Sara Bershers’ original intention was to attend college and play basketball closer to home.

However, there were some things that enticed the Northside senior forward to sign with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, which Bershers officially did in a ceremony Monday at the Lady Bears’ practice gym.

“I just feel like it was home,” Bershers said. “After the visit, I came back and weighed my options and I just felt like that’s where I needed to be.

“I’ve always felt like I could go somewhere close to home, but it was just one of those things where I just felt it was right and I feel like I’ll succeed there.”

For one, UTRGV — which is located in the extreme south Texas town of Edinburg — is a Division I school and plays in the Western Athletic Conference. Then there’s some other things Bershers likes about the location.

“That’s a long ways away, but it’s an hour from the beach, so that’s a plus, and it’s only like a three-hour flight back here, so it’s not too bad,” she said.

Bershers, who also considered schools like Arkansas State and Central Missouri, added she liked what the UTRGV program had to offer, not to mention the campus.

“I feel like I will fit into their program pretty well,” Bershers said. “They expect me to play like a (shooting guard, small forward or power forward) somewhere; not a point guard and not a post, but I feel like I can fulfill that role.

“As far as the campus, they’re expanding every day and they’re building new stuff. It’s a very, very pretty campus and it’s nice.”


Bershers is about to start her second season at Northside after transferring from Lake Hamilton prior to her junior season. With the Lady Bears last season, the six-footer led the team in scoring with 13.8 points per game and also averaged 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 blocks.

“Sara has only been a Lady Bear one year, and in that short time frame has really raised the bar extremely high,” Northside coach Rickey Smith said. “She has been an excellent example as to what it means to be a Northside Lady Bear.

“Sara has impeccable character, a tremendous work ethic and is a great leader on and off the floor. And she has been one of the best role models I have had the luxury of coaching in 25 years here at Northside High School.”

Bershers helped lead the Lady Bears to the 7A semifinals while along the way, hitting game-winning baskets against eventual 7A runner-up Conway and eventual 7A champion North Little Rock.

She is one of several returning starters for Northside, which opens its season Tuesday at home against Marion.

The Lady Bears have already received several preseason accolades nationally, being ranked No. 15 in the nation by MaxPreps along with a No. 16 national ranking by USA Today as part of its Super25 preseason poll.

“We’ve just got to keep working hard every day in practice,” Bershers said. “I really believe that coach Smith will have us ready for the time to come, we’ve just got to keep working hard and staying together.”
