Texlin Usher-Quinney '92 currently resides in Atlanta, but she couldn’t resist the chance to soak up the SHA Sisterhood this February. She came to town for Alumnae Night at SHA Basketball and stayed to participate in our student-led Black History Month Celebration, and work with the Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams.
Texlin loved watchin the girls take on Nardin, and she was reminded of the pivotal role her SHA coaches, Ron Stepien and Mary Achramovitch, played in her life as an athlete and a person. After the game, Ron asked if she wanted to join practice the next day and she jumped at the chance to work with our students.
Before she had the chance to get back on the court, however, she spent the morning with our full community. SHA’s Black History Month Student Steering Committee planned and executed a half day of activities highlighting the positive impact of African American individuals and movements locally and nationally. She especially enjoyed a presentation by Buffalo’s first Poet Laureate Jillian Hanesworth, and her work to uplift through advocacy. But for Texlin, our students were the true stars of the day. She remarked, “All of the guest speakers and presenters were great, but they were overshadowed by the eloquence and confidence of the students who introduced the sessions and managed the day. SHA girls are next-level.”
After the BHM Celebration, Tex headed to practice where she addressed both JV and Varisty basketball teams. After sharing her thoughts and experiences, she jumped right in, running drills and working on plays with the girls.
About Texlin
Texlin played Division 1 basketball at Seton Hall and then played for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA during the league's inaugural season. She went on to earn an MBA from Seton Hall, a Masters of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Doctorate of Divinity from Clark Atlanta. Through her many accomplishments and successes, she has stayed close to Sacred Heart, her classmates, teammates, coaches, and teachers.
After a visit to SHA earlier this year, Texlin reflected, “SHA will always hold a special place in my heart. It was here I first understood the power of faith and the profound bond of sisterhood. The lessons I learned continue to shape my character and guide my path. Grateful for the transformative impact of this incredible institution.”