Karoline Striplin, an Alabama native, had friends and family watching her in Huntsville on Wednesday night. Even her former AAU coach was in attendance to watch the Lady Vols take on Middle Tennessee.
On one hand, they were able watch as Striplin dropped a career-high 29 points. On the other, they had to witness the rest of the Lady Vols score only 33 on the way to a 73-62 loss to Middle Tennessee.
It was the first loss in Tennessee (4-5) program history to the Blue Raiders (7-3). It was also the first loss for head coach Kellie Harper to an in-state opponent.
Justin Thomas reflects on 2023 season and Torrey Pines finish
Individually, they’ve got to look inside themselves and see where each person can get better,” Harper said. “As a staff, we continue to help them and continue to work with them every day, but there’s got to be some gut checks right now.
Young was then invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. His 25th birthday soon followed as he continued to prepare for the draft, where he would be one of the oldest players in his class. A player’s age can sometimes be a deterrent in the mind of NFL scouts and front offices, but Young saw his as an advantage.
“That was kind of hard to deal with, but I’m thankful for my age and where I’m at because I feel like versus a lot of guys, I’m probably more humble and disciplined and mature, and I feel like that goes a long way,” Young said. “It goes a long way in life. I’ve been in the real world and I’ve definitely seen a lot. I’ve been through that and I feel like that is definitely one of the key things I have coming into this league.”
On the second day of the draft, Young heard his name called with the 77th overall pick and learned that he would be joining the Rams. He got to start in his NFL debut against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 and stepped onto the field wearing a number with added significance.
“Wearing No. 0 is just a testament to everything I’ve been through and my journey,” he said of his jersey number, which became available for NFL players in 2023. “I wanted zero at Tennessee, but I couldn’t get it. I had an opportunity to get it here, so I got it.
“But just always reminded myself to just assemble where I came from and the amount of people that really supported me outside of my family. I didn’t really have nobody that was there for real outside of my family.”
Young grew up the youngest of 13 siblings. His family environment provided him with a role model who displayed a work ethic that would translate to Dollar General and the NFL.
