UPDATE: In a thrilling return to the court, junior guard Maeve McErlane played in her first basketball game in 20 months, leading the CU Buffs women’s basketball team against the Colorado School of Mines on Wednesday. Although the exhibition game did not officially count, the significance of her comeback was palpable.
“It was just surreal,” McErlane expressed after the game. The Philadelphia native, who previously played at DePaul, missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn labrum in her hip, with her last appearance on March 8, 2024, during the Big East Tournament against Seton Hall.
McErlane’s return was a celebration of resilience and teamwork. “Being able to play with girls who believe in you and a coaching staff that lets you be the player you are, it’s like a breath of fresh air,” she added. This match marked a pivotal moment not just for McErlane, but for the entire Buffs roster, which includes a talented lineup of guards like Kennedy Sanders and Desiree Wooten.
In her first game back, McErlane scored two points and faced shooting challenges, finishing unofficially 1-for-8 from the field. However, her focus remained on the bigger picture. “I was missing some shots, but the bench and the coaches were lifting me up,” she said.
Head coach JR Payne emphasized the importance of McErlane’s positivity and hard work. “Anytime someone’s been out, it’s wonderful to see them back on the floor, especially a kid like Maeve,” Payne remarked, highlighting her role as a great teammate.
McErlane’s journey back to health has been a collaborative effort with trainers Chris Miller and Adam Ringler. She credited their support in helping her regain confidence and physical readiness. “I’m a healthy basketball player, and I need to go out there and execute for this team,” she stated.
As the Buffs gear up for the season, McErlane’s presence is expected to bolster a competitive team dynamic. She expressed excitement about the team’s potential, saying, “Just to be a part of this is awesome. I’m so glad that I’m healthy and able to be in there.”
The CU Buffs women’s basketball team is looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season, with fans eager to see McErlane and her teammates in action. With her return, McErlane symbolizes hope and determination for both the team and its supporters.
As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on how McErlane integrates with her new teammates and the strategies coach Payne will employ to maximize their talent. The Buffs are poised for an engaging season, and McErlane’s journey back is just the beginning of what could be a remarkable chapter for the CU women’s basketball program.
