She's the lady standing behind the successful Hilltoppers, but Carla Horn casts a shadow so big it's hard to ignore.

"I think its great for Carla to be around. She cares about these guys like they are her own kids," beams her husband, head coach Darrin Horn.

"She's always cheering hard for us and always getting into our games and gives high-fives to everybody. Its just a great feeling to know she's there for us," says WKU senior forward, Boris Siakam.

Carla has taken on the role of "mother figure" for the team, and they've become her children.

"I have 14-16 extra children. My kids think they have 14-16 extra brothers. They are very much a part of our family. You feel like a parent with them. When they hurt, you hurt. When they are joyful, you're right there with them," says Carla.

Coach Horn says his wife has reached the boys because of her genuine spirit.

"Well I think they know she's in it for them and she helps keep me in line on occasion and keep things headed in the right direction," says Coach Horn.

Boris Siakam, a native of the country of Cameroon, says it's a blessing to have a substitute mother since most of the players are going to school far away from home.

"It means a lot to us, its hard without a mother here so she's supported us. Its like having your own mother there," says Siakam.

Carla's been there from the day these guys were first recruited... until now.

"That was kind of neat to see Ty hit that shot Thursday night. I just had flashbacks of him playing for Lyon County, and I just thought that was really special," recalls Carla.

Like any good mother... Carla isn't above bragging on her boys.

"I know how hard they worked. I know what goes on on-and-off the court, the criticism that they hear and all of that. So for them to persevere through that is so rewarding, its icing on the cake," says Mrs. Horn.

Carla says it's been amazing getting to travel with the guys and being able to help out in anyway she can.