One of the nation’s most sought after recruits is headed to play for the Baylor Bears next fall, as Destrehan girls basketball star Cara Ursin announced her commitment to the school Sunday. Ursin made the announcement at a special gathering of friends and family at Wingzzz-N-Thingzzz in Destrehan. South Carolina, Tulane and Alabama were each among her final four schools, but in the end, her heart was with the Bears.
“Since I was little, always said I wanted to go to Baylor,” Ursin said. “I never necessarily knew I’d be able to go, or that it would be my choice ultimately. But I said it as a little girl, and to know I have the chance to follow my dream, it’s something a lot of people can’t do. I’m just blessed.”
Ursin, a 5’8 senior, is the first basketball player to earn Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice prior to her senior season — she will have the opportunity to become the first ever three-time recipient next year. She averaged 25 points, 12.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 6.0 assists and 5.5 blocked shots a game last season while leading Destrehan to the Class 5A quarterfinals.
She was also the first player from a St. Charles Parish school to be named Miss Basketball by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association, a former multi-time All-State selection and Class 5A’s Outstanding Player for the 2015-16 season.
Ursin has led Destrehan to appearances in the state quarterfinals, semifinals and finals in her three seasons with the team.
She said the outpouring of support Sunday meant a lot to her.
“It shows not only how hard I’ve been working, but it also shows how supportive my family has been and how much they instilled in me the importance of education and of following your dreams,” Ursin said.
Destrehan girls basketball coach Angi Butler said Ursin is extremely deserving of the opportunity before her at Baylor.
“She’s put in so much hard work, in and out of the gym, inside and outside of practice, and for her to have the option to choose between so many talented schools … we knew she would make a choice that was credible academically no matter where she went,” Butler said.
She added Ursin is a “phenomenal” person and teammate.
“She’s a decade player,” Butler said. “You see one every 20 years. She’s not just athletically sound, but academically sound as well. Her loyalty to her team and her friends is something you don’t always see. She’s always in a good mood, even if it’s not her day. She makes everyone around her better. Baylor will definitely have an asset to their program.”
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