Seniors Karen Jaeger & Liz Sahin
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March 6, 2003
This year’s Senior Class of Karen Jaeger and Yeliz “Liz” Sahin is unique. Both players are in just their second year of competition for the Cavaliers.
Jaeger, a 5-9 guard from Midlothian, Va., played for UVa’s club team for three years before trying out for the team. In her fifth year academically, the Unsung Hero and Most Valuable Player in Practice in 2002 was asked to return to the squad this season.
“It was mostly Daryl,” Jaeger said of assistant coach Daryl Olivier. “He was our coach my third year. He pretty much pushed me and said I really should try out. He just lit a fire.”
For Sahin, a 5-7 guard from Hatay, Turkey, her path to Virginia came through Florida. The Most Improved Player from last season attended Palm Beach Community College before transferring to UVa in 2001.
“I just wanted to take my game to the next level,” Sahin said of her decision to play in the United States. “I wanted to come here and have different competition and challenges.”
But both seniors credit their older brothers for getting them involved with the sport at an early age.
“One day we just started to play basketball,” Sahin said of her four older brothers. “I just grew up playing. I got beat up a little bit, playing ball with them.”
“I guess I just probably followed my brothers,” Jaeger said. “They used to play around outside. Then some of my friends and I started playing in third grade.”
After two seasons as teammates, the duo share a mutual admiration each other’s abilities.
“Karen brings a lot of things. Her athleticism is so effective,” Sahin shared. “Her defense is so good. Whenever we need to stop someone, Karen is right there. She can stop anyone in the country.”
“Liz brings her offensive skills. She has a great ability to drive and dish,” Jaeger said. “She’s really picked up her scoring capabilities. She brings a lot of energy and a lot of fun. I enjoy spending time with her.”
“She is a great senior friend for me,” Sahin added. “We help each other a lot. Everyone else was much younger. We always look after each other.”
With graduation right around the corner, the seniors have not decided what their future plans are.
“I think I want to coach,” said Sahin, who’s majoring in economics. “I want to stay here (U.S.). I think it will be harder for me to go back (to Turkey) and play ball and then try to come back here and start coaching.”
“I still have another year,” Jaeger said. “I will have a master’s of teaching in secondary science. I will be able to teach biology in high school. But I don’t know if teaching is exactly what I want to do. I don’t know if I want it to be my career choice for life.”
For now, the seniors are anticipating post-season play with the Cavaliers.
“I learned a lot of things at Virginia,” Sahin revealed. “First of all, the competition level is much higher than what I played in Turkey and in junior college. I grew up here, even though I’m 25. You always have a chance if you don’t quit on things and just keep playing hard. Every time you have to be ready for the opportunity. I just feel like I grew up in the last two years.”
“I will definitely miss this,” Jaeger said. “UVa obviously was a great choice. And both my brothers actually went to Tech, so I didn’t even bother to apply there.”
Off the Court with Karen Jaeger
Food: ice cream
Color: pink
Animal: sea otter
Movie: Notting Hill
Actor: the Olsen brothers
Actress: Julia Roberts
TV Show: Friends
Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Children’s Book: The Giving Tree
Athlete: Michael Jordan
Website: www.bighook.com
Spot on Grounds: The Lawn & gardens
Class at UVa: Religion & Modern Fiction
In my free time,I watch TV and hang out with my friends.
If I had to play another sport at Virginia,I would run track.
Nobody knows how muchI like to read.
A bumper sticker that best describes meWhy do today what you can put off till tomorrow
I wishI had a new car.
The best thing about being a Cavalieris the tradition.
Off the Court with Liz Sahin
Food: shrimp & turkish kabob
Color: blue
Animal: dog
Movie: The Godfather
Actor: Robert DeNiro
Actress: Gwyneth Paltrow
TV Show: Real World
Book: The Power of Thinking
Song: Ah Istanbul
WNBA Team: Sacramento Monarchs
Athlete: Steve Nash
Spot on Grounds: Clemons Library
Class at UVa: Economics of Sports
In my free time,I watch movies.
If I had to play another sport at Virginia,I would play soccer.
If I could do anything,I’d be a coach.
The best advice I’ve ever given isThink positively no matter what happens.
I can’t believeI’m finally graduating!
I chose Virginia, becauseit has a great staff and academic program.