better
each weekend. She can shoot and runs like a deer."
Bauck could be a pivotal cog by season's end.
"Christi is ready to bust out...she's very skilled and just
needs some big performances," said Clarke. "She's on the verge
of being a very good player."
For now, Bauck will continue to set her goals high and keep
playing the game she loves.
"My motivation is the life I have established with basketball,"
said the fourth year sports psychology/concurrent education
student. "Just playing the game regularly drives me. I am
really looking forward to seeing how this season shapes
out...it could be a good one."
Bauck eventually wants to become a high school teacher and
coach basketball.
The Lady Vees play Western on Friday and Windsor on Saturday at
the Ben Avery Gymnasium at 6 pm.
