A total of 9,642 fans gathered in Bramlage Coliseum for Kansas State women’s basketball’s round of 64 matchup against the Portland Pilots. While attendance marked a season-high, guard Gabby Gregory — a major catalyst in furthering fan interaction — was pleased, but not satisfied.
“Obviously I was really trying for that sellout, but we were really close,” Gregory said. “I mean, it was amazing in there. … It really just speaks to the growth of the game of women’s basketball, that we get to play in front of almost sold out crowds and things like that now. But I think it was tremendous and I can’t wait to have a sellout on Sunday.”
Wildcat fans are familiar with challenges to support sports. Men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang frequently advocates for more energy. So of course, fans responded to Gregory’s request.
Less than 24 hours later, Gregory announced at Saturday afternoon’s press conference that fans sold out Sunday’s game against Colorado.
Support for hosting March Madness extended beyond fan ticket purchases, including teams within K-State Athletics. Football, volleyball, tennis, soccer and other teams showed their support on social media, often featuring a “Gap Goat” in good luck videos for the women’s basketball team.
Excited to cheer on the WBB Cats! #KStateVB x @KStateWBB x @MarchMadnessWBB pic.twitter.com/fJ631zPeve
— K-State Volleyball (@KStateVB) March 20, 2024
The team made an effort to garner as much support as possible. Star center Ayoka Lee reached out to the track and field coach to reschedule a throwers’ practice so they could attend the Portland game, Gregory said. Lee’s request was met, and the throwers sat in Bramlage to watch a Wildcat victory.
Guard Zyanna Walker said the soccer team also changed a practice time to make the game.
Hope you could hear us over in Bramlage, @KStateWBB! GO CATS!
Can’t wait to see everyone this weekend!#KStateSOC x #KStateWBB x @MarchMadnessWBB pic.twitter.com/XgJC0yPazt
— K-State Soccer (@KStateSOC) March 21, 2024
“Yeah, this is just a special place to be and be a college athlete,” guard Serena Sundell said. “Just the support that we have throughout teams and — I mean, it’s just — it’s very rare. You don’t see that across the country. I’m just super thankful to be in a place like Kansas State where everybody is just so supportive. We go to volleyball games and soccer games and all that stuff, too. It’s so fun. People just truly enjoy supporting one another, and this is a great place to be.”
Here we go @KStateWBB ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/yPpwOohcCY
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) March 24, 2024
Unfortunately for Gregory and her teammates, the Wildcats fell 63-50 in a physical battle with the Buffaloes, ending the season and her collegiate career. Nevertheless, Gregory went out on a bang, with over 10,000 fans in support.
“If that’s my last game in Bramlage, that’s a pretty good crowd to go out on,” Gregory said through tears in the postgame press conference. “I’m just really thankful to the fans. Everyone has been amazing and so supportive of us this year. I really think that we have grown the game of women’s basketball in Manhattan, Kansas, and I just can’t wait to see the support that they continue to get next year.”
thank you kstate nation for everything. yall welcomed me with open arms and have made my 2 years here the absolute best years of my life. i wish i could stay forever https://t.co/Nvb9FCSHZl
— gabby gregory (@gabbygregory12) March 25, 2024
Gregory’s impact on the program rose above her on-court play. She was on the front lines making Gap Goat one of the biggest celebrities in the Little Apple. In just two years at K-State, she became a fan favorite and a cherished member of Wildcat nation.
“I think Gabby’s personality allows people to draw to her, and people can see how hard she plays on the floor, and people can see the passion that she plays with, and she’s not afraid to vocalize that,” head coach Jeff Mittie said. “You know, she’s not afraid to tell the fans, we need a sellout. People are drawn to people that compete at the highest level, and I think, you know, players like Gabby can have an impact regardless of how long you’re at a program because they are just those kind of people. And we could see it from the — we could see it when she first walked in here. So it’s not surprising what she’s done.”
Gregory’s arrival in Manhattan and stay for a final season is attributed to her desire to play with Lee — possibly the greatest player to ever don a Wildcat uniform and another huge contributor to the growth of women’s basketball in Manhattan. Lee said she is very thankful to have played with the Oklahoma transfer.
“It’s just been such a joy to have Gabby here,” Lee said tearfully after senior night Feb. 28. “The energy she brings is what we needed as a team. I’ve never had a teammate like her. I’m just grateful to have played with her.”
