North Carolina State University Athletics
Woman on the Rise: Monica Pope
7/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
July 25, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. - With the summer winding down and the start of the fall semester looming, NC State women's basketball players are already looking forward to individual workouts. Another year has gone by, another year stronger, wiser and more experienced. The Wolfpack players have never ventured far from one another during the summer months, returning to meet several times a week to play pick-up games and take part in strength and conditioning workouts. So GoPack.com decided to catch up with each of these "Women on the Rise" to find out what the summer has been like, find out some interesting things others may not know and also to discover what the future holds. For the next month, each player will sit down to answer these questions and the first interviewee is senior point guard Monica Pope.
Pope first arrived on the NC State campus back in 2002-03, but NC State fans did not see her in a uniform until the following year. The 5-foot-5 native of the ATL came to the Wolfpack family after spending her rookie year with Furman University in 2001-02. Since joining NC State, Pope has steadily grown into the leader she is today. Each year has been a new challenge for Pope and each year she has risen to meet them and venture beyond. What does this season have in store for her? Only she can say.
What were your goals when you first arrived on campus?
To lose weight, get in shape and really focus on getting myself better for the next season, since I was sitting out. I needed to also work on my academics, to bring up my grades. I couldn't travel so I worked out and studied. So while the team was in New York or somewhere, I was in my room working on accounting.
How have your goals changed?
I am not really focused on losing a lot of weight since I trimmed down. I want to make myself a lot better so I can play. I am working on specific things right now to make my game better for next season. And academically I am at a place where I can maintain my grades.
What are your goals for this season specifically?
Billie (McDowell) and I talk about this all of the time. As seniors we want to go out with a bang. I want the team to do better in the ACC. We finished third in the ACC last year, which was great, but we want the second or the top spot and also to advance further than the first round of both the ACC Tournament and NCAAs. And to be a better leader for this team. I didn't realize it was this difficult, and it's only the summer.
You have become a leader for this team, how do you feel about that and what does it mean to you to be a leader?
All of my life I have been looked at as being a leader, in high school and for my sisters. I am used to it. But now, I am among players who have also been leaders and I have to step up. I have to lead by my actions, not just say things. I have do them too. Being a leader is tough sometimes. The challenge is to get a balance between what is right, what is good for the team and to have everyone respect one another and keep it that way.
What has been the best part about your summer?
The best part has been working out, running with Charles - our strength coach and making some As in summer school. One of my really good friends just had a baby. Knowing this is my last summer being with the team, I have been really pushing things. And it's my last summer taking classes, I am getting old.
As an Atlanta native, how is living in Raleigh different and what do you miss most about the ATL?
I miss a lot about Atlanta, especially my family. I miss driving downtown with all of the lights. I miss the traffic, all six lanes of it. The HOV lane, which is the carpool lane. I miss just getting up and walking to wherever I need to go, everything is right there. I miss my friends. Raleigh is smaller and I've been able to get to know a lot of people. I grew up a lot here. Being away at school, I have matured a lot.
What are your plans after your final season?
I really have no clue. Wherever God leads me, is where I will be.
What advice do you have for the newcomers this season?
Work hard. The coaches love to see you give a lot of yourself. You might not do everything right, but just trying and working hard while you are, is the best thing to do.
What are you looking forward to personally and as a player?
I am looking forward to us having a really good season. We have five seniors and six juniors, so we have an older and more experienced team. We know what it will take for us to win. We have experienced tough games and how to handle that pressure. I want to have a good season myself and graduating finally.
NC State made its 18th trip to the NCAA Tournament last season, what does it mean to be a part of such tradition and success?
It's an honor, especially being around a coach, like Coach Yow. I have been to two NCAA Tournaments in my time here. Hopefully this year we will get further. One of our main team goals is to go beyond that first round.
What would you like to say to the NC State fans who are looking forward to a 19th appearance this season?
Come out and support us, you won't be disappointed. We are already working hard to get there. We need the same support we got last year. It meant a lot to us just to have our fans cheering us on. It played a big part in our success last season. They really made a big difference for us. It feels good when you see someone outside of the game and they congratulate you. We appreciate their support in all areas.
Any final words...
I want people to know Billie is going to come back with a bang. She is going to suprise a lot of people.
