Fresno State Athletics
Strange inducted into Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame
7/1/2020 1:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – Regarded as one of the best players to come out of the Northern Colorado women's basketball program, Fresno State's Director of Basketball Operations, D'Shara Strange, was inducted to the Bears' Hall of Fame earlier this week.
"Being inducted into the University of Northern Colorado's Hall of Fame was never something I envisioned, so to be able to accomplish this feat is incredibly humbling," Strange said. "It's a testament that hard work pays off. To be recognized as being a 'groundbreaker' for UNC is a tremendous honor and I'm extremely proud to be a part of its long-standing tradition and legacy."
Recruited by, and then playing under current Fresno State head coach Jaime White for most of her career, Strange was a dynamic player who helped a program, which transitioned to Division I in 2006, to quickly become one of the best in the Big Sky Conference. Strange started from moment she stepped on campus in 2010. Her contributions did not go unnoticed as she was unanimously named the league's Freshman of the Year as the Bears, which had finished no better than .500 in its first three seasons in the Big Sky, finished 12-4 and were co-champions. During Strange's next three full seasons on the court (missed 2013-14), the Bears won at least 20 games and played in the WNIT.
In each of her four seasons in a Bears uniform, Strange collected one of the Big Sky's postseason awards, with Freshman of the Year in 2011, Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and earning Player of the Year in 2015. She was also selected first-team All-Big Sky during her last three seasons after an honorable mention as a freshman. Her name is littered throughout Northern Colorado's record book as she still holds career records for field goals made (704), free throws made (444), rebounds (1,039), steals (346), games played (132) and games started (130) while sitting second in points (1,891) and seventh in assists (325). Her 346 steals remain the most in a career in Big Sky history. Strange holds the distinction of being the only player in Northern Colorado history to finish a career with at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
"It's hard to believe a decade has passed since I first stepped foot on UNC's campus," Strange said. "I learned so many lessons and much about myself. I am forever grateful for my experience and the relationships created at UNC. Both have played a vital role in shaping the woman I am today. When the news was announced the outpouring of love and support was heartwarming; a reflection of the University of Northern Colorado and the Greeley community as a whole. I'm forever proud to be a Bear."
Following her collegiate career, Strange played two years professionally in Europe before returning to the States to pursue her career in coaching. This season, she rejoined her former coach's staff in Fresno.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram: fresnostwbb
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
"Being inducted into the University of Northern Colorado's Hall of Fame was never something I envisioned, so to be able to accomplish this feat is incredibly humbling," Strange said. "It's a testament that hard work pays off. To be recognized as being a 'groundbreaker' for UNC is a tremendous honor and I'm extremely proud to be a part of its long-standing tradition and legacy."
Recruited by, and then playing under current Fresno State head coach Jaime White for most of her career, Strange was a dynamic player who helped a program, which transitioned to Division I in 2006, to quickly become one of the best in the Big Sky Conference. Strange started from moment she stepped on campus in 2010. Her contributions did not go unnoticed as she was unanimously named the league's Freshman of the Year as the Bears, which had finished no better than .500 in its first three seasons in the Big Sky, finished 12-4 and were co-champions. During Strange's next three full seasons on the court (missed 2013-14), the Bears won at least 20 games and played in the WNIT.
In each of her four seasons in a Bears uniform, Strange collected one of the Big Sky's postseason awards, with Freshman of the Year in 2011, Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and earning Player of the Year in 2015. She was also selected first-team All-Big Sky during her last three seasons after an honorable mention as a freshman. Her name is littered throughout Northern Colorado's record book as she still holds career records for field goals made (704), free throws made (444), rebounds (1,039), steals (346), games played (132) and games started (130) while sitting second in points (1,891) and seventh in assists (325). Her 346 steals remain the most in a career in Big Sky history. Strange holds the distinction of being the only player in Northern Colorado history to finish a career with at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
"It's hard to believe a decade has passed since I first stepped foot on UNC's campus," Strange said. "I learned so many lessons and much about myself. I am forever grateful for my experience and the relationships created at UNC. Both have played a vital role in shaping the woman I am today. When the news was announced the outpouring of love and support was heartwarming; a reflection of the University of Northern Colorado and the Greeley community as a whole. I'm forever proud to be a Bear."
Following her collegiate career, Strange played two years professionally in Europe before returning to the States to pursue her career in coaching. This season, she rejoined her former coach's staff in Fresno.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram: fresnostwbb
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
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