A dynasty, loosely defined is a succession of power, particularly from one family or group. In sports, a dynasty can be created by a lengthy stretch of dominance by one team. There is one dynasty in particular that has won their conference title a league record 6 consecutive times. This would, of course, be the University at Albany Women's Basketball team. Albany did not have much success, if any, until the 2012 season, when coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson led Albany to their first ever NCAA tournament berth. From there the Danes would not look back, ripping off 6 straight conference tournament titles, leading to 6 straight NCAA tournament bids. This season, they draw the difficult task of being the first team since 2014 to defeat the UConn Huskies. This will prove to be a VERY difficult task as the Albany Great Danes are facing the juggernaut without Shereesha Richards, the all time programs leading scorer with over 2400 points and 1000 rebounds, and under first year head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee.
Despite not having the incredible play of Richards, or the guidance of Abrahamson-Henderson, The Great Danes will have 10 of their 13 players able to return next season. To have 10 players who have never lost a conference tournament, and who will all be presumably returning, is huge. While that might not help them this year as they take on the Goliath in Storrs, Connecticut, it will surely help when they return to playing America East opponents next year.
But it doesn't stop there. The Great Danes have another chance to make history on Saturday in trying to become the first team in 108 games to beat the UConn Huskies. While this outcome is HIGHLY unlikely, this is the time of year in which those who don't believe in miracles do acknowledge that crazy, unthinkable things can in fact happen.
Although nobody outside of the Albany team thinks they even have a chance to win their first round matchup against the Huskies, us Great Dane fans sincerely hope that we are wrong. 6 years, 6 tournaments, and a chance at an unthinkable history. That is why the 2017 University at Albany Women's Basketball team is our very first ever, Women Crushed Wednesday!
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