Mary Lee Henderson, a freshman player on the Fillies' basketball team, said her dad has always been supportive of her and that his experience with college sports has really helped her. Mary Lee's father, Ray, played baseball for ABAC from 1972 - 73, and he has always encouraged his daughter to do her best, both at the high school and at the college level.
"Athletics are very demanding, and Mary Lee could have quit at any time," Ray said. "But she is a very determined young woman, and she persevered. She stayed with it, and, as a result, she reaps the benefits of playing athletics at the college level."
Mary Lee, who played basketball for four years at Tift County High School, said she is glad to have a chance to play at the college level.
"It's like I have a second chance to play basketball," Mary Lee said. "It is different from high school because I have an opportunity to play with girls from different towns and states, which is a lot of fun. Coach Julie Conner has also been great. She has done a great job of keeping us together as a team, and it is really easy to talk to her like a friend."
Conner, in turn, said she is thrilled to have Mary Lee as a member of the ABAC Fillies' basketball team.
"She is a hard worker who tries her best," Conner said. "Mary Lee is a player who I can always count on to give 100 percent."
Ray and his wife, Libby, go to all of the games to support their daughter and her teammates.
"It is fun to revisit some of the schools that I used to play against," Ray said. "It brings back a lot of memories as I watch my daughter playing some of the same colleges I once played."
Ray and Libby, a teacher, also have a son, Kent. He attended ABAC two years ago.
In the off season, it is not unusual to see Mary Lee and her father shooting hoops in their yard. This not only helps Mary Lee prepare for the upcoming season, but she also gets to share some quality time with her dad and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Fillies are now preparing for the state basketball tournament, which begins Thursday in Albany.
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