In 2007, a freshman class came to Lebanon Valley College that completely reshaped its women's basketball program.
 
Coming off of a 7-17 season the year before, head coach Todd Goclowski brought in a recruiting class that featured freshmen Andrea Hoover, Suzie Noyes, and Eryn Schultz. The results were immediate: a 24-win season and an appearance in the Commonwealth Conference title game.
 
That group qualified for four straight title games and won it all in 2010-11, earning the program's first-ever conference championship. They went on to reach the NCAA Elite Eight.
 
Hoover finished her senior season averaging 11.5 points and 5.9 assists per game. Among her accolades was a selection to the 2011 NCAA Division III State Farm Coaches' All-America Team, making her the second player in LVC women's basketball history to be named an all-American. As an all-American, Hoover's jersey hangs in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn.
 
Both Hoover and Noyes finished their collegiate careers with over 1,000 points. Schultz sits just 14 points away and is playing in her final season of eligibility.
 
GoDutchmen.com recently caught up with Hoover to discuss a recent trip she took to the Hall of Fame, her reflections on her former team, and what she's been up to since graduation.
 
 

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Q: You recently traveled to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame to see your jersey in the all-American display. What were some of the thoughts flashing through your head looking up and seeing your number in a place like that?
A: Well, my initial thought was just, “Wow, there it is!”
 
I had to keep reminding myself that that was really me, number five, that my jersey was hanging in the same “Ring of Honor” as the big-time D1 players like Maya Moore. I really felt like my jersey was representative of our whole team and what we accomplished last season. Without such an amazing team and coaches, I know I never would have received this honor. I thought of how long I have played basketball and what it has meant to me and my family, and that this honor is just caps off my basketball journey better than I ever could have hoped for.
 
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the feelings and emotions involved when you found out that you were named an All-American last year?
A: I was just overwhelmed with happiness. It was never really an individual goal of mine to be named all-American. I guess I thought I'd never have a shot, so I was just ecstatic. I thought of all the years I've played and all of the hard work and it all paid off. A real sense of accomplishment, I guess. I felt like it was more than just me receiving the honor, though. The love and support of my family, teammates, and coaches all played a huge part in my success—they're all tied into it.
 
Q: You were a part of a freshmen class that really turned the LVC program around. You helped turn a seven-win team into a 24-win team and now a perennial contender. Is that something you think about? What was it that your class brought to the team that year that made such an immediate impact?
A: It's definitely something I think about. It's very special to have been a part of a rebuilding program that has now been ranked as high as #8 in the nation. A lot of the credit goes to Coach G. for his outstanding coaching and recruiting abilities in helping turn the program around. On that team, we had great leadership from the upperclassmen and a very talented group of freshmen. I think my class heightened the competitive attitude of the team. We came in as a very large class, so everyone knew you had to fight for playing time. A lot of the girls in my class came from winning teams, either high school or AAU, so I think we all just had a real desire to win and a winning attitude.
 
Q: With that, Eryn Schultz is now sitting 14 points from the 1,000-point mark. She will join you and Suzie Noyes in that club. Is there going to be a sense of shared joy when you see her join the two of you in that club?
A: Definitely! It was tough to see Eryn get injured so early last season when she was that close to 1,000 points. I know Suzie and I are both really excited to see her reach this milestone. Whatever game it might be, I hope I can be there to cheer like crazy for her. The fact that there are only three of us in our class, and we'll all be 1,000 point scorers is something really special to share.
 
A: I'm still very much connected to this year's team. They'll always be a part of my basketball family. All of the girls are more than just teammates to me. They're good friends, so I love to see them succeed on and off the court. I do follow the games daily and try to make it to as many as I can. If I can't make a game, you better believe I'm checking live stats and GoDutchmen!
 
Q: What have you been up to since graduation?
A: Since graduation I've gotten a job and an apartment in Harrisburg, which is great because it's still close to LVC and my family in York. There have been lots of big changes and life without basketball is definitely a big adjustment, but you know, I'm enjoying it every step of the way. Hopefully I'll be able to get into coaching somewhere next basketball season!
 
Q: What are some of the bigger lessons you learned at LVC that you've been applying to your life since graduation?
A: Probably the biggest lesson I took away from my experience at LVC is that you have to work hard for what you want, in the classroom or in athletics, and be a good person while doing it. And especially since last season, with our team's historic run to the Elite Eight, I've learned to just enjoy every moment as it comes…don't take anything for granted. I think LVC also gave me a greater sense of the importance of community and togetherness. It's important to be thankful for those around you who help shape who you are and the opportunities you've been given.