The Brown and White spoke with women’s basketball alumni Cameryn Benz, ‘20, Sandy Whelan, ‘91, and Camryn Buhr, ‘20, to look back on their Lehigh careers and discuss how they have brought their Lehigh experiences with them post-graduation.
All three women had successful careers at Lehigh, averaging 6.9, 15.8 and 11.3 points per game, respectively, over the course of their careers. Whelan starred for Lehigh from 1986-1991, starting in all but five games. Buhr started 115 games from 2016 to 2020 and Benz started in 58.
How would you describe your experience as a student-athlete at Lehigh?
Cameryn Benz: Being a student-athlete at Lehigh only adds to the family aspect of the university itself. Lehigh on its own has a family environment with the campus, professors, coaches and being an athlete just heightens that.
Sandy Whelan: Lehigh is a very strong academic school with great athletic programs. My experience from the start was incredible.
Camryn Buhr: I love being on a smaller team that was super close. It was the balance of academics and athletics that made it very enjoyable.
Are there any moments that stick out to you as an athlete here at Lehigh?
Cameryn Benz: One moment that comes to mind is when (Camryn) Buhr scored 36 points in a game. Playing with and witnessing that was unreal and beautiful basketball. I’ll always remember the times when my teammates and best friends accomplish such great things and how it makes the whole team feel.
Sandy Whelan: Freshman year, (head) coach Muffet McGraw took us all the way to the conference championship, losing in overtime to Lafayette at the buzzer. At Lafayette, my senior year, we were down at least 20 points. Fran Troyan, who is the head softball coach now, gave one heck of a halftime speech. We came out after halftime and hit five three-pointers in a row to come back and win. Anytime you beat Lafayette, it’s a good day.
Cameryn Buhr: Senior night was one of my favorite moments because our whole class started. It was really cool to see everyone shine and play with everyone together for the last time due to COVID.
What are some lessons you learned at Lehigh that you have taken over into everyday life?
Cameryn Benz: There are tons of values that I built at Lehigh that I take in my everyday life. Confidence is one that I built over my four years and asking questions. You have to be able to take criticism and ask questions to correct and make sure to do everything that is put in front of you.
Sandy Whelan: Personally having dealt with injuries, overcoming adversity is a lesson that sticks out. I attribute it a lot to coach Muffet (McGraw), but I don’t think I would have been able to push myself enough to come back after being two years off. She really made me dig deep and taught me how to fight.
Cameryn Buhr: It is OK to fail. It will make you better and will learn from it. Our class built the legacy up to work hard.
Is there anything in particular that you miss about Lehigh?
Cameryn Benz: Living with my teammates and waking up to get food or coffee is what I miss. Doing life with them everyday.
Cameryn Buhr: You don’t really remember the wins and losses but the little moments and times you have with your teammates.
If you can describe Lehigh in one word what would it be?
Sandy Whelan: Unparalleled.
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