Cathrine Kraayeveld performs on the national stage known as Madison Square Garden in New York City. She wears the uniform of the New York Liberty, one of the WNBA’s flagship franchises.
But five years ago, the 6-foot-4-inch forward led Oregon to a championship in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament at McArthur Court.
After Oregon fired Jody Runge in the spring, new coach Bev Smith watched over a mixture of youth and veteran experience in the 2001-02 season.
“It was a transition year and I think the beginning of the year was very difficult,” Smith said. “We had a brand new system, a brand new way of doing things. I really attribute our win to the seniors that we had that year, particularly Jamie Craighead – (she) just did a fantastic job – Ndidi Unaka and Alyssa Fredrick. They really bought in and tried to make the most out of that season.”
This was Kraayeveld’s sophomore season, and as the season went on, her potential as a go-to scorer became readily apparent.
“I have never felt that I am a selfish player,” Kraayeveld said. “I really do want to just win, no matter who is scoring – it never had to be me. I never thought that. I think everyone has their moments where they step up and contribute to help their team.”
In the WNIT, it was Kraayeveld’s turn. Oregon’s then-leading scorer Shaquala Williams struggled to find her offensive touch throughout the tournament. She went scoreless in the first round against St. Mary’s and scored 21 points against Michigan State in only her second double-digit scoring performance of the WNIT. Kraayeveld had scoring outputs of 15, 12, 26, 16 and 15 points.
Kraayeveld made two game-winners in the five-game stretch as her play earned her tournament MVP honors.
The season leading up to the postseason had been one of give and take as Smith put in her new system. Six new freshmen and the upperclassmen had to come together to form a cohesive unit. The team ended the regular season with 17 wins, but was a bubble team and had its March Madness dreams ended.
The Eugene community had been accustomed to eight-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and now here sat Oregon bound for the WNIT.
But fans responded to the WNIT run and 6,835 attended the Houston finale – Smith says she still receives comments on the basketball environment of that game. Oregon won 54-52 on a lay-up by Kraayeveld in the closing seconds. Williams looked to drive on the final play, but Houston’s defense held firm and she instead passed to a cutting Kraayeveld.
“I think everyone, including myself, was watching and waiting to see what Shaquala would do,” Kraayeveld said. “I was sure she was going to make some fake on her defender and blow by them for a lay-up or pull up for a jumper. She was always so good at that. But when nothing happened and she passed me the ball, all I could think to do was drive. I don’t think I even took enough time to look and see where my defender was. I think if they had been standing there I would have gotten a charge.”
Instead, the lane was open, Kraayeveld scored and Oregon celebrated.
“I think it was a good step for us, considering all the changes we had been through,” Kraayeveld said. “It was kind of a new start for us and a great expectation to hold ourselves to for the next few years.”
Kraayeveld, who visited the current team a couple weeks back, acknowledges the challenges they’ve faced while seeing the opportunity that lies ahead of them.
“I know there have been ups and downs this season with injuries and things like that,” Kraayeveld said. “But I think the team is very experienced and has good players who know how to compete and play hard. They have a toughness and desire that can carry them throughout the WNIT.”
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