With St. Edward’s University women’s basketball winning their first Heartland Conference championship and advancing to their first NCAA tournament last season, one senior is hoping to experience that success once more.

“The feeling of winning last year was incredible,” Kathleen Brisbane said. “It’s a great feeling to do something no other team has done, especially to say you were a part of that and contributed to it. I want to do it again this year and I believe we can.”

Brisbane is a 5’11 forward from Kansas City, Kan. and a transfer from Johnson County Community College. In just her first season at St. Edward’s she averaged 9.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while shooting nearly 50 percent (.495) from the field.

After helping the Hilltoppers capture their first conference crown since becoming a Division II program, Brisbane, better known as “Kat” around the community, could not be happier to be a part of St. Edward’s tradition.

“St. Edward’s has an amazing community,” Brisbane said. “The way they uphold their standards and stick to what they value, you can see that it is stressed here. I thought I could come here and keep growing not only in basketball, but also as a person.”

As one of five returning players on the team, Head Coach J.J. Riehl is looking forward to having back Brisbane’s toughness and leadership as the new season begins.

“When our girls are on the court they look at Kat for toughness,” Riehl said. “She is who gets in everyone’s face and holds them accountable down there.”

However, Brisbane exhibits a softer side off the court, as she is a dedicated Kinesiology and Business student who appreciates the support given to her by the community.

“St. Edward’s has wonderful faculty, staff, and students,” Brisbane said. “Whenever I tell people I go here, nothing negative is said. I always speak positively about this community.”

This community support also includes her teammates, who speak glowingly of the All-Heartland Tournament returner.

“Kat is great, I trust her more than anyone,” transfer Lexi Fatherlee said. “I know I can count on her, she is here to win and works her butt off to make us better as a team.”

The Hilltoppers opened up their season on Nov. 15 with a 58-54 win over Fort Lewis College, a positive start to Brisbane’s final year on the Hilltop; one that she hopes will be even better than the last.

“We want to stay in the moment as much as possible,” Brisbane said. “Once we handle our business in front of us, whether it is practice or a game, then we can focus on the next. We want to get back to where we ended last year, but further.”