Record-setting basketball legends return to The Hill
Two of Trevecca’s basketball greats will be returning for a special Legends of the Hill night on January 27.
David Suddeth and Jennifer Wilson were all-time leading scorers for Trevecca, with Suddeth holding 14 men’s basketball records and Wilson becoming the first and only four-time All American.
Wilson remembers her participation in the basketball program fondly, especially the time spent playing at the national championship, something her team achieved all four years of her enrollment.
“Playing basketball at Trevecca was four of the most enjoyable years of my entire life,” said Wilson. “Going to the national championship was a fantastic experience every year but as great as the tournament was, what lasted were the relationships I made along the way.”
Similarly for Suddeth, the friendships he formed were definitive in his career.
“We were good some years and we were bad some years but the relationships were most important,” he said. “I made lifelong friends, and we had fun playing no matter what.”
The opportunity for Suddeth to be recognized for his record-setting career is something he never expected.
“I don’t talk about the things I've done but I’m very proud of what I accomplished,” said Suddeth. “For me it was just playing basketball, I didn’t think people would still be talking about it 30 years later.”
For Wilson, it is thrilling and humbling to return to a place that holds so many irreplaceable memories with her coach and teammates.
Despite their love of the game, both players have kept their sports careers in perspective and chosen to focus on matters of more eternal significance.
“Trevecca was a place that I got saved and that supersedes anything I could have done athletically,” said Suddeth. “I always feel like anyone can play basketball, but I think it takes real courage to give your life to Christ.”
Wilson views things similarly, finding that her abilities on the court were tied to something much bigger than herself.
“When I came to Trevecca I knew what I was capable of,” said Wilson. “But when it turned into a pure focus of using the gifts that God has given me to glorify him, playing the game of basketball became a brand new experience.”
These two ‘Legends of The Hill’ will be honored on the night of the basketball games between Trevecca and Walsh University at the Trojan Fieldhouse on January 27. The evening includes a social gathering for Suddeth and Wilson and a special recognition at halftime of the men’s game. The women’s and men’s games begin at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
Purchase your tickets here. Use code tnutrojans22 when purchasing tickets for a $5 discount.
Media Contact: Brian Bennett