After building a reputation as a quick, fiercely competitive standout in two years as a Montana stater, the Billings native saw her college basketball career flash before her eyes last summer. Instead of pushing herself for what might have been a banner senior season, she was forced to sit and watch.
It didn't seem fair. The MVP of the 2005 Lady Griz Classic and a catalyst on last season's 27-4 team was faced with a nasty foe she couldn't beat with a last-second basket. It was plantar fasciitis, a condition that first started bothering her as a junior.
Rather than give up, Conway swallowed her pride and approached the situation with class. She's giving back to the coach and program that have given her so much, providing leadership off the bench and in practice.
“I knew coming back in I wasn't going to be where I was at the past three years,” she said. “(Coach) Rob (Selvig) told me what he expected of me as far as my team role.
“I go in there, get some defensive stops, share the ball. I try to help my teammates too from the bench, cheering as loud as I can. I've really stepped into that role.”
No one is more appreciative than Selvig. Conway has become a symbol of Lady Griz pride, a team-first attitude passed down from one squad to the next for three decades.
“She definitely sets the tone - not only in games sometimes, but in practice,” said Selvig, whose team leads the Big Sky Conference with a 7-1 mark. “She competes, doesn't back down to anybody, and no matter who we're playing, she figures she's going to get it done.
“Her role obviously changed, but she's really given us good minutes. The way she put it, I think she feels happy to be able to play because it was such a long haul on the foot.”
Fellow Lady Griz senior Johanna Closson says Conway is a pleasure to have as a teammate. She's almost always upbeat, which adds an element to practice.
“She's fun to be around - really quite the character,” Closson said. “Every practice she does something funny. I remember our freshman year we both were kind of quiet. But I guess you could say we've come out of our shell.”
Conway no longer carries the scoring or rebounding averages she did the past two seasons. But the way she holds herself when she is inserted into tough game situations sets an example for the deepest Montana team in recent history.
“I know how to be that calm player out there and go with the flow,” said Conway, who tallied seven points and two assists in Saturday's win over Eastern Washington. “If I'm open I'm going to shoot it for sure.
“I definitely like this team a lot. When (leading scorer) Mandy (Morales) was injured, I think different players had to step forward. Now we have a lot of depth and everyone knows their role.”
A business marketing major who hopes to teach and coach on the high school level, it's a wonder Conway ever became a Lady Griz. Her brother, Pete, played for Montana State and graduated in 2004.
But the way Dana remembers it, Pete actually steered her toward Missoula.
“Our family is kind of quiet,” she said. “But Pete was just like, ‘Montana has great tradition, go with the best coach.' ”
Since then, Dana has developed a close relationship with another NCAA Division I men's player. Her boyfriend is Montana guard Matt Martin.
“Out of season we play
h-o-r-s-e and p-i-g and I beat him sometimes,” Dana says with a grin. “He says he lets me win, but you know how that goes with guys.
“We also watch a lot of basketball. But it's tough because he doesn't have cable.”
These days Dana's foot is feeling better. Whether it be with her shooting, defense or hustle, she often provides a lift in her 15 minutes of playing time (on average) per game.
“She's still a good defender, but the foot thing set back her speed and quickness, so she's not as versatile as she was,” Selvig said. “But she expects to do well, she's experienced and she's a tough, hard-nosed player.
“She goes in to get it done and that's a great way to lead by example. She's had a critical role in this team's success.”
Sports writer Bill Speltz can be reached at 523-5255 or bill.speltz@lee.net.
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