Bryant’s impact larger than life
Shorty Bryant (center) tied the EMU single game assists record with 14 against Randolph Macon Women’s College on Jan. 30.
When Shantee Bryant, more commonly known as Shorty, came to EMU, she was looking for a safer environment and one in which she could express her spirituality without feeling like an outcast. Now in her second year at EMU, she has gotten more than she bargained for.
Current teammate Laura Ludholtz and Bryant lived ten minutes away from each other in high school and participated in AAU basketball together. Their close friendship is apparent and is advantageous for the Royals on the court. Ludholtz enjoys talking about Bryant’s on-court appeal and tenacity. "She knows where we’re at and where we like the ball, and she gets it there...She’s a highly intense player with speedy energy. If you get on the same ride as her, you’re gonna float through the game."
Teamwork, determination, and friendship play a large part in the Lady Royals’ program. Bryant has played a pivotal role in this and acknowledges that without friendship the Royals would not be as successful as they have been this season. "If I am down, a teammate will be there to make sure I’m smiling, and if they have something going on, I can give them a shoulder to lean on." Ludholtz understands how much of an impact teamwork has on the Royals. "We like to play. We win as a team and lose as a team. If you don’t have that (teamwork), it won’t work."
The Lady Royals have certainly made it work this season, boasting an 18-2 overall record and a first-place tie in the ODAC with arch-rival Bridgewater College. Last Friday’s adrenaline-rushing 77-73 overtime win against Randolph-Macon included a career-high performance. Sophomore Carrie Grandstaff drained 30 points and sunk a three-pointer with 23 seconds left in regulation play to put the game into overtime. Sophomore teammate Stephanie Mathews contributed eight points, seven assists, and 13 rebounds. Amanda Renalds drained 12 points, and Bryant added four points and four assists.
The team then trounced Virginia Wesleyan College the next day, handing them a 79-47 defeat. Ludholtz racked 11 points and eight rebounds, while Mathews had eight points and ten boards.
The friendships the Lady Royals’ basketball team has made continue regardless of victory or defeat.
"I know eventually when we graduate and go our separate ways that no matter where we are, the friendships we have made here will continue…[and] that our understanding of teamwork has impacted all our lives and we can always take that with us," says Bryant.
She apologizes for sounding "mushy", but is honest and genuine in her feelings for her teammates. She even comments about being in teammate Carrie Grandstaff’s wedding to be held later this year, "I have to actually look cute in her wedding." Her comical response reveals how far she will go to help out a friend.
Shorty Bryant’s impact on the lives of her teammates is easily seen when talking to her peers, and her on-court presence is seen by anyone who watches her play.
The Lady Royals travel to Greensboro, N.C. this weekend to take on Guilford College on Friday night and Emory and Henry College Saturday afternoon.
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