Husky Seniors Reflect on Time at Washington
2/20/2020
Sunday's game will be the final home game for three Washington seniors: GiGi Garcia, Mai-Loni Henson and Amber Melgoza. The trio took a few minutes this week to look back on their time at UW and share some advice to those coming behind them.
What was your favorite memory of your time with the basketball program?
GiGi - I don’t think I can pinpoint a specific favorite memory but the road to the Sweet 16 (my freshman year) was definitely memorable and set the tone of the success I hoped to experience throughout college.
Mai-Loni - My favorite memory is our Pac-12 tournament run last year. Watching videos of Missy hitting the game-winner still gives me chills! I was in complete awe in that moment and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Amber - My favorite memory was making our run last year in the Pac-12 Tournament, especially beating Oregon State on Missy's buzzer beater.
What was your favorite memory at the University of Washington?
GiGi - My favorite memory would have to be when the entire team surprised me with a birthday party for my 21st.
Amber - My freshmen year, we got to go to Australia and visit Brisbane, Sydney, and Cairns. When we went to Cairns, we snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef. Also, sledding down the hill at Gasworks Park during the snowstorm with Mai-Loni and Gigi.
What is your favorite thing about being a Husky?
GiGi - My favorite thing about being a Husky is just that: I am a Husky. There is so much pride that comes with that title, and it can never be taken away from me.
Mai-Loni - My favorite thing about being a Husky is earning a degree from such a prestigious school like the University of Washington.
Amber - My favorite thing is the family atmosphere here. It begins when you’re a freshman and just grows stronger and stronger while you are here and beyond! I'm also pround of the opportunities that I have in front of me every day and after college.
What is the funniest story you can tell involving a teammate?
GiGi - During the season, our teammate Rita Pleskevich had her boyfriend visiting during his winter break. When it was time for him to leave, our coaches had him shoot a half-court shot as a goodbye to us all. Since he was a soccer player and not a basketball player, he missed over and over again. Right as he shot his last shot I yelled out, “If you make this Rita will marry you!!” He made the shot and everyone in the gym went crazy.
What would you say is the most important thing you will take from your time with the basketball program?
GiGi - It’s hard to put this answer into words, but I think the most important thing I will take from this basketball program is that my strength is undeniable. I have overcome adversity throughout this whole experience, and ultimately have come out on top.
Mai-Loni - The most important thing is being successful as both an athlete and as a student. We are a very special community that takes pride in working hard and perfecting our craft, but at the same time growing as individuals. Being able to juggle the rigorous schedule as an athlete and also earn a degree from UW is a very important skill that can transfer over to the real world.
Amber - The forever sister bond you make with your teammates and the passion and determination that will carry on to your time after college.
What are you planning on doing after basketball?
GiGi - I plan on being successful. I want to be a successful woman, daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, business woman, etc. I want to work to be great at whatever I am involved in.
Mai-Loni - I plan on going back to school and earning a Nursing degree! I want to be a labor and delivery nurse and maybe do some modeling or broadcasting on the side.
Amber - I plan to play professional basketball and continue my career.
What is your advice to next year's senior class?
GiGi - Be the leaders I know you can be.
Mai-Loni - HAVE FUN! It goes by quicker than you think, so take in every moment of it and enjoy it!
Amber - Take every moment in: it goes by very fast! ALWAYS give your all in everything you have and make the most out of it.
What is your advice to all the little girls out there that could be future Huskies?
GiGi - Have the want and fight to be great at whatever you do.
Mai-Loni - Never stop dreaming no matter the adversity or obstacles you have to go through! The sacrifices will eventually pay off so stay the course, stay motivated, never give up!
Amber - Always push yourself each day to get better. Step outside your comfort zone and make new friends outside of sports and enjoy the ride!
