For athletes, having their jersey retired means they have reached the pinnacle of success during their playing career, had a profound impact on that sports program and were an integral part of their team’s success. To be remembered by having one’s jersey hung in the rafters for years to come and crowds to see is the ultimate reward for the dedication an athlete puts into their sport.

For Brittany Blackwell, the process is just beginning to determine if arguably the greatest women’s basketball player in UNC Wilmington history is worthy of having her jersey retired.

“Candidates (must) excel in athletics and academics, be a member of their respective team for a minimum of two years, bring national recognition to their program, achieve a minimum of First Team All-CAA recognition for at least one season and graduate or leave UNCW in good standing pursuant to UNCW and NCAA academic eligibility requirements,” said athletic director Jimmy Bass.

Given the criteria, Blackwell seems to be a strong candidate. She is second all-time in points scored in program history, first in steals, and was named First Team All-CAA her senior year. Additional honors include leading the team in scoring each year, being a two-time Second Team All-CAA, a Third Team All-CAA member her junior year, and the program’s all-time leader in free throws made.

It is also worth noting that while Blackwell’s playing career may be over, she is still involved with the UNCW women’s basketball program, having recently joined the coaching staff as a graduate manager. Building off of her playing career, Blackwell is anxious to begin her coaching duties.

“I am looking forward to seeing the other side of things as far as coaching and being able to learn and absorb as much information from Coach Cooper as possible,” Blackwell said. “I am so grateful to be able to be a part of the women’s basketball team this year.”

Another factor that makes Blackwell’s candidacy so significant is that no female basketball player has had a jersey retired at UNCW before. The only three jerseys hanging in the rafters belong to former men’s players Bill Mayhew, Brian Rowsom and Brett Blizzard. While this is certainly not the only reason why she would want her jersey retired, Blackwell admits it would make it all the more special.

“If my jersey was retired I would truly be honored,” she said. “I think that is an accolade that really speaks volumes and really shows just how good of a player you were when you played. It would also be special because it would be the first jersey that would be retired for any woman that played at UNCW.”

This makes the process of determining whether Blackwell deserves to have her jersey retired all the more difficult for athletic director Jimmy Bass and his committee.

“It is a very important decision, one that we take very seriously,” said Bass. “The current process involves assembling members of a selection committee comprised of senior athletic staff to consider each candidate on the basis of the qualifications that were mentioned.”

Amid all the uncertainty and prolonged wait to hear the committee’s decision, one thing Brittany Blackwell can count on is that she already has one very stout supporter on her side. When asked whether she thought Blackwell was worthy of the honor, Seahawk coach Cooper-Dyke replied with an emphatic endorsement.

“She’s already forced me to keep us from giving anyone No. 45 (jersey). I would love to see her jersey retired,” Cooper-Dyke said. “I would love to be a part of that ceremony. She deserves it. She is the face of UNCW women’s basketball.”