by (Missoula, MT) – After three years with the Lady Griz women’s basketball program Blackfeet Nation’s Shanae Gilham is retiring from the basketball program. Her decision to put an end to her playing career after numerous knee surgeries and countless frustrations trying to return to being the player who electrified Dahlberg Arena as a freshman.
It will be a loss for Montana’s fans, because Gilham could do things, instinctually and that nobody else on the floor could do, that had people doing double-takes, wondering if they’d just seen what they thought they’d seen. And that 3-point shot? A quick release and high arc that were signature Gilham.
Alas, the frustrating routine of rehab and saving her legs in practice so that she could go a few minutes in games became too much.
“It’s kind of been a long time coming. I was mentally and physically tired of the whole process. It felt like no matter how much rehab and time I put into it, it was never enough for my knees to heal,” said Gilham. “It’s frustrating. I guess I just didn’t get a very good draw when it comes to knees.”
Gilham’s departure leaves Montana’s roster at 13, and now nearly half the players on the team (6 of 13) have never played in a college game.
I would like to say that I will really miss watching
Shanea play this year. For the past three years her spirit on the court and off was so exceptional and I wish for her only the great things she deserves in her future. I know how difficult it is to come back from severe injury and she truly has the heart of a champion. As I sit recovering from a full knee replacement I would like her to know that her decision to retire, as difficult as it surely was, will be the best thing in the long run. Thank you for many wonderful times watching you play. You truly embody all the things that make the Griz so proud.