May 13, 2009
Gonzaga University women's basketball player Courtney Vandersloot leaves for the USA Basketball World University Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday morning and took some time out of her day to reminisce about the 2008-09 Bulldog season.
How was the transition from freshman year to sophomore year, in terms of playing?
The transition from freshman year to sophomore year was definitely easier, than from high school. As a sophomore you're more mentally prepared for the season. As a freshman, you don't really know what to expect, and the long season is difficult. But after having a year of experience, gives you more confidence in what you're doing, especially on the court.
What was the biggest basketball difference you noticed from your freshman year to your sophomore year?
The expectations of me as a player and a leader were the most noticeable difference. As a freshman, no one really knows how you're going to adjust to the college level, not even your coach, so expectations are hard to develop as freshman, but after my freshman year I could see the difference that my team and my coaches expected from me. And I think that helped me as a player, because you don't ever want to let your team or coaches down. And my expectation of myself was also much higher. I think because my team and I expect a lot from me, it helped me to raise my game to a different level.
How did it feel to win the West Coast Conference Tournament, after falling short your freshman year?
It was a great feeling; especially that I knew what it was like to fall short. I think this year's win felt that much better because of the loss to San Diego the year before.
Tell me what it means to have been named WCC Player of the Year and WCC Tournament MVP?
To be named both awards for the WCC was a big honor. I am lucky to be a part of a program that allows me to shine as player. I have to give credit to my teammates, I wouldn't have had anywhere close to success I did, without them.
Describe your NCAA Tournament experience for me?
It's hard to put it in words, because our NCAA experience can be described in so many emotions. It's something that I have dreamed about for a really long time, so to actually be playing in the big dance was surreal. We were proud of ourselves on the fight that we put up, but we were also disappointed because we expected nothing less than winning that second round game. Overall the experience is something that we will never forget, and those of us returning will use it as a learning experience.
What was your goal going into the NCAA tournament?
Our goal going into the tournament was getting to the sweet sixteen. We wanted to set our goal reasonable, and we thought winning two games was something that we were capable of doing.
What do you think the first round win versus Xavier did for the Gonzaga women's basketball program?
To say the least, I think it shocked the women's basketball world. Prior to this year, a number 12 beating a number 5 seed was almost unheard of in the women's tournament. We as a team talked about that no one predicted we were going to win that game, and we thought we had something to prove. I also think that the win put us on the national map, which is somewhere that we have been striving to be.
Talk about what Heather and Vivian mean to the team?
Vivian is a player that people sometimes call our X-factor. Her role as a player is not necessarily to put up 20 points a game, but she her role is just as important. She is a player that we can count on to get the job done, regardless of what it is. She brings the ball up the court, she rebounds, she creates for others, and she knocks down shots. And what makes Viv special is she is consistent at all of these. Out of everyone on our team, she is the most complete player.
Heather is our best player, hands down. When we need to score, Heather is the player we go to. She's nearly impossible to guard because she can score in so many ways. And something that usually flies under the radar with a player like Heather is she is one of the hardest working players on our team. She is a leader just because people thrive off of her work ethic, she won't say much, but she does lead by example.
What do you expect out of yourself and your team next year?
I think we all have high expectations for next year. Especially after this past season, we have the confidence and the players to open some eyes. My expectations of myself will be even higher than they were this year, and same for my team, and if we can put it all together, I think we will have a very special team next year.
What has been the best moment(s) so far as a member of the Gonzaga women's basketball program?
I think so far was the four post season games, the two in Vegas (WCC Tournament) and two in Seattle (NCAA Tournament). These have been the best moments because of the fan support we saw during these trips. I think everyone of my teammates would say the same thing, but I was excited to be a part of a program that had such great community support. It was a great experience for all of us to have the success we did in front of all our loyal fans!
