The milestones and achievements that former Radford women's basketball player Stephanie Howard reached are legendary.

Highlighting her storied career from 1985-89 are an RU career record 2,146 points, a Big South single-game record 42 points against Charleston Southern in 1987, All-America honors in four consecutive seasons, and a chance to lead the Highlanders to their first-ever postseason appearance in the 1989 WNIT.

The list of individual achievements is a lengthy one, as she and her teams laid the roots of a women's basketball dynasty in the 1980's and 90's that ranked among the Big South's top moments in its 25th anniversary celebration in 2008.

Howard, though, says she wanted to live a simple legacy at Radford.

“As I grew as a student-athlete, I wanted to leave behind that I played my hardest, was dedicated, and did what it took to compete at a high level,” Howard said before RU's annual alumni game on Friday. “Being a student-athlete is something that I took seriously.”

Stephanie Howard left behind much more than that, and a reminder of that legacy will hang in the Dedmon Center rafters from now on, as her #10 retired jersey, the first retired number in Radford athletic history, was unveiled for the Homecoming audience over the weekend.

Beyond the gathering with her fellow alumni each winter, Howard maintains a strong sense of community at Radford.

“I am always happy to come back and meet the players currently playing for Radford, as well connect with former teammates and players that came after me,” Howard said. “I think it's very important for former players to stay in touch with what's going on currently with the team and also be there to give advice, whatever that may be, to the current players. To let them know what happened before them, but also to give some encouragement and positive reinforcement.”

The efforts by Howard, who has made the trip from her home in Harrisonburg to see the first-place Highlanders several times this season, haven't gone unappreciated.

“For her to want to come back and contribute in any way is truly a benefit for the program,” head coach Tajama Abraham Ngongba said. “She has been willing to do anything for us, and has talked to us to instill a sense of what it is to be a Highlander.”

The banner hanging above the court is one more addition in the ever-changing world of Radford athletics, a fitting reminder for Highlanders now, and those yet to play.

“I come back and see the improvements that have been made, and it definitely gives me a sense of pride and I think 'Wow, I was a part of this',” Howard said. “I hope for athletics across the board, men's or women's, that Radford continues to grow in a positive manner.”