Most Creighton students participating in intramural sports don’t anticipate playing against former Division I athletes. However, those playing basketball this year better watch out for a team equipped with not one, but two former Creighton basketball players.

Former women’s basketball forward Sara Cain, who is a first-time intramural athlete, is just two years removed from four seasons as a Division I athlete.

“Intramural basketball is a lot of fun,” Cain said. “It’s a great mix between fun and competition, and that is something that I really like about it.”

Anyone with a Kiewit Fitness Center pass is allowed to play intramurals. This rule allows former student-athletes to compete after their NCAA careers have concluded. Cain, for example is currently a graduate manager for the women’s team.

Cain plays for the Harlot Globetrotters in the women’s elite league. The team is 3-0 on the season, having won the previous three games in convincing fashion, the most recent by 33 points over the PT3s.

Nursing senior Jessica Lammers is the team’s captain and a former walk-on for the women’s basketball team in 2006.

Lammers has played intramural basketball for three seasons since stepping away from Division I athletics after her freshman season.

“Both levels of play are great ways to build team camaraderie and get away from studies and the stress of school,” Lammers said.

The difference in competition is one significant factor separating Division I from intramurals.

“One thing that’s different about intramural basketball is that you get to spend time with fellow students that you might not see as much,” Lammers said.

Cain echoed Lammers’ sentiment toward intramural basketball.

“The competition level is very different, but the change in atmosphere really brings a new aspect to the game that I didn’t see in Division I,” she said.

Sportsmanship is a main part of the intramural program that is held in high regard.

“The important thing is to have fun, stay safe, meet new people and maybe win a championship,” Lammers said.

During her NCAA career at Creighton, Cain played two seasons as a starter, having started 64 of the 121 games she played from 2004-08.

Cain also was team captain her senior year and was honored as a member of the all-MVC second team as well as the MVC scholar-athlete second team. During her final season Cain averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Lammers has one season of Division I experience behind her.

During her career with the Bluejays, she experienced many ups and downs, serving mainly a back up role.

Nevertheless, Lammers learned a great deal from her experience as an NCAA student-athlete .

“I learned a lot from my teammates during my time on the women’s team,” she said. “I feel that I can bring what I learned to other aspects of my life, such as intramural basketball and just being the best person I can be.”

The Harlot Globetrotters play Monday nights at 7:30 on the hardwood of the KFC courts.