Ivane Tensaie is a senior guard for the UTEP women’s basketball team. This semester, she will exchange the jersey for a stole as she walks the stage to receive a degree in psychology. Before beginning her career with UTEP in her junior year, the Minnesota native played for Pennsylvania State University.
Since her transfer, Tensaie has racked up accolades such as earning All-Conference USA (CUSA) Second Team Honors.
“That was a goal I had to be able to accomplish. Just knowing everything that I had gone through, basketball-wise and just personally in the past few years, and what I had to overcome, that meant a lot to me. It also made me want to push forward and become a better leader for this group, and have more success as a team as well,” Tensaie said.
Tensaie led on the court on multiple occasions, she’s first in the team for minutes played, minutes per game, points per game, and earned her spot as the top scorer in over a dozen games. Tensaie also strives for success off the court, as she was named on CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for two years in a row.
Maintaining both the “student” and “athlete” aspects of the title is difficult, but Tensaie says that conserving a sense of structure is the key.
“It can be difficult at times. We have busy schedules, and [we’re] always running around or having something to do. But I feel like I’ve definitely developed good time management skills. Just make sure you have a routine and stick to it,” Tensaie said.
Though Tensaie has been with UTEP for a fairly short time, she’s not only gained some high statistics, but has also gained some close bonds with her teammates and coaches.
“The most rewarding part is the relationship that I’ve built with the coaching staff, but also with my teammates. Just being able to hang out with them off the court, develop close bonds, and have friends that I can carry with me for a lifetime after this,” Tensaie said.
Tensaie will have the chance to develop these bonds even further, as she returns to the team for another year following graduation. The guard says her return will allow her to develop her skills as well.
“I’m excited to have another shot at another season with these girls and coaching staff. [I’ll be] continuing to develop, so that when I do end up leaving, I can be ready for a pro career,” Tensaie said.
Tensaie has already created some notable moments as part of the UTEP team, including two game winning shots against Sam Houston and Florida International University, within a span of two weeks. However, she hopes that people will remember her for her attitude and drive on the court.
“I definitely want be known as someone who had a great work ethic. I just want to be known for how I was always in the gym, working on my game and on the mental side. I want to be known for being a good teammate and being a good, positive person to the people around me,” Tensaie said.
UTEP fans will continue to experience Tensaie’s game following graduation, and she hopes the support will continue as well.
“I’m really amazed by the support we get and how encouraging people are in this community. It definitely motivates me and my teammates,” Tensaie said.
For many graduates, their last stretch of the college experience can be bittersweet. The excitement that surrounds their accomplishments often overlaps with the uncertainty of what will follow.
Although Tensaie will return to the court next year, she does note the difficulty and the excitement that she expects from the change graduation will bring.
“I’m excited to get my degree and be able to take that home to my mom and dad and say, ‘I did it.’ [What’s most] nerve wracking is the real world. I have another year, so there’s a little bit of time, but it’s bittersweet because it’s hard leaving some of the people that you’ve gotten close to and learned to love,” Tensaie said.
Leah Austin is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected].
