LOS ANGELES – Exactly two decades ago, the 2003-04 Lions secured their place in LMU women's basketball history with an unforgettable season. They effortlessly claimed the West Coast Conference regular season title, secured the WCC Championship, and secured the program's inaugural NCAA Tournament invite.
 
The athletic department had a chance to sit down with two players from the remarkable team, guards Bianca Ziemann and Rachael Ziemann, to discuss that historic season and what it meant for them and the university.
 
Q: How did the support from fans and the LMU community impact the team's performance and morale?
 
Rachael: "When we were playing, we had what was called The Cage. It was a group of students that would show up to our game, very rowdy and very supportive of the men's and women's basketball teams."
 
Bianca: "The Cage researched the other teams, and sometimes the girls would cry because they were brutally honest. It was great! We loved the fan support! Obviously, we'd love tens and thousands, but the amount that we had felt like it was a lot!"
 
Q: Describe the bond and camaraderie among the players during that championship season.
 
Bianca: It was incredible. That was one of the reasons why we decided to go to LMU. We felt there was a family. When we met the players, we felt like we already fit in; the same thing with the coaching staff. It was a sisterhood before we even played the game. We did things outside of classes and school. We were always getting invited to the upperclassman's house for dinner. We never felt like there was never seclusion."
 
Q: What made this team so special to be a part of?

Rachael: We know what competing meant. We're very competitive at practice. We knew that was what was needed. Everyone was competing for a spot, but they also knew within their role what they had to contribute when it came to game time. It didn't matter if you came in for a minute, played the whole game, if you were a starter or a captain; everyone knew what they needed to do and were supportive in that. That created a really good culture."

Q: What advice would you give the current LMU women's basketball team as they aim for success in their season?

Rachael: The game is an awesome game, but you only have so much time. Embrace your time with your teammates, all the functions you do off the court, all the gatherings; they're super important."

Bianca: "Trust each other and remember everyone is human. Coaches are going to make mistakes; players are going to make mistakes; you have to get over it. Trust the coaching staff, trust each other, trust yourself; you're going to be successful. Doesn't mean you're going to win every game, but you're going to be more successful than not. It's definitely do-able!"
 
Join us in commemorating the accomplishments of the 2003-2004 team during halftime of the game against the San Jose State Spartans on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 PM.

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