SALT LAKE CITY – Much responsibility follows with being a senior in college athletics, but being the only senior on your team requires a special type of person.
"
Paige Crozon is just a great human being, and she is our only senior," head women's basketball coach
Lynne Roberts said. "It is kind of cool that we can use this weekend to really just focus on her. We don't have our attention divided with several seniors. I think the mindset for me as a coach is I wanted to have a great year for Paige. I have coached for a really long time, but this is her senior year."
Crozon has contributed immensely to the program's success during her time at Utah. Not only has she overcome the adversity that comes from a season-ending injury, she's endured a coaching change and been a treasured part to new beginnings.
The native of Humboldt, Saskatchewan made the 20-hour commute to Salt Lake City to become a Ute after struggling with the decision to leave Canada. It wasn't easy, but Crozon made the choice that was right for her.
"I was considering between the University of Utah and staying in Canada to attend a school right by my family's house," Crozon explained. "That way my family could come to every game and they'd be a part of my experience. For me, I just thought I needed to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk by coming to the United States to play basketball.
"I didn't decide until the day of signing day. I thought about it for a long time. It was stressful because I had developed relationships with the coaches in Canada as well. I have never looked back. I don't regret any decision I made."
The Canadian pipeline is strong within the women's basketball program at Utah, and those Utes from north of the border helped bring Crozon to Utah.
"It helped knowing some people from playing back home," she said. "Taryn Wicijowski, who played here, was the one who picked me up from the airport and took me to the dorms. She made sure I had everything I needed because I came to college and didn't really know what to expect.
"Moving so far from home, my parents weren't really there to help me or smooth over the transition. They had faith that I would figure it out. I couldn't have done it without the help of people who were already here."
Crozon started 10 games as a freshman while playing in 30 games throughout the season, but missed time late that year after a collision during practice.
"I had severe whip lash in my neck then a concussion on top of that after colliding with a practice squad guy," she said. "I was out for 18-20 months and had to go through a lot of different treatment."
Women's basketball director of operations
Willette White, in her sixth season with the Utes, witnessed the courage Crozon showcased during her recovery.
"Paige is one of the nicest, sweetest young women you will ever meet," White shared. "While watching Paige manage the pain of that injury, it became obvious that it wasn't about basketball anymore. Her life changed, it was about her everyday struggles to deal with the intense symptoms associated with her injury.
"When Paige was able to start playing again, about 18 months later, the old Paige was resurfacing. Her joy and excitement was returning, it was like a homecoming when she returned to the court."
Despite the physical setback, Crozon flourished throughout her career at Utah. A two-year starter for the Utes, she has tallied 44 double-figure scoring games entering Sunday's matchup against Oregon State. The 6-1 wing has scored 937 career-points and the season isn't over yet.
Off the court, Crozon is set to graduate in May with a double degree in health promotion and business. Playing basketball at Utah, along with earning two degrees, has helped mold Crozon into the type of leader she always wanted to be.
"I think my primary style of leadership is to try to lead by example and do things right so people will be more willing to follow me," she said "I'm definitely not the person to yell at you or get mad. And I try to encourage my teammates.
"I think a big part of women's athletics is getting females to believe in themselves and have the confidence therefore to transfer over onto the court. For example, my own personal life, if I believe I am going to make the shot, the chance of it going in is a lot higher than being negative about it. I just am trying to make my teammates believe in themselves and to believe in the process. Even though it has been a tough go, we can still win games."
In her fifth year as a Ute, Crozon still feels each and every team has been a family. As the only senior, she has seen teammates come and go, but has enjoyed each season in its own way.
"I think that is something I have been very fortunate to have. I have always had a good relationship with all my teammates," Crozon said. "I genuinely have liked all my teammates, which has made the experience a lot more enjoyable. I know it's not like that for every team. There is a foundation laid every year and every year has been pretty seamless."
The Utes have four juniors, including fellow wing and starter
Tanaeya Boclair, who has grown especially close with Crozon.
"I'm going to miss her friendship so much and her personality on the court is always great," Boclair said. "She's always cheering us on and wanting to put in more work that it takes to be great. Knowing that she's out there and always has my back on the court is special."
Crozon has been a part of two postseason trips to the WNIT, including one of her favorite memories when Utah defeated Gonzaga 92-77 last season in front of a sold-out crowd.
She is a two-time Pac-12 all-academic honoree and Pac-12 conference honorable mentioned as a junior.
"It has been fun playing the best conference in the nation and playing the best teams day in and out," Crozon said. "I am really going to miss college; I love learning."