Written by Louis Fernandez from WRAL Sports.

Everyone needs a reason to celebrate. Senior at Duke.Anu Aggarwal found it in Duke women’s basketball.

She stated that women engaging in basketball had an incredibly powerful impact on her.

Ever since her second year of college, Aggarwal has attended almost every home game possible. Her goal is to increase support for the team and elevate Duke’s identity beyond solely a men’s basketball-centric school.

very often our student section is sparsely populated compared to the men’s basketball games, howeverbrightside
“Those present truly have a genuine desire to be here,” Aggarwal remarked. “One can easily sense the genuine enthusiasm from people for backing this team.”

In addition to attending games, how can you demonstrate your support and admiration for a team you closely follow? Despite the potential for a cheesy joke, Aggarwal noticed multiple signs – the ones she had created.

The initial symbol we created is called Vanessa.de Jesus, I was like Vanessa de Je

“She exclaimed with a nervous grin. “It may sound foolish, but she truly admired the sign, guys!”

Aggarwal takes great pride in his puns.

• Olu-Chi Town
• Delay-Up Thomas

• Join JD’s Party Bash (featuring a festive hat and bright confetti).

Naturally, Aggarwal

Invites Marie Cheng’s friends to attend games.

Cheng chuckled as he reflected, “Being a sports fan was never something I envisioned for myself. Whenever someone asked if I was going to the game this weekend, I would respond with, ‘Do I seem like someone who would go to the game this weekend?'”

However, it has now become a significant aspect of her senior year.

“This semester, I’ve been proud to have incorporated it as part of my identity.”

During the day, the individual was a computer science major, but at night, they pursued their passion for art. Together, they came up with an idea.

Cheng stated, “I am creating a portrait for one of our beloved players.”

Taina Mair, a second-year guard, was enamored with the sign and decided to keep it. Despite receiving requests, the signs persisted.

According to Aggarwal, Coach (Kara) Lawson requested for us to create a sign for her.

“I persuaded them to make me a sign,” head coach Kara Lawson stated. “I informed them that I have eagerly been anticipating to walk out with one in every game!”

Aggarwal chuckled as we needed to create a sign for her after she called us out.

Aggarwal,

This Duke women’s basketball team is inclusive for Cheng and many others.

Cheng stated, “I witnessed the happiness it brought to others, and I yearned to be a part of it.”

Aggarwal expressed that the atmosphere is welcoming and comforting. She also acknowledged the great effort put into creating this community and believes the saying “if you build it, they will come” applies as it is gaining more momentum.

There is validity to the statement that it’s not just a mere feeling. The February 11th home game versus rival UNC was completely sold out. Duke notes that this was only the 21st instance in their program’s history, and only the second time under Lawson’s leadership. After finishing last season with a record of 26-7, Duke currently stands at 19-10 going into the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, NC. Although they haven’t won the conference tournament since 2013, Duke has shown this season that they are capable of competing and defeating top teams with impressive wins against Virginia Tech, NC State, and Syracuse.

Lawson stated that she believes the public has developed strong affection for this team. She also noted that those who have been following the team from the beginning would have witnessed their youth and inexperience, and would have seen them evolve over time.

“I believe the variety of experiences this season has offered is what makes sports appealing to people. It takes you on a journey,” stated Lawson.

As the playoffs are just commencing, these fans are eagerly anticipating a lengthy and successful journey.

Source: wralsportsfan.com