North Carolina State University Athletics
Players Quotes From Media Day
10/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 23, 2003
Nanna Rivers
(Feelings coming into the season)
I feel that over the summer and during preseason, our team came together a lot on the court. We've played together day in and day out and I think the bond of playing together, as well as off the court, I think it is going to show a lot of improvement this year.
(Where the skill level is going to be improved)
Our running game is going to be amazing. We have newcomers and depth on our bench. We're going to have fresh legs throughout the whole game and we are going to be a running team this year.
(Advanatage of practicing with such a large team)
Just like Terah mentioned, in the past, we've only 8 to twelve people practicing and it's a lot of fun. I mean we have 6 newcomers, and just their emotion and everyone else combined, it's great. There is a lot of intensity and everyone is competing and having a lot of fun, but also getting the job done.
(What's the intensity going to be like this year)
I think they are going to see some more emotion, hand slapping, you know, all of the above. Just a lot of emotion, with smiles and excitement.
(Relief of having Hall of Fame stuff over with)
I don't think it was a main focus. It was great and still is great. And Coach Yow is still in the Hall of Fame, so everything is the same.Coach Yow is still going to be Coach Yow regardless of the matter, and she is still giong to work harder than anything. So I still think it's a factor in a way because some coaches and some players are still going to think- wow, Coach Yow is in the Hall of Fame. But we are just going to be the team backing it up.
Rachel Stockdale
(Feelings about being back)
Great, it was really difficult sitting out last year. It's hard. I didn't practice last year or play for a entire year. And being back out there, I don't know how to explain that feeling.
(On dealing with pain management)
Well, right now I am practicing, but I am on a limited practice schedule. I am pretty much limited to going about an hour a day of practice. The main thing is that we are trying to keep the swellling down. So far, things have been great, getting in for rehab, icing before and after and taking all the steps I need to. Everything has been great so far.
Darline Jasmin
(How it feels being brought for more muscles)
It was a great feeling when I got a call from (Asscociate Head Coach Glance)
and Coach Yow asking to bring muscle like you said. So far since I've been here its been a good feeling. Just a dream that I've dreamed since I was a little kid. Being able to play for such a good coach and being brought in to help, that is a great feeling.
(Did it take convincing to come here)
It didn't take any convincing, because after reading Coach Yow's background, I was like wow, I am getting to play for Coach Yow. So, it's amazing. I've seen her on television and watched them play before. Just seeing how good of a coach she is and how her foundation here is family. We are all sisters on this team. So it did not take much convincing, and the visit was great, so all I thought about was NC State.
(Expectations of season)
With all of this talent, I expect great things. If we don't make it far, we held ourselves down. but since I've been here all I have seen is talent and we have the ability to play and make it far.
Marquetta Dickens
(What to prove to coach in order to play more minutes)
The coach is looking for the little things like watching films. Basically what she wants is what has been said over and over again. The ones that know the plays will play. The ones that practice and execute plays and the ones that play hard and do the little things that count, basically showing the coach that we all dream big dreams, but by doing those little things, prove something more to her.
(First time looking across and seeing Duke)
I think it will push us harder because we are not going to bend down to anybody, and I know as a team we will not turn down any challenge like that. I am excited and I know everyone else is excited.
Keisha Brown
(Putting on jersey for first time)
Pretty much nervous energy running through my body. Once you step out on the court and have your teammates around you, the nervous energy just disappears and it's not there anymore. When you put on that jersey you have nervous energy but you still go out there and do your thing.
Terah James
(On Getting the Season Underway)
"Practice has been great. We have new talent and the enthusiasm and intensity in practice is high. It's great to have new people and we are just getting used to everyone's abiltites and talent."
(On Injuries Within the Team in the Last Few Seasons)
"In the past all of the injuries we had was tough but this year we are making sure everyone gets the treatment and rehab on the nagging injuries to try and prevent those bigger injuries. We are taking care of that."
(On Having Such a Large Roster)
"We have 16 players on the team now and that's a little different than what we are used to. "
(On Her Own Struggles on Bouncing Back From Two Knee Injuries)
"Last year was real nervous for me trying to get back into game mode and wondering if Iwas going to get injured again.This year I really have my quickness back. With the players around me and the team we have is giving me a lot of confidence."
