Kansas State fans bid a tearful goodbye to greatest senior class in WBB history

After an incredible Kansas State women's basketball run came to an end on Saturday, many were sad, knowing what that meant. On a heavy senior-filled roster, many played for the last time in the royal purple. The impact of the realization while also celebrating everything that this group has given to the program came with a lot of heavy feelings following the loss to USC.

Even though their March Madness tournament run came to an end against the Trojans, the team as a whole, but the senior class in particular, received an immense amount of support and gratitude for all that was accomplished at KSU.

While head coach Jeff Mittie will need to pivot off a corps that he has been able to lean on for the better part of four years, for now, the immediate time following the loss should be focused on the incredible student-athletes whose careers are coming to an end.

Manhattan has been highly fortunate to be able to witness the growth and development of this year's senior class. Now looking back on the entirety of what they have accomplished at Kansas State, this group is something of an all-timer for the program.

Having great stories and clear connectiveness within college basketball is appealing for potential recruits and transfers. While their postseason had to end following their making the Sweet 16, they will inevitably pave the way for future windows to be easier for other talented players to be enticed to come to Manhattan.

An incredible game against Kentucky that ended up being a win in overtime followed by a loss to the Trojans that came down to the closing minutes only illustrated how good this collective group was. The truth is, a lot of worthy units are going to fall in a densely packed group at the top of college basketball.

Today, it may not serve as much of a consolation for players and fans sad about being so close and now being forced to watch the rest of March Madness with others still competing. This K-State bunch made their school proud and will be looked on proudly for many years to come.

Farewell for the Kansas State women's basketball senior class

From a neutral fan for this particular USC-Kansas State matchup, X account LasChicasHoopz shared the thoughts surrounding Mittie's program. In something of an ode to how well they played and competed, the person behind the basketball profile appreciated being able to watch the Wildcats entertain and put it all out on the line for their school.

Other hoops fans showed how much they also respected the play of this group that is headlined by a lot of seniors. Being able to win over others in defeat is a sign of a well-put-together program. This inspiration stands out and should bode well moving forward.

There are multiple tremendous seniors who will not step foot on a college basketball court again. Ayoka Lee is a notable departure given the amount of time she has spent in Manhattan. March Madness Enjoyer commented on her words following the loss. It could be something of an indicator that she will not pursue further WNBA or Unrivaled opportunities moving forward. Regardless of that aspect, her comments certainly show a high level of love for the campus that she has called home for so long.

Finally, Tyler perfectly summarized the impact that Lee both had and will have on K-State. She has been a cornerstone for coach Mittie, and her absence next season in particular will be something of an oddity when the ball tips off again next year.