Ohio’s season hasn’t gone as planned. A string of injuries forced the Bobcats to make unexpected adjustments, shaking up the lineup and challenging players to step into new roles. One of those players is sophomore Bailey Tabeling, who has taken on a different position and become more crucial than ever.
“This year, with all the injuries that we have had to deal with and with not everyone being at 100%, the season was getting started,” Tabeling said. “(Ohio coach Bob Boldon) walked up to me and he was like, ‘Hey, we're going to need you to play (point guard).’”
Although Tabeling was recruited as a shooting guard, she had experience playing point guard in high school. When Ohio needed someone to take over the position, Boldon didn’t have to look far, Tabeling was ready to step up and prove her versatility.
“It was definitely a big change because the role they needed me to fill was much bigger and carried more responsibility than the one I had last year,” Tabeling said.
Still, she never doubted her ability to adapt. Her experience before college prepared her for the challenge, and she has embraced the opportunity to lead. Tabeling has created key scoring opportunities and provided consistency the Bobcats desperately need.
Tabeling’s determination has not only helped the Bobcats but also led to personal milestones. In Ohio’s game against Eastern Michigan, she recorded her first career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, playing a key role in securing the Bobcats' second conference victory of the season.
“I think as a player, it's helped me mature because I am a sophomore and this is not what I came here to do,” Tabeling said. “I didn’t expect to be doing this at all, but I think it has helped me. I feel like I've grown as a player, but also as a person.”
Tabeling shared that this experience strengthened her communication with the team. She also noted that the challenges have led to personal growth, teaching her valuable lessons on and off the court.
“I think it's helped me realize that you can expect something, but sometimes you're not going to get that, and it's okay as long as you're willing to learn and figure out how you're going to attack that new situation,” Tabeling said.
The Bobcats design plays that allow Tabeling to showcase her elite shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. While her 3-point shooting remains a key asset, she’s also focused on improving her physical strength to become a more well-rounded player. When asked about her goals, she admitted that she feels pushed around on the court at times and wants to build strength to hold her ground more effectively.
Tabeling also realizes she will most likely be expected to step up even more as a leader next season as the current seniors are closing out their time playing as a Bobcat.
“We're definitely going to need somebody to step up next year,” Tabeling said. “I feel like it's part of my job since I'm the point guard to step up into that role.”
Tabeling’s leadership is a lot more present than she gives herself credit for. Her ability to adapt and do what's best for the team holistically is a huge aspect of finding her voice as a leader. She views this season as an opportunity for the team to perform to the best of its ability with the cards it has been dealt.
“With all the injuries and all the cards we've been dealt, we have not been dealt a really good hand. I think that, yes, our record is showing that we're not having a good season,” Tabeling said. “But I think as players and teammates, we're getting better and growing, especially the communication aspect.”
Tabeling’s mindset is now to continue to do the job she is expected to do in hopes of a turnaround and a chance to compete at a higher level.
“I feel like now people are starting to understand, like, all right, we're at the end of the season,” Tabeling said. “But I think we have grown as a team, and how much we communicate with each other, especially off the court.”
