By Quincy Fuehne

The Quincy University women’s basketball team has kicked off its 2018-2019 season. The team started the season with a record of 3-6 so far, but have a ways to go.

Their next game is on December 17 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.

The backbone of the team includes sophomore manager Tracy Hanson, a sports management major from Eagle River, AK.

Growing up, Hanson could be found on the softball field as the catcher. While Hanson never played organized basketball, she recognized the impact athletics has on QU’s campus.

As a sports management major, Hanson took it upon herself to find a position as a manager. Lucky for her, the women’s basketball team had an opening.

Hanson does it all. Her goal is to make practice and game day a little easier and less stressful for coaches and players.

“She does a lot of the little things that go on behind the scenes of everything we do allowing for things to run a little smoother,” Jess Merino, junior guard, said.

Although a lot of her work is behind the scenes, players and coaches say her actions do not go unnoticed.

“Every once in a while one of the players or coaches will say something to me like, ‘why are you so good to us’, and that’s just something really awesome and makes me feel like I am doing a great job,” Hanson said. “Knowing that I’m helping them out in the little way I can is the greatest reward.”

Hanson’s duties vary depending on the day. During practice she can be found doing laundry or running the clock. Every once in a while she gets to step out on the court and help out during a drill.

Game day comes with more responsibilities. Hanson ensures the players have water bottles filled and that the camera is set up to record the game.

Anything the players or coaches ask for, Hanson tries to get done quickly.

“I try to make life easier for them, so all they have to worry about is playing basketball,” Hanson said.

For Hanson, it is all about being a part of the team. She find great joy in their successes and loves to see them win.

She has also made lifelong friendships with this gig.

One of the hardest parts for Hanson is seeing the team lose.

“It’s just hard because all I can do is watch. I can’t go out there and help them,” Hanson said.

Hanson tries to give her team advice and support in these situations. This can make a huge difference for the team.

“Tracy really offers another important point-of-view to the team,” Merino said. “She may see things going on within the team, whether it’s practice or games, that we may not see from our perspective.”

When Hanson isn’t helping out the team, you can find her cheering on the St. Louis Blues or the St. Louis Cardinals, depending on the season.

Hanson suggests other managers, or people who may be interested, to take pride in their work and enjoy it, but also work hard without being told.

“Always try to get everything done without being asked,” Hanson expressed. “The coaches shouldn’t have to worry about if their manager is doing what they’re supposed to. They’ve got a lot on their plates already.”

During the games, you can often find Hanson sitting at the end of the Hawks’ bench cheering the team on to victory.