Texas Tech University Athletics
Bokenkamp Looks to Continue Successful Career with Lady Raiders
July 21, 2009 | Women's Basketball
July 21, 2009
By Taylor Wilson, Texas Tech Athletic Media Relations
The high school years are often thought to be a very pivotal time in one's life. These critical times are the years when many teenagers begin to discover who they are and why they are put on this Earth. For Texas Tech freshman Mary Bokenkamp, high school was an experience about which most teenagers dream.
Bokenkamp served as an instrumental part of one of the top high school women's basketball programs in the nation over the last four years.
"It's an awesome program and it draws a lot of attention nationally," Bokenkamp stated. "The coaches have made a big name for the program and the school has put a lot of effort into making the sport truly competitive, both on the national level and state level."
Bokenkamp graduated in May from Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo. The Lady Raider's high school career was nothing short of tremendous as the team went 101-10 over her four years. Her team made it to the Final Four each of the four years, winning the 2009 state championship and earning the runner-up position in 2006 and 2008.
As a freshman, Bokenkamp's team went 25-3 and ranked 25th in the country. Her sophomore year, Regis Jesuit finished 26-2 and was ranked 18th in the nation. The Lady Raider began to break out her junior year as she was named to the all-state honorable mention team by the Denver Post as well as earning All-Academic team honors. Her team went 25-3 that year and finished ranked third in the country.
The humble Bokenkamp credits much of the success not only to her coaches, but to her teammates as well. Regis Jesuit's women's basketball program tied a national record with their 2009 class, as seven of the girls signed with Division I schools to play collegiate ball. Bokenkamp believes the competition, perseverance and camaraderie of her team paid off her senior year.
"I wouldn't be the player I am today or even be here if it weren't for the rest of them," Bokenkamp said.
During her senior she was able to fulfill her lifetime dream of winning the state championship in front of a supportive crowd, which she also attributes to Regis Jesuit's accomplishment.
"We knew we had the community backing us, we had so much support from people and we just knew we weren't going to lose our last game," said Bokenkamp, the MVP of the state tournament. "We all had our heads on the same page that year and all wanted a state championship, it was awesome to finally feel that feeling that I had always dreamt about."
The victory came in front of a girls' 5A basketball state championship record attendance of 8,688, as Bokenkamp led the team with 18 points. It was the icing on the cake as Bokenkamp's high school career couldn't have ended any sweeter.
As for the next step in her career, Bokenkamp first realized Tech was the right fit back in 2002, when she was only a freshman in high school. The Regis Jesuit girl's basketball team was in Lubbock for a tournament and at that time, one of Bokenkamp's teammates was being recruited by coach Curry. Because of that, the entire team was treated to a tour of the campus and the United Spirit Arena. Bokenkamp noted the beautiful design and amenities of the arena as well as the friendly, caring staff of the Lady Raider program.
It was those same memories and feelings Bokenkamp had felt just a few years earlier that the Lady Raider relied on during her unofficial visit, making it an easy choice for the aspiring pediatrician.
"Once I came down for my unofficial visit it all just fell right into place," Bokenkamp stated. "My major thing was the family environment that they make here and just how coach (Curry) really cares. It just fit."
Bokenkamp made it official, along with the other six Division I signees, on Nov. 14, 2008, as together the seven seniors signed their letters of intent. The enthusiastic newcomer has been looking forward to wearing the red and black colors ever since.
"I think one of the biggest things I'm looking forward to is getting back to playing and playing in the Tech (United Spirit) arena," said an excited Bokenkamp. "I'm definitely looking forward to being in the community and making the program a lot better."
