Just as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament approaches, senior captain Kristin Schatzlein has just become one of the best three-point shooters in Fairfield women’s basketball history recording 1,000 points, making her the latest member of the 1,000-point club. Now, about midway through her final season, she has logged a record number of 196 three-pointers.
Just about two minutes into the Jan. 24 game against Canisius, the 6-foot guard made her 1,000th point with her entire support system to witness the moment.
“It was a good accomplishment for me,” said Schatzlein. “I was just happy to have my family and friends around me and I’m just thankful I could be here to do this.”
Her family, friends and coaches have had quite the impact on the athlete she has become. Schatzlein has been playing for years, and her father has played a huge role in helping her to become one of the most talented female basketball players at Fairfield. Lee Schatztlein, who graduated from Bryant College in 1984, is still the second most accurate shooter in Bryant’s men’s basketball history. Obviously, the apple doesn’t fall far from the Schatzlein family tree.
Since her freshman year, the Stags have steadily grown, which has helped her become one of the most consistent players on the team. Fairfield University’s Freshman of the Year averaged 4.4 points a game during her start with the team. During her sophomore year, she was averaging 9.7 points per game, making a huge contribution of 64 three-pointers. By her junior year, Schatzlein was clearly skilled and posted a .883 free throw percentage. She started and played in all 13 games, averaging 11.6 points a game.
“Obviously, I didn’t play as much as a freshman but I kept going and now I’m a lot more consistent,” said Schatzlein, “and that’s nice because I can help everyone out.”
Currently, she’s averaging about 10.5 points a game and has a .824 free throw shooting percentage. Due to her performance and her achievement of 1,000 points, she was named the National Jesuit Co-Player for the week of Jan. 18, 2016. Schatzlein is now the 28th Stag to be a part of the 1,000-point club.
As the achievements keep coming, Schatzlein remains humble with her goals in sight.
“I’d really like to win the MAAC tournament,” said Schatzlein, “that would be awesome my senior year.”
As the tournament approaches, the Stags are currently on a three-game winning streak which will give them the necessary momentum to complete the rest of their season.
Schatzlein will be a key player as they look to take on Niagara on Friday, Feb. 5.
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