Chico State has been home to Courtney Hamilton, a point guard for the women’s basketball team, for the past four years.

Throughout her time as a Wildcat, Hamilton has made a lasting impact on the program.

Jazmine Miller, guard for the ‘Cats, has played with Hamilton all four years and says that she is a positive asset to the team.

“Courtney is a leader on and off the court, having played with her all four years I have seen her progression as a player and teammate.” Miller said. “She is a leader through the way she encourages and wants everyone on the team to get better each day.”

Not only has Hamilton made a lasting impact through her leadership, but she has also had some amazing accomplishments on the court. This season, Hamilton averages 7.7 points per game and leads the California Collegiate Athletic Association in assists, averaging 7.1 per game. She started the season ranking fifth in Chico State history in assists.

Brian Fogel, head coach of the women’s basketball team, said that Hamilton is one of the best leaders he has seen in his 20 years of coaching.

“She is extremely hardworking and has shown amazing progression throughout her time at Chico,” Fogel said. “She is an excellent student and an overall really good person that embodies everything you would want from a student athlete.”

Aside from this season, her career accomplishments are also a spectacle.

Hamilton received First Team All-CCAA for the 2012-13 season, led the CCAA in assists and was ranked second in blocks among conference players. In the 2010-11 season, she was the CCAA All-Academic honors recipient and Freshman of the Year.

Academics are also extremely important to Hamilton, as she is a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“Academics are always something I strive to do well in because it is just a great opportunity to go to college,” Hamilton said. “I love being a part of the SAAC and getting to volunteer and give back to the community, especially since the community of Chico is our support system.”

Hamilton plans to finish the year strong by achieving goals she has set for the team for her last year as a Wildcat. She said she hopes to go further this year in the NCAA tournament and hopes that the team will repeat last year and bring home first in the CCAA.

As Courtney moves through the last year of her basketball career with Chico State, she reflects on her time spent as a Wildcat.

“It’s been a great experience being at Chico and being a part of such a great support system of a team,” Hamilton said. “These years are times that I have learned so much from and will always cherish.”

Jordyn Provence can be reached at [email protected] or @jordyprov on Twitter