The LSU women’s basketball team celebrated Senior Night last Thursday against the University of Tennessee. Izzy Besselman joins the game for the first time since 2024. She checked in toward the end of the fourth quarter and was greeted with a standing ovation by the entire PMAC.
The Baton Rouge native suffers from a unique heart condition that prevents her from playing at full speed. That forced Besselman to find a different way to impact her team.
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“I think my perspective has definitely changed, it’s different than it was before, but I just try to be whatever leader, supporter, whatever I can for my teammates, make an impact in any way,” Beselman.
Head coach Kim Mulkey has known Besselman since she came to Baylor training camp as a junior. The relationship grew and Besselman continued his education at LSU, eventually earning a full scholarship.
“I just told her I want you to be on the team,” Mulkey said. “It’s definitely been traumatic for her and her family because we’ve been sending her around to diagnose what’s going on. She’s been playing this game since she was a kid, and then during a physical in her junior year, this happened.”
During his time at LSU, including a national championship season, Beselman earned the trust of his teammates and coaches while playing for his hometown team.
“She understands that she’s trying to play basketball when most people like her are just trying to survive and survive, so Izzy is a really, really great young lady and teammate,” Mulkey said.
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This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Kim Mulkey, Izzy Besselman reflect on LSU women’s basketball Senior Day
