Emily Thesing - Clutch Cobber

Feature story by Larry Scott

Heroes have been in plentiful supply for Concordia women's basketball head coach Jessica Rahman and the Cobbers this winter, but when the game reaches full boil it's time for Emily Thesing to step forward.

The pressure to take the game's biggest shot is enough to make many a player flinch, but not Thesing. Instead, it's a role the senior from Brainerd relishes.

Thesing spends much of her time at point guard orchestrating the Cobber offense, a clear demonstration of her wealth of self-confidence and leadership skills. "I like to take the last shot, or make the decision who takes its," Thesing said. "I like the pressure."

The 5-7 Thesing drained a jump shot as time expired to lift Concordia to a 61-59 victory at St. Olaf in early January, and her free throw with two seconds left provided the winning margin in a 50-49 road win at Gustavus in mid-January.

Concordia currently holds sole possession of first place in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Thesing has made a major contribution. After 20 games she leads the club in steals (43) and three-point field goals (43) and ranks second in scoring (12.9 ppg) and assists (75).

Still, her real value isn't revealed by scanning a box score, according to Rahman. "Emily has a very high level of leadership and confidence," Rahman said. "She makes good decisions; it's like having a coach on the floor."

Concordia, 18-5 overall, has positioned itself nicely for the post-season with a 17-3 league start. Still, Thesing and her pals know much work remains, but they like their chances.

"If we can take care of business the rest of the season, we'll have a chance to host the MIAC tournament. We want to get to the nationals and make a run."

Thesing traces the Cobbers' success to a healthy respect for each other, encouragement and guidance from the coaching staff, and a long memory.

"The attitude in practice is awesome. We all want to get better, and we know where we want to go," Thesing said. "We went to the nationals two years ago, but lost in the first round, and that has been motivation for us to get back."

In that memorable 2010-11 season, Concordia captured the MIAC postseason title but fell to Simpson (IA) College 59-56 in the opening round of the NCAA Division III National Championships. Thesing and fellow current Cobbers Erika Jossart, Alexandra Lippert, Tricia Sorensen and Kelsey Walloch all remember the empty feeling after the loss.

One of two seniors on the latest Cobber roster, Thesing has willingly accepted an expanded leadership role this season. "I'm pretty vocal, especially in practice," said Thesing.

A 2009 graduate of Brainerd High School and two-time All-Central Lakes Conference pick, Thesing explored several options before deciding on the Cobbers. "I looked at a few Division III schools, and Bemidji State, and I narrowed my choices down to between (Minnesota) Morris and Concordia.

"I came up to campus to watch a game, and after getting a tour and meeting with coach Rahman it just felt right. I attended a couple of their games and liked the style they played. Concordia gave me the best options for an education and the chance to play basketball."

There were dues to pay and lessons to be absorbed as a freshman, but Thesing was determined. "My first year was a lot of learning and watching the other girls," Thesing said. "I didn't get the minutes I wanted, but that (provided) motivation to improve my game each summer, and it's been nice to have that mindset."

Clearly, there have been no second thoughts.

"I know I have grown here as a person, and I credit that to my professors and coach Rahman. She's been a great mentor for me."

The success of the Cobber men this winter has not been lost on Thesing, either. "It's fun to see them have success, especially the seniors. We travel together and spend a lot of time together, and it makes it more fun when we sweep. They make road trips better for us, and I'm sure we make road trips better for them."

A Nutrition and Dietetics major, Thesing will graduate in May. "I have a lot of options, but I really want to go into coaching. I would like to continue my passion for basketball, and it would be a lot of fun."

Thesing is well aware there will be some separation anxiety when she leaves Concordia. "I won't miss doing homework, but I'll miss all the people, playing ball and hanging out with my friends. It's been everything and more. I had a chance to get a great education and meet my fiancé."

Much of Thesing's passion for the game has come from coach Rahman, who is encouraged that her point guard might want to follow in her career path. "That would be great," said Rahman.

Unlike some of her teammates, Thesing had no real connection to the Cobbers growing up, but has clearly found as home at Concordia. "There were no family ties to Concordia, although I had a few teachers back at Brainerd with Concordia ties, including my ninth grade coach Brenda and her husband Jay Sannes. They were certainly excited when they found out I was going to Concordia.

"My fiancé, Todd Bergeson, played football for Concordia and his whole family went here, including three brothers---Bryant (married to assistant athletic director Rachel Bergeson, Darin, and Brett, a member of the men's basketball team as a freshman.

Yes, the extended family tree will include the Bergesons, Burgaus and Gulsvigs, and can be traced back to former basketball coach Sonny Gulsvig. "I never met him, he was gone before I came here, but I have heard what a great man he was," said Thesing.

Thesing, and the rest of the Cobbers, will look to secure their first MIAC regular-season title since the 1989-90 season when they host St. Kate's on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7 :30 p.m.