In the eyes of the beholders, Erin Scholz had game when she excelled on the basketball floor for coach Ceal Barry and the Colorado Buffaloes.
With Scholz, a 6-foot-2 frontcourt player, amassing impressive individual statistics, the Buffaloes compiled a 106-26 record from the 1993-94 through the 1996-97 seasons. It was the heyday of CU’s women’s basketball program as the Buffs made the NCAA Tournament all four years, won two conference regular-season championships and three conference tournament titles.
In her four seasons, Scholz became only the third CU women’s player to hit the 1,000 mark in points and rebounds. She was everybody’s all-star.
But hidden from view of the fans, coaches and teammates was turmoil.
“I carried a heavy burden inside of a fear of failing from game to game,” Scholz said. “I couldn’t see the value I added to the team. Something like that leaves you vulnerable to not realizing your worth.”
Scholz talked of realizing her dream of playing professional basketball. But by the time her college playing days were over, the insecurity she felt had taken its toll.
“I kept needing to be reassured,” Scholz said. “I could only liken it to what I hear about drug addiction. I had a contract to play pro basketball for the team in Portland, but I called and told them I couldn’t do it.”
She brings up a broken home and long periods of time away from her father, David Scholz. He was able to see some games, but he wasn’t there enough to help ease her doubts.
Scholz entered into what was a seven-year lost weekend.
“It absolutely was hard for me to leave college,” Scholz said. “It was a love-hate thing, being part of a team and giving everything you had and knowing you still might feel a deep sense of failure and embarrassment.”
Playing for Barry was a good experience. Scholz came to CU from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, where her team won a state championship in her junior year in 1992.
“Coach Barry was the most demanding coach I’ve played for,” Scholz said. “It was a big adjustment going from high school to college, but what she demanded was a good fit for me.”
After playing for the Buffs, Scholz waited tables and finished school.
“I became certified in massage therapy and did some of that,” Scholz said.
She also thought about entering women’s boxing, but retreated before her first fight.
Along the way she became reacquainted with a CU friend, Chand- ler Moody, who played football for the Buffs. He became a significant source of support. And she banked heavily on religious roots that she had developed before high school.
On a whim, she forced herself to attend a Colorado Chill women’s basketball game when the team played at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. Scholz met Chill owner Dave King and agreed to play for the team the next season. She helped the Chill win the next two National Women’s Basketball League titles before the league folded in 2006.
Scholz also received a phone call that year that she said came out of the blue. On the line was Raegan Scott-Pebley, a CU teammate from 10 years before. Scott-Pebley was coaching the women’s team at Utah State.
“She said she wanted to hire me as an assistant coach,” Scholz said. “I sat with it for a few days and then accepted. I’m beginning my third season.”
Scott-Pebley’s interest reassured Scholz that others recognized her abilities. Just a couple of weeks ago, Scholz was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame. But the turmoil is far from gone.
“I want to say ‘yes’ that this is a good place for me,” Scholz said. “I know that Reagan believed she could trust me, but my life is a day-to-day journey.”
Scholz bio
Born: May 30, 1975, in Decatur, Ill.
Education: Doherty High School (Colorado Springs), University of ColoradoFamily: Parents Jill and David Scholz, brother James Scholz
Hobbies: Playing guitar and singing
Ambition: Funnel her intense desire to play pro basketball into something else. She doesn’t know what yet.
