If there is a job on the basketball court that needs doing, Connally High’s Genea Rucker has proven herself more than capable of doing it. The Cougar senior is averaging six points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals a game and has played a key role in what is turning out to be a great season for Connally.

“Its been great,” Rucker said. “Its been kind of challenging. We’ve had a lot of things to work on and we work long and hard every day.”

The Cougars hard work has paid off in a big way. They are 8-1 in district and tied atop the District 25-5A standings for first place with Pflugerville who dealt them their one loss. Rucker said the team had no trouble re-focusing after the loss to the Panthers.

“Every game we play like we are playing Pflugerville,” she said. “We work on what we need to do in practice and play as a team. We are building a bond as we prepare for (Pflugerville).”

Rucker has spent her entire career at Connally as a member of the Cougar varsity. In that time she has seen plenty of success as well as a coaching change this year as Laura Zouzalik has taken over the program after long-time Connally coach Angie Hermesmeyer moved to Smithson Valley.

“It’s been a great experience,” Rucker said of her career. “The transition from coach Hermesmeyer to coach Zouzalik, there is really no difference. It’s all the same.”

As a senior it is easy to assume Rucker occupies a leadership role on this year’s team. However, you might be surprised to learn it is a role she has seen herself in for all four years on varsity and one she feels every member of the Cougar team occupies.

“I’ve always been a leader,” she said. “Everyone on this team pushes each other. We all look out for each other. We all push each other to be the best we can be.”

Rucker said she first started playing basketball when she was seven-years old. Her grandmother bought her a basketball and a hoop and from that beginning she developed a great love for the game.

“I love the game and everything about it,” she said. “I’m a big watcher. I like to watch it on TV. I love the sport.”

As her high school career winds down, Rucker says she would like to continue playing in college although she is unsure where that might happen. For now she is content to still be a Connally Cougar as she helps the team work toward its ultimate goal.

“We hope to get a state championship,” she said. “We will just keep working hard and watch this team grow.”