Editor's Note: Back by popular demand. Coming off another historic
season which featured the program's record-14th consecutive regular
season Horizon League championship, as always there is a lot of
anticipation for the next season in Green Bay women's basketball. Every
Thursday throughout the summer, Assistant Director
of Athletics Communications Jill Wunrow
will sit down with one player to talk
about the expectations they have for themselves for the upcoming season
and
what fans can expect to see from them individually. In the final edition of SummerTimeOut we feature redshirt freshman Taylor Thomas who is looking forward to donning a Green Bay uniform for the first time in her collegiate career.
Redshirt Sophomore, Taylor
Thomas (Wausau, Wis.), 6'0", G/F
How excited are you to
have the opportunity to step on the floor this season after redshirting last
season?
"I am so excited to
finally have the opportunity to play. Last year having put in all the work and
reaping only some of the benefits and not playing is games sometimes got
frustrating but now I'm excited to actually be able to step on the floor during
a game."
What have you learned
throughout the past year being on the sidelines during games?
"I learned a lot by
watching. It was a good opportunity to see how the team operates and just the
game day routine. As far as practice goes, the biggest adjustment I had to make
was making sure I have that mental edge every practice, it's definitely not like
that at the high school level. Not being mentally prepared will put you so far
behind."
You have the honor of
playing for coach Borseth this season. Does that make you nervous knowing he
wasn't the coach who recruited you or are you excited?
"I am really excited
about having him here b/c he wants to be here, that's the coach you want,
whether they recruited you or not. He's obviously a really talented coach. For coach
Borseth to come back to Green Bay and for us to benefit from his knowledge is
really exciting."
What have you seen from
coach Borseth during the little time you've gotten to work with him and what
excites you about him being your coach?
"He really seems like a
teacher of the game. During individual workouts he pulls you aside and makes
sure you really understand drills, etc. He really focuses on us as individuals
and working on our skill levels."
What do you expect your
role to be this season and how will you go about fulfilling that role the best
you can?
"I just want to play ad
work hard. It's going to be hard to get minutes this year because we have so
many senior leaders, but at the same time I know I can contribute and bring
energy to the team whether or not I'm on the court."
What are your goals for
the 2012-13 season?
"As an individual, to
see consistent progress and continue to take steps forward each practice and
game. I would like to try and see significant minutes when I get the chance to
step on the floor. As a team, I would like to see continued success through the
Green Bay Way and show that we can continue the winning tradition here."
What have you been
working on in the offseason that you would like to improve upon?
"I've been working on
getting stronger so I can battle in the post. I'm also working on my defensive
skills and making sure I'm at the same level as my teammates even though I redshirted
last year. My confidence is also a big thing I've been working on."
What will it be like
for you to step on the floor for the first time in a Green Bay uniform?
"It's going to be awesome,
I'm so excited. That's definitely a driving force in making me want to continue
to work hard. It's going to feel amazing to put that jersey on, knowing I've
worked hard to get to where I am and earn my spot on the team."
Should you have any
free time during the summer months, what do you typically spend your day doing?
"We have two horses so
I've been trying to get out and ride them a lot this summer, that's been fun.
We had a family reunion recently and that was also enjoyable. Horses,
basketball and hanging out with friends has been my summer."
Favorite ice cream or
summer treat?
"Cookie Dough."
