Pine-Richland grad Rourke making most of senior season with Gannon women's basketball

Since stepping onto campus four years ago, Gannon women’s basketball player Chelsea Rourke has appeared 111 games. In that time, she has amassed more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.

At this point, the senior forward and Pine-Richland alum is relishing each game remaining in her time with the Golden Knights (18-5, 14-3). She is having so much fun, she wants to extend their season.

“The best way to go out would be to run the PSAC Tournament and win a PSAC championship,” Rourke said. “That’d be great. But besides that, just helping my teammates get better. Setting them up for success because they’re going to be the ones that help keep this basketball program strong in the coming years.

“There’s not much time left, go to make the most of it.”

As has been the case over the previous three seasons, Rourke continues to make significant contributor. In addition to averaging 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, she is leading the team in minutes (714), 3-pointers made (37), 3-point shooting percentage (.463) and blocks (28).

Rourke has improved her game while also serving as a team leader. It is a responsibility that has been granted to her as a byproduct of her on-court experience, but it also is a responsibility she embraces.

“This year’s definitely different for me. Because I’ve had so much experience, I feel calmer out there,” she said. “I feel like the game slows down for me on the court, and that I’m still really improving out there.

“But I think the biggest difference is that I’m trying to lead more. We’re not a young team, but we’re still gaining experience out there. I just want them to realize the importance of being a good teammate. We need everybody to fill their roles on the team as best as they can. It’s not always easy, but that’s what makes a good team.”

It’s a philosophy that has helped Rourke lead her team to second place in the PSAC West standings with just a couple of games left in the regular season. One of those games, Feb. 22 against Slippery Rock, will be senior night. After that, the Knights will compete in the PSAC tournament March 2-8.