They called it “A Walk Down Memory Lane with Ladycat Legends,” and it was an emotional walk.
The Brea Olinda girls basketball program honored its past by retiring Jeanette Pohlen's No. 32 jersey on Saturday night at Brea Olinda High.
Eight of the nine players to have their jerseys retired at Brea Olinda were in attendance during the emotional ceremony.
There also was a game to be played after the festivities and the Ladycats thumped CIF Central Section-powerhouse Hanford, 77-60, in a nonleague game.
But this night belonged to Pohlen and the rest of great Brea Olinda players who helped the Ladycats win one national championship, eight state championships and 15 CIF-SS titles.
“It's kind of a shock,” said Pohlen, a three-time Register Player of the Year from 2004-07. “I'm still kind of dealing with it. It's such an honor. I can't say it enough. Being here with all these great players from the past … it's just great to be here tonight.”
Pohlen was close to tears when her former coach, Jeff Sink, spoke about what she meant to the program.
“She demanded so much out of herself, the other kids were embarrassed if they didn't step up too,” Sink said. “She's the greatest player I ever coached and the greatest kid, which is an amazing combination. I mean, how many time do you see that? Not very often.”
Da Houl (1980-83), Carrie Egan (1983-87), Tammy Blackburn (1986-90), Aimee McDaniel (1986-90), Jody Anton-Wynn (1989-92), Lindsey Davidson (1995-99) and Chelsea Trotter (1996-00) were there to watch Pohlen's jersey go up on the Wall of Fame. Nicole Erickson (1990-94) was the only one unable to make it to the ceremony.
Former Ladycats coach Mark Trakh [1981-93], who is currently the coach at USC, also paid tribute to the legendary players he coached.
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