Tech women's basketball seniors leave tremendous legacy
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Time flies by quickly. In such a short amount of time, so many things happen. Highlights, adversity, change – all of that and more. following Tennessee Tech women’s basketball’s game against UT Martin, the five senior members of the Golden Eagle roster – sixth-year senior Jordan Brock, Jada Guinn, D.J. McFarlane, Maaliya Owens and manager Ben Trosper – will be honored as the team holds its Senior Day festivities. This group has led the Golden Eagles to 98 victories across six seasons, guiding Tech to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship game in 2021-22, a second-place finish in the regular season and two postseason appearances with the WBI in 2019 and the WNIT in 2022.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Time flies by quickly. In such a short amount of time, so many things happen. Highlights, adversity, change – all of that and more.
following Tennessee Tech women's basketball's game Saturday against UT Martin, the five senior members of the Golden Eagle roster – sixth-year senior Jordan Brock, Jada Guinn, DJ McFarlane, Maaliya Owens and manager Ben Trosper – will be honored as the team holds its Senior Day festivities.
This group has led the Golden Eagles to 98 victories across six seasons, guiding Tech to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship game in 2021-22, a second-place finish in the regular season and two postseason appearances with the WBI in 2019 and the WNIT in 2022.
The four players have combined for 3,277 points, 1,078 rebounds, 761 assists, 330 steals and 95 blocks. This senior group will also be the first to lead Tech to double-digit victories in the OVC for the fifth straight season since 2001-02.
A prolific shooter, Brock has long been the Golden Eagles' career record holder in 3-pointers, topping assistant coach Allison Clark's numbers back on Jan. 7, 2021, as she hit her 226th career trey. She's added more than a few since – coming into this week with 294 made 3-pointers in 843 career attempts.
Brock will end the 2022-23 campaign ranking fourth in Ohio Valley Conference history in 3-pointers made and attempted. During her record-breaking career, she has led the Golden Eagles in scoring two separate seasons (2019, 2021), and she was rewarded for her efforts with All-OVC honors following both seasons.
To date, she has scored 1,466 points – which ranks 15th all-time in program history and, on her current pace, could climb as high as 12th if she reaches 1,500 points.
Brock deferred attending occupation therapy school to return for a fifth season in the spring of 2021. The following November, she tore her ACL one week before the season began.
The injury, while disappointing and heartbreaking at the time, put Brock on a course to return for a rare sixth season as well as being a catalyst to change her future profession from therapist to coach. Brock was recently selected to represent Tennessee Tech at the prestigious Women's Basketball Coaches Association "So You Want to Be A Coach" program which will be held during the Women's Final Four.
"You spend every day with the same people, your team, your coaches," Brock said. "I know I'm going to miss the relationships and the memories I've made with these girls. Obviously I've been here a long time, so I'm going to miss the coaches and being around the atmosphere every day, the laughter and enjoyment."
"I'm very grateful for my time at Tennessee Tech and what the coaches have put into me to make me a better person," Brock said. "I'm a completely different person than I was six years ago, but I'm really excited about this new chapter. Obviously, basketball is not getting out of my life, but I'm really going to miss my time at Tech."
Her favorite memory in the Purple and Gold makes a lot of sense, considering how big of a role Brock played.
"When Coach Rosamond got her 100th career win (at Lindenwood on December 31), that meant a lot to me because I had been part of 90 of those. We've been here together almost the entire time, so that was really special to be a part of."
Incredibly, Rosamond has only spent one season at Tech without the Harlan, Ky., native on the sidelines.
"Jordan Brock bleeds purple and gold," Rosamond said. "She loves this program, and she has given so much back to this program. I don't take for granted she chose to come back for not only a fifth year, but also a sixth year. Her story is a unique one, and her perseverance, resiliency and commitment are undeniable. Jordan was part of our staff's first recruiting class. She and I have been through some lows and a lot of highs together, and it is super special to me that she has been part of all but 10 wins since our staff arrived at Tech."
"Jordan has scored nearly 1,500 points, broke Coach Alli's 3-point record, and had a storybook career. I will never forget all she has done for this program on and off the court, and how she's helped put it back on the map. J will leave her mark on the record books, but she will also leave her mark on the hearts of the TTU family with the way she has invested in her team, her school, and her community."
The "Silent Assassin" as Coach Rosamond affectionately refers to her, Guinn has proven to be one of Tech's most versatile players in recent memory for the Golden Eagles. Earlier this season, she became one of six Tennessee Tech players all-time to record more than 750 points, more than 500 rebounds, more than 300 assists and more than 125 steals, joining Tech Sports Hall of Famers Janet Holt, Pam Chambers, Tacarra Hayes, Chris Moye and Cecilia Ramsey.
With 886 points in her career coming into her final home game, Guinn ranks 12th in program history in assists with 360 and could jump into the top 10 by season's close – needing just nine to tie Tammy Burton at 369 in 10th. Guinn also ranks 12th in career steals with 163, needing 19 to tie Barbara Dam in 10th. She is also just outside the top 20 in rebounds with 564 – 11 will tie her for 20th.
"I'm going to miss the family-like environment at Tech," she said. "The coaches don't just care about you as a player, but truly as a person. They've continuously poured into me and I'm grateful for everything they've put into me as a person that I'll take with me outside of basketball."
Big wins are always among their favorite memories and there's a few big ones that Guinn treasures.
"Beating Belmont was big," she said. "Winning at Murray State (when Guinn scored a then-career-high 20 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double) was a very big game, so probably one of those two."
With some incredible numbers over the years, Guinn has certainly been a major contributor over the last four years. However, it appears she has saved the best for last as she stands as the team's second-leading scorer, shooting nearly 60-percent from the floor, while leading the team in assists and steals. She leads the OVC in field goal percentage, shooting a blistering 65-percent from the floor in conference play.
"I don't really focus on the stats or anything like that," Guinn said. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to come here and all the accomplishments that come with that. It's humbling to be a part of something that has history like this – we're one of 23 teams that have won 1,000 games in Division I. I'm grateful to be a part of that tradition and continue to add to that while we're here."
Rosamond has always maintained that Guinn had the ability to be one of the best players in the OVC, and the Oak Ridge native has left no doubt in her senior season.
"Jada is proving this season what we have known for some time—she is the best point guard in the OVC." Rosamond said. "Jada affects the game in so many ways. Most days, she does it in such a calm, quiet way. She's has been a walking 'stat stuffer' over the last several seasons, and she has helped elevate this program in many ways. It's been fun to watch her confidence grow and watch her blossom both on and off the court this season. To have a player record that many points, rebounds, assists and steals in a career is pretty special and a rare accomplishment. I could go on and on about the player she is, but Jada is also a phenomenal young woman who has impacted this program in so many positive ways. She has been a model student, outstanding player, and all-around great teammate."
McFarlane has been an inspiring presence for the Golden Eagles, putting in countless hours in practice and helping the team prepare for its next opponents. An exceptional student with multiple appearances on the Tech Athletic Director's and OVC Commissioner's Honor Rolls, McFarlane has also been a visible and welcoming presence in the team's community service endeavors, bringing positive attitudes and joy to the Golden Eagle lineup and everyone she touches each day, which led to her selection as Tech's Unsung Leader award-winner this past November.
"I'm going to miss my teammates," she said. "I'm going to miss the fans as I've met some really good people and they've changed my life in so many aspects. I'm just going to miss the community as a whole.
"My teammates have been there for me in some of the lowest points in my life. Coach Rose has been there for me, Coach Alli, Coach Walls. Whenever things go bad, I'm not alone. That made me want to stay for all these years because they all care and I feel safe with them."
McFarlane said there were so many memories with the team that it was difficult to choose just one, but there was still a comical moment that stood out.
"We went tubing as a team – and I actually can not swim," McFarlane laughed. "The tube flipped and I was going under. They're like 'you're not drowning, you have a life vest on.' It was the funniest thing in my life."
Rosamond knows McFarlane's team-first attitude and larger-than-life personality will be missed within the Tech program.
"As a coach, you need players to be stars in their role," Rosamond said. "D.J. McFarlane has been a star in her role for this basketball team. She has been an incredible teammate who sacrifices and makes her team better on a daily basis. D.J. is always willing to put the team first. She has become a 'fan favorite' in the community, and she has worked her butt off this past season to grow and develop her game."
"D.J.'s big heart, high character, and magnetic personality are going to open doors for her in life. I am so proud of the young woman I have watched her grow into the last 4 years. She is one of those rare people who makes life a little better and a little more fun when you are in her presence. "
Owens has put the entire conference on notice this season with her dynamic scoring and consistent play. She leads Tech in scoring at 14 points a game while shooting an impressive 41-percent from 3-point land. The Georgetown, Ky., native also leads the team in minutes played this season and has provided a huge spark on the defensive end for the Golden Eagles.
With 336 points this season, she is the fourth leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2022-23 and leads the league in 3-pointers made and third in percentage. She enters the Senior Day contest against UT Martin six 3-pointers made shy of tying Dana Bilyeu's senior record of 74 made in the 1992-93 campaign.
Owens has been a mainstay in the TTU rotation for the last three seasons, and she has scored 896 points in her career with 175 3-pointers. She has played a major role in the success of the program over the last four years and has helped position Tech as one of the top teams in the OVC this season.
"I'm going to miss the girls the most," Owens said. "They're like my sisters. We've gotten so close that we literally do everything together. Having that bond like a family is just so super important coming into college to feel that. I certainly feel like these girls are going to play a huge role in my life -- they're going to be in my wedding, they're going to be the aunts to my kids. I'm going to miss those relationships more than anything.
"I love these girls so much. I've had a lot of growth personally since I've been here. They've always been by my side – good, bad, whatever kind of day I'm having. I can call any one of them and just FaceTime. Even players from the past years, too, and they're always going to be there and they feel the same about me as well. We've never let anything between the lines affect our relationship off the court and I think it says a lot that we actually choose to hang out together, even when it's not anything for basketball. It could just be going shopping in Nashville, but I can always call my teammates and they're going to be there. It's like having sisters I've grown up with."
This season has been a big breakout season for her and it's made it a memorable one for Owens.
"I've been here for four years and it's awesome to see the work I've put in pay off," Owens said. "It's not for nothing. You have to wait your turn and I understand that. I've always tried to be ready for when my number was called. This year, it's really worked out for me."
Owens' favorite memories are the excitement and joy in the locker rooms before the game.
"It's the things you guys don't really get to see," she said. "That's when everybody's personality really comes out."
Rosamond has watched Owens put in countless hours of work over her career and is not surprised at all with the success the sharp-shooting guard is enjoying.
"Maaliya has always been such a hard worker," Rosamond stated. "Her work ethic and dedication has helped elevate her game to a very high level on both ends of the floor, and in turn, it has elevated our team's level of play."
"She has become one of the most dynamic scorers in our league, but what the stats don't tell is how she has embraced her role as one of our top defenders. I'm amazed nightly by how hard Maaliya plays. She never looks tired, and she is a leader for us on both ends of the floor. Beyond the court, Mo is such an impressive person. She is a bright, driven and extremely talented young woman who has brought so much value to our program. She loves her teammates, takes great pride in all areas of her life, and she excels in whatever she sets her mind to do."
Trosper is in his third season with the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team and is the longest-tenured manager currently on staff. Trosper serves as head manager and assists with all day-to-day team operations. He oversees the "Team Behind the Team" and plays a vital role in assisting Director of Operations Brianna Ellis.
"I'm probably going to miss being around these girls outside of basketball in the team bonding activities," he said. I'm really going to miss the togetherness that we all have."
Tech's managers have gone on to a lot of different walks of life from becoming successful coaches to even outside of basketball. Trosper has been part of the glue that has helped hold everything together.
"I would love to have the opportunity to go on and work in sports administration, whether it's as an athletic director or a general manager," he said. "I still want to be a part of a sports team and doing this at Tech has been a tremendous starting point."
Trosper is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and work with incredible people.
"Tennessee Tech is a really great program and the tradition is amazing," he said. It means a lot to me and I want to continue to honor that tradition. It has taught me the importance of tradition and culture."
His favorite memory with the team was the trip to Puerto Rico in the 2021-22 campaign.
"It was just such a great experience," Trosper said. "It's not an opportunity you get to experience you can get if you're not on the team, so I really value that."
Tech's coaching staff values the impact Trosper has made on the program.
"Ben is a 'program guy'," Rosamond said. "It doesn't matter what the job is, Ben is always willing to go above and beyond to make sure it not only gets done, but gets done to the Tech standard."
"He loves the team, loves and treats the players with respect, and is passionate about serving and giving. Every member of our team understands all the positive things Ben brings on a daily basis as well as all the unseen hours he puts in behind the scenes. I have never seen Ben have a bad day, and he definitely has a way of always brightening ours.
While it may be the final curtain call for this dedicated group of seniors, the season is far from complete. The Golden Eagles still have three more games remaining in the regular season, including Saturday's contest against UT Martin. Tech needs one win out of the remaining three games to lock up at least the No. 3-seed in the OVC tournament in Evansville.
It's been an exciting ride for this senior group, collecting victory after victory. This season alone, this squad has seen an 11-2 record inside the Hooper Eblen Center, its fifth-straight season of double-digit victories in conference play – which the Golden Eagles haven't done since 2001-02 – and, of course, helping the Tennessee Tech program earn its 1,000th victory to become the 21st Division I team ever to reach that milestone.
There's still plenty more to go for these Golden Eagles. With postseason looming on the horizon, there's still many more memories to be made and the ride isn't over yet.
