“Zahui-mania” has hit the national level.
Stretching beyond the “Wowie Zahui” sign that made its appearance at the Gophers’ last home game, athletes are jumping on the fan bandwagon and taking to social media.
Just more than an hour after redshirt sophomore Amanda Zahui B.’s 39-point, 29-rebound performance last Tuesday — which broke program records — “Zahui” was one of the top trending words for Minnesota Twitter users.
“Woke up to hearing that @AmandaZahui had 39pts and 29 rebounds in a huge win over Iowa. What!!!? #amazing #GopherWBB,” Minnesota native and former Gophers great Lindsay Whalen tweeted.
Even former Minnesota running back David Cobb reached out to the redshirt sophomore, challenging her to a game.
“WOW, ok yea when I get back I need a 1 on 1 game.. #BIGZ,” Cobb tweeted.
Zahui B. set a Big Ten single-game record with 29 rebounds last Tuesday and narrowly missed breaking her record in the following game.
She ended that contest with 27 points and 27 rebounds.
Zahui B. stands 6 feet 5 inches, and in a league where the average Division I center is three inches shorter, Zahui B. is an intimidating force to go up against.
But off the court, she shies away from the spotlight.
“Obviously, I’m really grateful and thankful for [the attention]. I’m not used to it yet. I like it, but I don’t know how much I like it. I kind of like to be in the corner and not be in the front of the stage — except on the court,” Zahui B. said.
Zahui B.’s 66 points and 56 rebounds in her past two games have not only made her a local celebrity, but she has also earned national attention.
“I wouldn’t say I’m too surprised,” senior forward Shae Kelley said. “We’ve been practicing with her, and we know what she’s capable of. She’s a big presence on the court.”
Sportscenter anchor John Buccigross featured Zahui B. as his “star of the night” last Tuesday.
And even professional athletes in completely different sports reached out to her.
“.@AmandaZahui Congrats on your broken record. Your hard work is paying off. Now maybe you’ll stand a chance in our battles this summer. Lol,” Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and Minnesota native Larry Fitzgerald tweeted.
In her first year as Minnesota’s head coach, Marlene Stollings has Zahui B. to thank for the Gophers’ current national attention.
“It’s historic what we’re able to witness. The scary thing — and the good thing — is that I think she’s only scratching the surface of how great she can really become,” Stollings said. “The national attention that she is garnering is exceptional. We love it for our program and the future of our program. We’re very proud of her. … She is getting what she deserves.”
ESPNW also named Zahui B. the national player of the week on Monday for the second time this season.
“[I’m] just trying to stay on the floor and do well,” Zahui B. said. “That’s the goal. I’m always trying to get better. If I set a goal or break a record, I need to break it.”