Mary and Joanna Hedstrom share a unique connection: they both played basketball for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team, and are the first mother/daughter duo to have done so. Mary played for the Gophers from 1980-84. Joanna played for the Gophers for the past four years, and recently played her final game as a Gopher.

Now that Joanna’s basketball career has ended, we interviewed them together at Williams Arena, and discussed their connection and how basketball has brought them closer together.
“I think, through my four years in college I’ve gotten way closer to my mom and I think that shared experience that we have has really contributed to that,” said Joanna. “It’s just like [she] understand[s] more when I’m talking about things, and we’re able to appreciate that relationship way more.”
Mary’s transition from player to spectator showed her a different side of the sport, and helped her better appreciate her relationship with Joanna.
“I enjoyed reflecting and just appreciating what we were lucky to do. I’d come early on purpose to the games and just sit there and reflect,” said Mary.
The experiences that the two share have formed a bond between them that will last a lifetime.