Fresno State Athletics
Persevering and Playing
2/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 20, 2001
by Brian Risso, Fresno State Media Relations
It would be a definite understatement for someone to say that Bulldog senior Laura Paukert has had to overcome a few obstacles in her career.
The sixth-year senior graduated last May with a bachelor's degree in mass communication and journalism. Rather than looking for that first big job after school, she petitioned the NCAA for another season of eligibility and was granted her request. Paukert clearly was thankful for the reprieve, and is enrolled in the master's program.
"I'm very, very thankful for this opportunity to get another year of school," Paukert said. "How can you say no to that?"
One could see why Paukert would not. The 5-foot-7 guard will tell you she's just excited to be on the court and making a contribution. Paukert was a medical redshirt during the 1996-97 campaign due to a severe case of mononucleosis. Although she managed to miss only three days of school while she had the illness, she spent the majority of the next three weeks in bed and even made a few trips to the hospital.
"I came into that season with probably more confidence than I ever had. I was ready to play. When I found out I was sick, it was such a big letdown."
As if it couldn't get any worse, she was forced to sit out all of last year after suffering a ruptured ACL in the preseason.
"I was definitely a little frustrated, because I was hoping that would have been my senior season," said Paukert, the only upperclassmen on the Bulldog's young squad. "It's very frustrating sitting on the bench. Who would have thought I'd be sitting on the sidelines every single day of my senior year?"
Perhaps one of the biggest transitions Paukert has had to make was the move from her hometown, Rochester, Minn., to Fresno. While she may have been somewhat apprehensive at first, she has made the tough adjustment and continues to impress coaches and teammates with her work ethic and leadership.
"I was scared and apprehensive about coming all the way out here," acknowledged Paukert. "Everyone knows how close I am to my family, but I am also a very independent person and knew it was time to make a decision. The opportunity to play Division 1 sports was a dream come true for me. Not many people get this sort of chance and I want to do well with what I have been given."
Paukert has been a reliable performer in the Fresno State lineup thus far this season. After starting the first three games of the year, she has come off the bench in each game since and provided much-needed defense and scoring punch. Entering the Bulldog's contest at Hawaii on Feb. 9, Paukert was averaging 4.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. She strung together her best two-game sequence of the season against Hawaii and San Jose State two weeks ago, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Her 14 points against the Wahine, including four three-pointers, were a season high. Paukert has played in 96 games in her Fresno State career, starting in 45 of those contests, with respectable numbers (4.6 points per game, 2.7 boards per game, 1.5 assists per game).
The senior guard has had to assume a leadership role on a squad loaded with underclassmen. As of Feb. 6, Fresno State had posted an 8-13 overall record (4-5 in the Western Athletic Conference) with seven games left to play. The Bulldogs still have a shot at a WAC Championship, although the chances of that are remote. Still, Paukert and the rest of Britt King's young squad are determined to finish strongly.
"I see this team improving over our last two teams since I've been here," said King. "Every year, you want to show some improvement. My first year, we won nine. Last year, we won 11. Our goal is to work hard, work together as a team and improve as every day goes by."
Paukert echoed her coaches' thoughts.
"I wouldn't have come back if I didn't think we were going to have a great season," explained Paukert.
Looking back at everything Paukert has had to overcome, one has to believe this statement to be true.
