If there was ever any doubt in the early moments of fall 2013 that the Simon Fraser women’s basketball team would be able to recover from losing their 2009 recruiting class, that uncertainty has been put to rest.
One short year ago, there was speculation surrounding the team’s ability to replace the output of the program’s three departing seniors, notably All-American Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, and whether they could recreate the success they saw in their first year eligible for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Enter Erin Chambers.
The product of national-level athletes and a sports-oriented upbringing, Chambers was no stranger to success on the basketball court heading into her junior season. But with a glaring hole left in the Clan’s offence it fell to the 6’1” Mission, BC native to provide those team-leading numbers, and a nose for the net: a role that she filled with grace and ease.
“It was an honour and a privilege to lead this team this year.” – Erin Chambers
As the Clan’s second highest scorer following Raincock-Ekunwe, Chambers was a natural choice to step up and lead the team in its 2013–2014 season — she had just come off an excellent sophomore season, earning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and averaging 13.5 points per game. Still, many wondered if she would be able to match the 16.5 points per game that Raincock-Ekunwe delivered.
That stat seems a distant memory now, as Chambers took 2013-14 by storm, averaging 23.1 points per game en route to leading her team to their second consecutive NCAA Division II national tournament appearance. She led not only the team in scoring, but also the GNAC and the West Region, and finished the sixth highest scorer in Division II basketball this season. She led her team in scoring in 24 of 30 contests, and scored over 30 points on four occasions this year.
“I hadn’t realized I had that stat,” Chambers confesses when told about her national scoring ranking. “It is definitely an accomplishment, but that was never the goal. I really had a new role this year being looked at to lead our scoring, and I think that I was comfortable in what I was expected to do. It was an honour and a privilege to lead this team this year.”
Her coach, Bruce Langford, credits her success to consistency and versatility, explaining how Chambers’ ability to score in many different ways, while also being able to find her teammates, allows for her increased output.
“Teams tend to focus on her when defending, but we have other assets on the floor that she is able to find,” Langford says. “She takes control when need be, but is not afraid to trust her teammates to do their jobs.”
2013-14 also saw Chambers break seven GNAC records en route to GNAC first-team, West Region second-team and All-American honorable-mention honours, as well as being named the Clan’s MVP. She broke the conference records for Field Goals in a Season (220), Free Throws in a Season (191), Points in a Season (692) and Scoring Average in a Season (23.1), among others, solidifying her and the Clan’s place within the American NCAA.
Chambers explains that the pressure of the game doesn’t affect her, as she is comfortable in the job required of her, on and off the court. “I think there is always pressure, but to some extent that is what I like and why I play the game. I always want to be in it to win and do my best.”
It only takes one conversation with the student-athlete to give you greater understanding of her psyche; Chambers exudes competitiveness, but in a calm, collected manner. She understands her role and how her development will shape her team for a final season, but knows that she cannot do it alone.
“I have always had amazing teammates to work with,” she says. “We are losing four more seniors, who brought so much hard work to what we do. Luckily, we have some great rookies and redshirts coming up for next year who will be able to contribute in their own ways.”
Chambers and Langford both agree that 2014-15 will bring a final season of change to the team, and to Chambers’ role as well. As the team graduates 6’2” player Chelsea Reist and 6’5” player Rebecca Langmead, the height paradigm will shift, and a new playing style will likely emerge.
“I think that we will be a bit more run-and-gun next year,” continues Langford. “We have different assets coming in that will also allow us to press more, so while Erin will need to continue being in great shape, she may see fewer minutes just due to an increased pace on the floor.”
Chambers knows that she needs to make those minutes count. Despite her record-breaking season, she claims there is still room for her to improve. “I will have to build on what I did this year as I head into my senior season, and really commit to becoming a better player in the offseason,” she explained. “I want to keep building my game, improving my shot and my rebounding; there are always ways to become better.”
As preparations for 2014-15 begin and Chambers dons her #3 jersey for a final collegiate campaign, let it be known that when a leader is required, one will emerge. The shoes left empty last year have been filled; the fire sparking Erin Chambers to lead and succeed will fuel the Clan for a final year.
