Hollins says goodbye to Missouri

Hollins is 15th on the team's all-time scoring list.

By Evan Glantz

Published March 6, 2009

For the final time in her four-year career, senior guard Alyssa Hollins walked off Norm Stewart Court following a tough loss to the Iowa State Cyclones. After reaching the podium during the post-game press conference, she had a chance to reflect on her time at Missouri.

"It goes by really fast," she said, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. "I've learned so much here, and I've met so many great people. This is difficult."

Hollins will graduate as one of the most productive players in the team's history. After Tuesday's game, Hollins has 1,291 points in her Missouri career, good for 15th on the Missouri women's all-time scoring list. With one more regular season game left, in addition to the Big 12 Tournament, she has a chance to vault into 12th place all-time in Tiger history.

When it comes to records, no woman can compare with Hollins when it comes to three-pointers. Last season, she drained 90 treys, annihilating the previous single-season record of Amanda Lassiter's 65, set during the 2000-2001 season. For her career, Hollins has made 220 shots from behind the arc, 78 more than former record holder Carlynn Savant.

"Alyssa is about humor and has brought a lot of knowledge to different shooters on the team," sophomore guard RaeShara Brown said. "I've got to tell you, I've never seen a player who can read defenses like she can."

Shooting is only part of Hollins' game.

"I always tease her that finally she's starting to play defense," coach Cindy Stein said. "But she came in a great athlete, and a very good shooter, and has turned into a great defender. No one wants things more than Alyssa."

Hollins' impact transcends the court. Even though her scoring is down from a year ago, she is still the Tigers' go-to player, and takes charge of the team when the time calls for it. Hollins was recognized campus-wide when she was selected to the prestigious Mizzou '39. It is a program that honors 39 seniors from Missouri who show academic achievement, leadership and service to both MU and the community.

"Alyssa leads in a lot of different ways," Stein said. "She's not the 'rah-rah' type, but she's going to get out there and she's going to be very competitive. Obviously her hustle and work ethic out there is a great example."

This season, Hollins is averaging 13 points per game and has scored in double digits in 21 of the 28 contests so far. She has been a workhorse for the Tigers, leading the team with more than 34 minutes a game. The highlight came in November, when the guard logged 54 of 55 minutes in a triple-overtime thriller against Holy Cross.

Even though the season has been inconsistent, Hollins has enjoyed her time at MU.

"There are a lot of memories," Hollins said. "A lot of good, a lot of bad. A lot of low points and a lot of high points. I wouldn't trade my time here for anything."