Forever A Blue Hen, Sincerely Class of 2023
2/19/2023
Grab your tissues, it's going to be an emotional Sunday. The University of Delaware women's basketball team will be celebrating the 2023 senior class of six, team manager Wyatt Martin, junior guard Mar Tejedor, graduate students forward Demi Burdick and guard Kharis Idom and fifth-year seniors guard/foward Makayla Pippin and guard Jewel Smalls this afternoon prior to the 2 p.m. tipoff against Drexel inside Bob Carpenter Center.
The senior class took the time to reflect on their time being part of the Blue Hen family and expressed their gratitude for their once in a lifetime experiences in Newark.
What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Blue Hen?
Martin: My most memorable moment as a Blue Hen was going to the University of Maryland for the First Round of the NCAA Tournament last season
Tejedor: One of my most special moments as a Blue Hen was my very first practice here where I couldn't be more nervous. For me was something completely new, and I remember Coach Jenkins asking me at the end of practice how I felt, and I remember telling her how all my nerves vanished as soon we started playing basketball.
Idom: One of the most memorable moments that I have had as a Blue Hen is obviously beating Illinois. I think that this is something that means so much to me because we really fought hard that day and won a game that we were never predicted to win. The most memorable thing about the win itself is that it was a team win and everybody had their contributions.
Pippin: Going to the NCAA tournament
Smalls: The most memorable moment I’ve had being a Blue Hen is when I broke Elena Delle Donne’s record for most three’s in a game. That game felt like I was shooting in an ocean.
How has being a Blue Hen positively impacted your life?
Burdick: Since coming here, I have grown as a person and a player. I have learned to trust the process and believe in myself. I have also been introduced to some lifelong friends and I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish.
Pippin: I have failed while being a Blue Hen, I have been successful while being a Blue Hen. But, being apart of this Blue Hen family allowed me to grow without judgement and for me to achieve my goals.
Smalls: When I was in the process of transferring I was looking for a home where I felt loved. I was looking for relationships that would last forever. That’s exactly what I found here at Delaware. Becoming a Blue Hen was single-handedly the best decision of my life.
How would you like to be remembered?
Burdick: I want to be remembered as a good teammate. I genuinely care about everyone in this program and I hope that is always remembered. I’d also like for everyone to remember the energy I bring. I have really enjoyed this year and I try to show that every single day on the court.
Idom: On this Blue Hen team I would like to be remembered as a good leader, teammate and friend. Although my time on this team is short, I believe that I have made some very good connections and lifelong friendships. I want people to feel the same way when they think about the relationship that we have. I want to come back to Delaware to visit and still bring and receive the same energy that I do now.
Smalls: I would like to be remembered as someone who always worked hard.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Martin: The accomplishment I am most proud of is graduating from Advanced Camp in the top 30% of my Platoon.
Burdick: My biggest individual accomplishment is not only going to college, but graduating with my bachelors in 2021. Graduating with my masters in May will soon replace that.
Pippin: My most proud accomplishment will be walking across that stage, flipping my tassel, and receiving that diploma in my hand.
Smalls: I am most proud of winning the CAA championship in 2022 and going to the NCAA tournament. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the tournament.
Any parting words for Blue Hen nation?
Martin: I would like to thank Coach Jenkins and the rest of the staff and players for allowing me to be a part of the Blue Hen women's basketball family.
Tejedor: Thank you to the coaching staff and my teammates for the support and all the love I have received throughout all these years. I've couldn't ask for a better family. Delaware will be always my second home.
Burdick: To my coaches, thank you for taking a chance on the old head. Everyone made my last year the best. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity. I love you! To my teammates, I love y’all to the moon and back. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I’ll never forget the memories we’ve made and I can’t wait to continue to make more.
Idom: I want to thank everybody here at Delaware for making my one and only year an amazing one. The most important thing to me this year was ending basketball on a high note and not feeling like I left anything behind. The coaching staff and my teammates made sure that I was able to accomplish this and I am so grateful. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes in the coming years with the amazing coaching staff and awesome players that will be returning. Love you guys!
Pippin: I’m grateful for the ones that stood next to me along this whole journey and always had my back. I will forever be grateful for those people and Delaware. I have made friends and family that will be around forever!
