Laura Hamilton came to the Central Oklahoma women's basketball program as a junior college transfer in 2002 and made an immediate impact. A fierce competitor with great versatility, the 5-foot-9 guard overcame a major knee injury early in her second season to start every game of her career.
A fantastic outside shooter with great court awareness, Hamilton averaged 14.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.4 assists a game in 2002-03 to earn first-team All-Lone Star Conference North Division honors.
The Madill, Okla. native was injured late in the third game of what was to be her senior season and received a hardship ruling. She came back from that injury to enjoy a stellar 2004-05 campaign in leading UCO to a 17-10 record, the most wins for the Bronchos since 1992-93.
Hamilton averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 assists while making 57 3-points as a senior to again garner first-team All-LSC North recognition. She tied a single-game school record by making seven treys in a 31-point outing against Texas A&M-Commerce, hitting the game-winning 3-pointer with one second left in an 87-84 overtime victory.
In this week's installment of our look back at some of Central's past athletic greats, here's a brief conversation with Laura Hamilton.
Degree earned at UCO: Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education and Health. Earned Master's of Science in Education in Health and Kinesiology at Northeastern State.
How did UCO prepare you for success:Â The College of Education and the Kinesiology Department were the best. I learned so much in those classes and still use some of those same strategies In my own classroom.
Favorite memory at Central:Â There are a lot of great memories, but probably the game at Commerce when we were down 11 with 1:10 to go and came back to win at the buzzer in overtime. Also our trip to Las Vegas for a tournament during my junior year.
Best thing about going to UCO:Â Basketball of course. It was a great experience. I met a lot of amazing people and the friendships I made are ones I still have today. Â
Who were your favorite professors, coaches, etc:  Favorite professors is tough to say because they were all unique and I liked them all. Coaches, again all are favorites. From the basketball coaches to the training staff to the strength and conditioning coaches, they were all great.
If you could give advice to a current student-athlete at UCO, what would it be:Â Take nothing for granted. Study hard, train hard and enjoy it while it lasts.
Career path:Â I've been a teacher and coach all over the place. I've always taught PE and Health, but currently I'm in my first year teaching first grade in Ardmore.
Where do you currently live:Â Ardmore, Okla.
Family: One daughter, Taylor
