Although in her first year with the program transferring from Northern Oklahoma, Holly Hardin has learned quickly what it takes to compete for the Oklahoma City University women’s basketball program.
Hardin, a 6-foot junior from Chickasha, Okla., averages 13.5 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Stars, ranking her 15th in the NAIA total rebounds. She is also ranked fifth nationally in field-goal percentage shooting 60.8 percent.
OCU is currently ranked second in the NAIA in field-goal percentage, rebounding average at 46.2 per game and first in assists with 22.7 per game.
“I always think that there is room for improvement,” said Hardin. “I am always pushing to get better. If I’m shooting 60 percent, then I want to be shooting 75 percent from the field.”
Hardin has been in a leadership role for the team since the beginning of the season, leading the team’s scoring average as well as the team’s defense in rebounds, blocked shots and steals.
“I came to OCU hoping to be able to contribute to the team and the success of the program,” Hardin said. “I think I have naturally fallen into the role that I play on the team. I know the team will be looking for my points and rebounds. I don’t want to let my team down, so it is important for me to keep getting better.”
OCU is currently ranked seventh in the NAIA and in a second-place tie for the Sooner Athletic Conference.
“As a team we are going to keep getting better,” said Hardin. “We have gone back to the basics and to what has worked for us in the past. We are all on the same page and working towards that national championship. We want to bring home another national championship for OCU.”
More on Holly:
Greatest athlete of all time: Michael Jordan
Favorite team: Boston Celtics
Reality show I want to be on: The Bachelorette
My worst fear: Snakes
Favorite candy: Reese’s
