Many people say they are Texas Tech’s No. 1 fan, but Louise Sears has them all beat. Sears has been to almost every home game this season. In fact, she’s been to nearly every home game for more than a decade. For Sears, cheering on men’s basketball isn’t just a hobby: It’s been a lifestyle since she fell in love with basketball in 1930s.
“Whether they won or loss, we were there. We never stayed home, we always went and supported the team,” said Sears.
Louise’s love affair with basketball started in the 1930s when she joined a team that played on dirt courts. Now, just months before her 93rd birthday, basketball is still as important as ever.
When asked if she’s Tech’s No. 1 fan, she usually just laughs it off.
“Well I don’t know if I’m the No. 1 fan. I go every time. I’ve missed two games this year, I was in the hospital,” said Sears.
Louise and her husband Odell shared their love of Texas Tech men’s basketball together. They were season ticket holders for half a century before Odell died in 2014. Odell was a such a big fan that he used to write final scores in his Bible.
“We’ve loved all of it and especially love this team this year,” said Sears. “They have really amazed us with what they have done.”
And the team loves her back. Louise was invited to watch a basketball practice, and the players all signed a basketball for her to keep.
“It’s wonderful to have met the team,” Sears said. “They were all such gentlemen, they were such disciplined players. They’re such a great group of boys.”
But it’s not just the game itself. She can talk game strategy, too.
“If you hadn’t have lost Zach (Smith) and now Keenan (Evans), we’re hurting. But maybe a miracle will happen,” she said.
Of course, she will be there Saturday to cheer on the Red Raiders in front of College GameDay. She has a prediction for the outcome of the game.
“I’m looking forward to beating Kansas,” she said. “That’s the No. 1 thing. We beat them once, and we should beat them on our home court.”
