(Editor's note: Tennessee senior Kara Lawson will share a diary with ESPN.com for the remainder of the season.)

Feb. 24, 2003

	Lawson

Wow! Last week was a big week for us. We had two huge wins over Georgia and LSU to put us in the driver's seat for our program's sixth straight SEC championship. That is quite an accomplishment in this league, because you are challenged every single night.

The atmosphere at both games was great, especially at LSU. There is really nothing that compares to playing on the road in the conference against a top-five team, with a sold out crowd of 15,000-plus cheering against you. I came to Tennessee to play in those types of games.

Our bench came up huge for us, and when they play well we are very tough to beat. If there is a better sixth man in the country than Shyra Ely, I haven't seen her. She comes up with big play after big play for us. She averaged a double- double last week.

This Thursday night is a rematch with the Vanderbilt Commodores. We came back to beat them the first game (81-67 on Feb. 2), so like the true competitors they are, I'm sure they are fired up for this one. On top of that it is Senior Night for both Gwen Jackson and me. It is hard to believe we are already seniors. I have so much respect and admiration for Gwen because she has stepped up her game this year and become an example of hard work and dedication every day in practice. It will be special to share this night with someone who is so loyal to us all.

My family is coming down on Thursday for the game. I'll pick them up from the airport Thursday morning and they will stay through the weekend. Just enough time for my mom and dad to cook for me since I love home cooking. It is always very special when my parents and sister make the trek down to Knoxville. Senior Night also forces you to be retrospective and look back at your four years and everyone who has helped you become the player and person you are today. I had a lot of expectations for my college experience coming out of high school, and my actual experience has far exceeded any of my expectations.

The program starts with Coach Summitt, who made an indelible impression on me. She is an incredible mentor who has taught me more about life than basketball. I cherish our relationship more than any other relationship I have formed during these last four years. She has the unique ability to push you harder than anyone has before but at the same time love you. Thursday will be a special night, but it does not feel like the end, it just feels like the beginning of a new season for our team.

For more on Lawson and Tennessee, visit the Lady Vols' official athletic site.