Former CV Star Ready To Move On

Sat., Jan. 16, 1999

By Dave Trimmer davetrimmer@yahoo.com

Kristin Hepton was moving on, off to see family and friends Wednesday night before heading back to Portland.

That’s how the former Central Valley standout is approaching her final season of collegiate basketball - play, move on.

“I think about basketball differently than before,” the University of Portland fifth-year senior said after the Pilots were upset 77-65 by Gonzaga at Martin Centre this week.

“I just go out there to have fun. If I do good, I do good, if I do bad, I do bad and move on. There’s more to life than basketball.”

Her former teachers may find it surprising that education is her top priority. In fact, the only reason there is basketball in her life at the moment is education. Hepton graduated with a year of elgibility left, having red-shirted a year because of injuries. She had no intention of using that year.

“When I made my decision I didn’t even think about basketball, I was just thinking about school,” she said. “I had to play (basketball) to use the fifth year. I’m really happy. I’m getting a master’s degree paid for.” Hepton is getting her master’s in management communication.

In between, she is leading the Pilots in scoring at just over 12 points a game and is No. 2 in rebounding at almost six. Her coach, Jim Sollars, also said she has emerged as the best team leader he’s had in 10 years.

Leadership, along with her communication skills, is probably why she could analyze the game so well.

“This team is a lot different, I’m enjoying it more,” said Hepton. “This year we seem to mesh together better. It’s more enjoyable to me.”

That’s also why she is able to move on. Even with Wednesday’s loss, she knows there will be better days.

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