Dear Washington: Darcy Rees
6/5/2023
A letter to UW written by Washington Women's Basketball senior Darcy Rees
Dear Washington,
Five years ago, I traveled across the world to pursue a dream I didn’t know I had. College sports were a foreign concept, I thought Washington was D.C., and my only reference for Seattle was a movie I had never seen. I came for the basketball, for the crowds, the team, the conference, and simply to play the sport I loved, yet as I reflect on my time at UW these things capture only a small portion of my experience. I didn’t come for a global pandemic, a coaching change, countless injuries, oh and a few screws holding my dreams together. Yet, without these obstacles I would not be the person I am today. It was because of my obstacles that I found leadership, that I am your 2022-23 WSAAC President, Pac-12 SAAC member, and Pac-12 SALT representative. These roles have taught me how to create meaningful change and use my voice to impact others. It was because of my identity as an International Student-Athlete that I fought to create Global Pack, which is now a fully functioning group with a budget and executive team. These groups are not simply notes on my resume, they have allowed me to gain lifelong friendships with like-minded people, allowed me to travel and have a seat at some of the most influential tables in the Pac-12 governance, and most importantly they have allowed me to create tangible change in areas I care deeply about, especially student-athlete mental health.
It was because of my identity as an International Student-Athlete that I fought to create Global Pack, which is now a fully functioning group with a budget and executive team.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the program that afforded me these unbelievable experiences. UW Women’s Basketball has given me friends that are now family, and memories that I will cherish forever. Traveling to Italy or Puerto Rico, playing in front of sold-out crowds, locker-room dances, team dinners, private planes… I could spend hours recounting the love I have for this program and the opportunities it provided me. I am proud to have my name listed among the greatest UW alumni in the WBB record book, yet I am even more proud that I will leave this institution knowing I am more than simply a shooting percentage or minutes played, a vital lesson as I move to a professional basketball career.
I could spend hours recounting the love I have for this program and the opportunities it provided me.
In a few short days I will walk across the stage at graduation, my resume filled with notes of Dean’s lists, leadership credentials and GPA awards, yet none of these achievements shed light on my real accomplishments here at the University of Washington. While not always visible on paper, it has been the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today and have allowed me to leave a lasting impact on this institution. As I step off the court at Hec Ed for one last time, I am proud of the strong, independent individual I have become, and the unwavering passion I have to speak up and bring positive change to each and every individual I meet.
Now and forever - GO DAWGS!
Darcy Rees