Northwestern University Athletics
Q&A with Sara Stutz
11/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 7, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- With the 2005-06 women's basketball season just around the corner, NUSports.com sat down with sophomore guard Sara Stutz to get a pulse on how preseason practices are going.
NUsports.com: How is practice going so far?
Sara Stutz: Practice is going pretty well. We are trying a lot of new things and we have a lot of young, talented freshmen so we are just getting used to each other. We are learning some new offensive sets and working hard to improve our defense.
NUsports.com: What is the overall feel on the team?
Stutz: We are extremely upbeat and very positive. Everyone is excited to be here everyday, and we are all working toward the same goal.
NUsports.com:This year's team has a lot of talented youth, and the new faces are expected to get a significant amount of playing time. How have they responded so far in practice?
Stutz: They have come along really fast. It's encouraging to see them step up. They are starting to figure things out and understand what it is like to compete at this level.
NUsports.com: What player has shown the most improvement from last season to the initial stages of this season?
Stutz: Foamy (Ifeoma Okonkwo) has really stepped it up, and you can see that every day. She comes to practice and works so hard. She is ready to show the Big Ten what she can do.
NUsports.com: You started every game last season as a freshman and primarily played shooting guard. What do you think your role will be throughout the season?
Stutz: The team has a new look this year. I've seen time at point guard and I'm still learning the ins-and-outs of running the offense.
NUsports.com: What player has surprised you so far?
Stutz: Melissa Miller has a lot more confidence and is really stepping up and taking a leadership role. She has also been helping out the younger players down in the post.
Northwestern debuts at home this Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in an exhibition against the Chicago Challengers. Admission is free.
