Rams Relief: High Hoops Paves the Way

Sydney Mech spent the entirety of the past season on the bench due to transfer rules, waiting for her chance to play.

While watching, she naturally spent her time wisely, breaking down teams in the Mountain West to prepare for when she could take the floor for the Colorado State women's basketball team. There were trends she picked up on the bench, and many of them were right behind her.

"I have seen it, especially at our games when you can see all the boosters who come," Mech said. "They know our names and they know us personally. They talk to us after games, one on one, ask us how we're doing and how much they enjoy watching us play. It's great to have that personal connection. They really help us as student-athletes.

"When we have booster meetings, like an ice cream social, it's nice to have them come and support us. They get all dressed up for our games, and I recognize those familiar faces in the stands. It's great to have them keep coming back and have that support every game."

They are the High Hoops, an integral part of Colorado State women's basketball head coach Ryun Williams says the program cannot survive without.

Through the giving of High Hoops and former letter winners of the program, Williams has been able to schedule foreign trips for his team, provide insurance for foreign-born players (something not all universities provide), remain updated with technology and continue professional development for the staff.

"They are our heartbeat. They are our support. They are our cheerleaders," Williams said. "Win or lose, they're the backbone to our program, and not just financially. They really, really care about our young ladies. They're there to pick them up after a tough loss down there on the Moby floor. They are at the radio show to support a coach, win or lose."

In a very unprecedented time in all of our lives, Colorado State Athletics and the Rams Club are asking all of our valued supporters to donate or make a gift which will have a life-altering impact on our student-athletes. The financial crisis is real for everyone, yet our primary goal remains to create the greatest experience for our student-athletes. Your gifts will help lessen the impact they feel as they pursue their athletic and educational goals.

Because of the charitable giving of High Hoops and letter winners, Mech has seen the team use technology to their advantage. As a collective, they have a vision of where they see the program headed, one they know further giving can help achieve.

"I'm beyond grateful. I get emotional thinking about my High Hoopers, to be honest to you," Williams said. "They are friends, they are family. I'm beyond grateful for what they've given this program and my family. They pave the way for us."

Mech has seen it too, in just one season. The scholarship aid provided to student-athletes help them pursue their dreams on and off the court. As a basketball team, they have seen improvement made to their locker room and equipment, all because of a special group of people.

They are the team's biggest supporters, in every sense of the word.
"I like it, because as a player, it's cool to have that fan base," Mech said. "You know them. They do help you out, and they support us through scholarships, and you get to know them personally, as well. It's nice to have that relationship."

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