Photo by: R. Keith Cole
Welch Reflects on Memorable Career
2/16/2018 9:01:00 AM | Women's Basketball
by Alan Hieber
Senior Wright State guard Chelsea Welch is closing in on the conclusion of her Raider career. She recently recalled some of her fondest memories and discussed the remainder of this season.
Welch was off to a shaky start in last Saturday's game against Oakland after going 0 for 11 from the field in the first half. In the middle of this she got a much-needed breather and motivation from her coach Katrina Merriweather.
"I was pretty frustrated at first. Shots weren't falling. I was getting open looks, but I just couldn't hit them," Welch said. "I went over to my coach, and she took me out for a second. She said, 'Everyone has those days. Collect yourself and just be ready when you get back in.'"
In the second half Welch certainly hit the reset button. In that timeframe she scored 23 points and added a career-high 15 rebounds.
"I got my thoughts together, and I was able to finally get some shots to drop and get my confidence back up," Welch said.
A similar support from Welch's teammates is also vital to turning a game around.
"They can see when frustration sets in and pat me on the back. Motivational words help me think more positively," Welch said.
After two seasons to start her collegiate career at Pittsburg, Welch elected to transfer in 2015. Then WSU coach Mike Bradbury didn't take long to pitch an offer for her to play for the Raiders.
"When I decided transfer from Pitt he (Bradbury) called me the next day. He said, 'I'll drive to Pittsburg today so you can sign your letter of intent. We need you,'" Welch said.
Once she arrived at WSU Welch was unsure she would fit in right away. It quickly became evident that her new home was very welcoming and that she gelled with her teammates well.
"We're always telling jokes since we are such a close-knit group," Welch said. "Some people that you thought would never say two words are now out of their shells. Everyone changes for the better here."
She might have been on the court for only two seasons with the Raiders, but Welch says she built a relationship with Merriweather that pales in comparison to some of her past coaches.
"She (Merriweather) has been there for me as a person and like a second mom in a way. Being an alum college basketball player herself, she has been through a lot of things we've been through, good and bad," Welch said.
"She does a great job of relating to and seeing the good in you, trying to be proactive in ways to help you, always being concerned about you and making sure your well being is taken care of. That is something that is different from a lot of coaches I've had."
The Raiders have faced some adversity this season after dropping back-to-back Horizon League games twice. Despite this the team has weathered the storm and sits in third place with a 9-5 conference record.
"I think it's needed when you're a good team and used to winning. It puts things back in perspective and humbles you," Welch said. "Now we're hungrier than ever to turn things around."
This Saturday's game is against Northern Kentucky, and senior day festivities will be held. Welch's family and supporters from her Fairmont days, which included a state title run for the Firebirds in 2013, will be on hand to cheer her on.
"It's going to be bittersweet and sad leaving here. I've made so many memories at Wright State," Welch said. "It's moving on to the next phase of my life."
Welch added that she will also miss the bond of her teammates.
"We bicker and annoy each other because we're together all the time, but at the end of the day this is a family. I'm definitely going to miss them," Welch said.
The WSU career for Welch has been short-lived, but she has built a legacy reminiscent of other recent Raider guards. She smiled when asked about what could still be in store over the next couple of weeks if her team cuts down the nets in the HL tournament.
"I can't even speak to that. That would be the perfect ending. I'm already blessed with everything we've been able to accomplish," Welch said. "That would be a little extra."
Senior Wright State guard Chelsea Welch is closing in on the conclusion of her Raider career. She recently recalled some of her fondest memories and discussed the remainder of this season.
Welch was off to a shaky start in last Saturday's game against Oakland after going 0 for 11 from the field in the first half. In the middle of this she got a much-needed breather and motivation from her coach Katrina Merriweather.
"I was pretty frustrated at first. Shots weren't falling. I was getting open looks, but I just couldn't hit them," Welch said. "I went over to my coach, and she took me out for a second. She said, 'Everyone has those days. Collect yourself and just be ready when you get back in.'"
In the second half Welch certainly hit the reset button. In that timeframe she scored 23 points and added a career-high 15 rebounds.
"I got my thoughts together, and I was able to finally get some shots to drop and get my confidence back up," Welch said.
A similar support from Welch's teammates is also vital to turning a game around.
"They can see when frustration sets in and pat me on the back. Motivational words help me think more positively," Welch said.
After two seasons to start her collegiate career at Pittsburg, Welch elected to transfer in 2015. Then WSU coach Mike Bradbury didn't take long to pitch an offer for her to play for the Raiders.
"When I decided transfer from Pitt he (Bradbury) called me the next day. He said, 'I'll drive to Pittsburg today so you can sign your letter of intent. We need you,'" Welch said.
Once she arrived at WSU Welch was unsure she would fit in right away. It quickly became evident that her new home was very welcoming and that she gelled with her teammates well.
"We're always telling jokes since we are such a close-knit group," Welch said. "Some people that you thought would never say two words are now out of their shells. Everyone changes for the better here."
She might have been on the court for only two seasons with the Raiders, but Welch says she built a relationship with Merriweather that pales in comparison to some of her past coaches.
"She (Merriweather) has been there for me as a person and like a second mom in a way. Being an alum college basketball player herself, she has been through a lot of things we've been through, good and bad," Welch said.
"She does a great job of relating to and seeing the good in you, trying to be proactive in ways to help you, always being concerned about you and making sure your well being is taken care of. That is something that is different from a lot of coaches I've had."
The Raiders have faced some adversity this season after dropping back-to-back Horizon League games twice. Despite this the team has weathered the storm and sits in third place with a 9-5 conference record.
"I think it's needed when you're a good team and used to winning. It puts things back in perspective and humbles you," Welch said. "Now we're hungrier than ever to turn things around."
This Saturday's game is against Northern Kentucky, and senior day festivities will be held. Welch's family and supporters from her Fairmont days, which included a state title run for the Firebirds in 2013, will be on hand to cheer her on.
"It's going to be bittersweet and sad leaving here. I've made so many memories at Wright State," Welch said. "It's moving on to the next phase of my life."
Welch added that she will also miss the bond of her teammates.
"We bicker and annoy each other because we're together all the time, but at the end of the day this is a family. I'm definitely going to miss them," Welch said.
The WSU career for Welch has been short-lived, but she has built a legacy reminiscent of other recent Raider guards. She smiled when asked about what could still be in store over the next couple of weeks if her team cuts down the nets in the HL tournament.
"I can't even speak to that. That would be the perfect ending. I'm already blessed with everything we've been able to accomplish," Welch said. "That would be a little extra."
Players Mentioned
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