Lightbourne commits to Rider
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- May
- 11
After a long recovery process from a torn ACL and a few worrisome moments, Shereen Lightbourne has found a college destination — and it is in Division I.
The Hamilton star committed to Rider University in New Jersey. She will sign her letter of intent at some point this week.
You can read the release about it on the Rider website.
“It means a lot,” Lightbourne told me today. “I’ve been through everything possible. My dad and my family were basically the only ones there for me. They helped me through everything. Physical therapy. My dad and my family, they didn’t give up on me like others may have. And I believed in myself.”
As you know, Lightbourne tore her ACL during her junior season. She missed the entire spring and summer tournament circuit with her AAU team, New Heights, before returning for a couple showcase tournaments this fall. It cost her the opportunity to be seen by colleges, and almost sacrificed her chance to land on a Division I roster.
Lightbourne committed to Rider last week after making an offical visit there. She canceled an official visit to St. Peter’s and an unofficial to Manhattan. Rider’s offer of a full scholarship was what she had hoped for.
Some coaches suggested she attend prep school, but Lightbourne viewed that move as a potential step back. She also applied to four schools — Seton Hall, VCU, Hartford and NJIT — in case something opened up there this spring.
I asked Shereen if she’s excited to prove herself in college, knowing she can flourish in the future once she’s 100 percent.
“I’m very excited to play and show the way I can play,” Lightbourne said. “Playing at a small school you don’t get the same exposure. … I really want to prove myself. Not to anyone else, but for my own benefit.”
This entry was posted
on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm by Josh Thomson. 
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Josh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. Away from sportswriting, Josh lives in Westchester and spends his free time either with his fiancee, Sarah, or expertly managing his various championship-winning fantasy sports teams. He's visited 21 major-league baseball stadiums and insists that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the best by far. Josh graduated from Carmel High School in 1998, then went to Boston University, where, in 2002, he received a degree in communications with a minor in history.
Can you post the leagues the girls will play in for the 2009-2010 season?
Is Ossioning with Haldane?
JOSH, WHAT COLLEGE WILL BIANCA KOWGIOS BE PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR?
Dear Leagues,
It’s all based on “geography.” Obviously, not based on school size or the ability to compete.
Here you go:
Peekskill
Ossining
Hen Hud
Croton-Harmon
Putnam Valley
Congrats Shereen
Go show em what you can do when healthy
Shreene I love yu
Congrats girl… yayyyy!
Do ya thing im sure you will.
Im so proud of yu.
Congrats to the lightbourne fam.
Shereen!
I am so happy for you! Congrats for representing your school~~~BUT especially your FAMILY and most importantly YOURSELF. I am not surprised that you overcame a physical issue and are accomplishing your goal of playing ball on the higher level. You come from a solid family that has always supported you. Keep up the great work.
Sherren—-just know that now ball is different. Not everyone knows the hard work D1 ball requires. Seek academic help if/when needed and keep ball as the 2nd reason you’re at Rider;the first is to get your DEGREE.
Say hello to the family and remember the COOLEST coach you ever had/will have~~~~ME!!! (smile)
Coach Harris
ptown,
who is in haldanes league?
Shereen,
I am so happy for you,congratulations you are such an inspiration to all female athletes in this area.Hard work, the support of family,determination and belief in oneself paid off I wish you much success at Rider.You are a true athlete.