There are certain incidents that place life, much less sports,
into proper perspective. Such an incident rocked the collegiate
sporting community Monday morning.
Alisa Marie Lewis, a 5-foot-11 junior reserve on
California’s women’s basketball team, died Monday from
what doctors believe to be bacterial meningitis. She was taken
to the hospital early in the morning complaining of a massive
headache, rash, and flu-like symptoms. Lewis was 20 years
old.
“This is a horrible, horrible tragedy,” said Cal
coach Caren Horstmeyer at a press conference. “For someone so
young to have such a short life, my staff and myself feel that
it’s a terrible loss for her family, our team and for
everybody.”
“I’ve coached many good people. I can honestly say
that she is the nicest kid that I’ve ever coached.”
Lewis was averaging 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds per game for the
Golden Bears this season. A service is planned to honor her memory
Thursday at Haas Pavilion.Â
Admittedly a tough decision, Cal will still make its road trip
to Southern California this week, facing conference foes USC on
Friday and UCLA on Sunday.
“We went over the pros and cons of playing on Friday with
our players and let them make the decision,” Horstmeyer said.
“They decided as a team that they wanted to play. They have
the full support of their coaches.”
UCLA women’s basketball coach Kathy Olivier informed her
team of Lewis’ death before practice Tuesday. The subsequent
practice was understandably somber and subdued.
“Everyone was quiet and shaken,” Olivier said.
“I told the team you should be thankful for
everyday. Cherish every day that you’re with your
teammates and you get to be at practice.”
The suddenness of Lewis’ death was still lingering in the
minds of Olivier’s Bruins after practice ended. A very
rare disease, bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the lining
of the brain and spinal column. In some cases, it can even
prove to be fatal, even in a previously healthy individual like
Lewis. Â
“All of us were really shocked,” senior guard
Gennifer Arranaga said. “It’s scary to think that
something like this can happen to anyone. To lose somebody is
very hard for the team in general.
“Today, you look at your life and see how precious it
really is. It’s such an honor to be here and be able to play
basketball.”
In addressing reporters, Horstmeyer remembered a quote which
Lewis had hanging on the wall of her room.
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if
you’ll die today,” Horstmeyer said. “This
was her favorite quote. She was a very special young
woman.”