The Gophers women’s basketball team added two new sisters for the upcoming season, graduate student Tracey Bershers and incoming freshman Zoey Bershers.
The pair is ready to bring their talent to the Gophers, find their place and compete on the women’s basketball team.
Due to the starting five being all returners, the two will have to work hard to gain some serious minutes. Coach Dawn Plitzuweit said in a recent interview with KMSP that all of the recruits are doing just that.
“We have five newcomers who I think are doing a great job of not taking a back seat and trying to challenge and prove their ability to help us grow,” Plitzuweit said.
This is Tracey’s final year of eligibility. She comes as a transfer student from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The two sisters were born and raised in Arkansas. Although basketball was not their favorite sport growing up, being raised in a basketball-centered household made their love for the sport grow.
Their older sister, Sara Bershers, plays for UAB and played with Tracey for the past three years. Their father was their coach growing up, until they hit high school.
Zoey was the No. 3-ranked player in high school in the state of Arkansas. The 6-foot-3-inch center was the No. 1-ranked post player.
It is graduate student and center Sophie Hart’s final year with the Gophers, and the addition of another center will add necessary depth to the bench.
The two are still adjusting to the Gophers’ system and Minnesota, but Zoey said she is excited for the upcoming season and happy to have Tracey for support.
“It’s been a big difference coming from high school,” Zoey said. “It’s different in a lot of ways that I wouldn’t have thought. It’s been a huge thing having Tracey here.”
Tracey affirmed her sister’s perspective, but due to it being her last year, she just wants to make it the best possible one.
“I think just with it being my last year, I’m trying to make the most out of it and enjoy it as much as I can,” Tracey said. “Just be able to help the team in any way I can.”
Both sisters are post players, and Tracey has been using her previous collegiate experience to help guide her sister to success.
Tracey was not initially expecting to sign in Minnesota, but is happy to be playing with family once again and the family-like way the Gophers women’s basketball team is run.
“Choosing Minnesota was bigger than just basketball,” Tracey said. “From day one, the coaches made me feel like family, and I truly believe in the vision they have for me and this program.”
Tracey added that there’s no better place for her to grow, compete, and be part of something special.