MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | As they approach their final regular-season game, Georgia College & State University women's basketball seniors Deshona Gaither, Rose Bone, Hayley Shepherd, Bailey Vick, and Natalia Bolden reflect on the journey, memories, and lasting bonds they've built while playing the game they love.
 
The final regular-season game for the Bobcats will take place in St. Augustine, Florida, against Flagler College Saturday (Feb. 28) at 1:30 p.m. GCSU will continue their season with the Peach Belt Conference Tournament that begins with the quarterfinals Wednesday (Mar. 4).

Gaither, a Commerce, Georgia, native and marketing major, hopes to land a job in sports marketing post-graduation. Gaither says her time at GCSU has helped her grow into a confident, disciplined, and motivated individual.

"Balancing academics and collegiate basketball taught me leadership, perseverance, and the value of hard work," said Gaither.
 
Bone, out of Between, Georgia, hopes to get her master's degree after completing her undergraduate in psychology and a management minor. If Rose could give a piece of advice to those starting their basketball career, it would be to work hard every day and always have fun with whatever you're doing.
 
Bone's teammate  Vick shared similar advice for those starting their career.

"I would say to enjoy every moment and opportunity you are given," said Vick. "Not everyone is given the chance to play a college sport, so enjoy it while it lasts."

Vick described her years playing at GCSU as nothing short of amazing. "I have loved the atmosphere of both the campus, the student ministries, and my team. I have felt loved and welcomed since the day I stepped foot on campus," said Vick, who was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and is a public health major. She plans to attend nursing school and become a Labor and Delivery nurse post-graduation.
 
Bolden, a mass communication major and rhetoric minor, plans to get her master's degree while gaining more experience in sports information. Bolden, originally from Jefferson, Georgia, has played basketball since she was in kindergarten. Like many of her teammates, her favorite memory of the season was recently beating (University of) North Georgia on Senior Night.
 
Shepherd, from Warner Robins, Georgia, is currently working on her master's in special education and plans to be a teacher post-graduation. Her favorite memory at GCSU was Senior Night, when the Bobcats beat UNG.

"It was such a special moment to share with my teammates," said Shepherd.
 
The seniors described their time at GCSU as impactful and will miss playing for the Bobcats dearly. They thank their families, teammates, coaches and friends for inspiring them throughout their careers.
 
About GCSU Athletics 
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.