UPDATE: Maeve McErlane made a thrilling return to the basketball court on Wednesday, marking her first game in nearly 20 months. The Colorado Buffs junior guard took to the floor during an exhibition match against the Colorado School of Mines, igniting excitement among fans and teammates alike.
Despite the game not counting officially, McErlane expressed her exhilaration, stating, “It was just surreal.” After missing the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn labrum, her comeback is a significant moment for the team. “Being able to play with girls who believe in you and just a coaching staff that lets you be the player that you are—it’s just like a breath of fresh air,” she added.
McErlane, who previously played at DePaul, showcased her determination during the exhibition, scoring two points and making efforts on the court, despite shooting 1-for-8 overall. Coach JR Payne praised her resilience, stating, “Anytime someone’s been out, it’s wonderful to see them back on the floor, especially a kid like Maeve because she’s such a great teammate.”
The Philadelphia native averaged 4.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during her last season at DePaul, and her presence is expected to bolster the Buffs’ backcourt, which includes talented players like Kennedy Sanders and Desiree Wooten.
McErlane credited her successful return to the hard work of the training staff, stating, “What I think of is that I’m a healthy basketball player and I need to do my job.” Her journey back to health involved rigorous preparations, allowing her to focus solely on performance rather than her past injury.
Before the game, McErlane felt the familiar “good excited nerves”, acknowledging the long wait to return. “Going into games you want to have those nerves. It helps get your adrenaline going,” she explained.
The Buffs are gearing up for a promising season, and fans are eager to see how McErlane will contribute moving forward. With her positive energy and commitment, she aims to play a vital role in the team’s success this year.
Stay tuned for more updates as the CU Buffs continue their preparations and approach the regular season, with McErlane excited to be back in action and ready to make an impact on the court.
