Rachel Boldt's Basketball Career Ends
08/03/2005 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 3, 2005
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Unfortunately, Rachel Boldt's Southern Illinois University basketball career ended before it really started. After a series of knee injuries, Boldt announced earlier today that she will end her playing career and join the Saluki coaching staff as a student assistant.
"This is not a decision I wanted to make, but after the way my last surgery went, I really didn't have a choice," said Boldt.
Boldt joined the Salukis a year ago after initially signing with the University of Missouri-Kansas City out of Mt. Vernon (Ill.) High School.
As one of five UMKC transfers to hit the Saluki scene, Boldt was allowed to practice with the team, but had to watch the 2004-05 season from the sidelines due to NCAA regulations.
Her latest of six knee surgeries, including the fifth to her left knee, was triggered during some routine shooting exercises. Little did Boldt know, the sharp pain she felt at the time, would later result in a career-ending injury.
"I don't even really know what happened. I was shooting one time and felt this bad pain," Boldt described. "What we thought was something minor then, turned out to be a major injury."
On the brighter side of Boldt's injuries is the fact she gets to remain a part of the program as a student assistant coach. And, she's looking forward to her new role.
"Sometimes things happen for a reason, and maybe that's for me to be a coach," said Boldt. "I'm excited about the opportunity and I'm going to give it my best."
Head Coach Dana Eikenberg views the addition of Boldt to her staff as a win-win situation.
"We are looking for Rachel to be a valuable piece of our coaching staff," said Eikenberg. "I'm disappointed today, but, at the same time, I'm positive she's made the choice to be part of our staff. There's not a greater person with a bigger Saluki heart than Rachel."