July 6, 2005

Each week fightingillini.com will catch up with a women's basketball player to find out how their summer vacation is going. The Illini have been busy hosting camps and preparing for a another big year in the Big Ten.

What's your favorite thing about summer break?
My favorite thing about break is the fact that I get to go home or visit my family and friends more frequently (and stay home a little longer than usual). I love to swim and go to amusement parks as well.

Have you been playing basketball this summer?
Yes, I have been playing ball this summer. Outside of workouts four days a week with our strength coach, Coach Price, the team plays at least twice a week.

Basketball-wise, what type of goals do you have for next season and what are you doing over the summer to help reach them?
My goals for next season are basically to build my upper body strength as well as my endurance. I plan to be in tip-top shape for next season so we can run teams. I also plan to strengthen my upper body so I can bang more and be stronger in the post.

What type of workouts do you do over the summer?
Besides lifting weights and performing agility four times a week, I also work on ball-handling, strong post moves, outside shooting range, and most of all, MY FREE THROWS!!!

The incoming freshman class has been on campus working out, what is your first impression of them?
My first impression of the freshmen class was the fact that they were really outgoing. Most freshmen come in really quiet and shy...not this class. I like that though. They are a really hardworking group that fit into our program perfectly.

Are you going, or have you gone on vacation anywhere this summer?
In May, my mom and I went on a trip to Las Vegas for a week for our birthdays. It was my 21st birthday so you know I had a BLAST! Besides that every other weekend I go to Chicago for some type of event.

Are you taking classes this summer? Do you have summer job?
Yes I am taking classes this summer. Kines 239, Coaching Strategies and Statistics 100. No, I don't have a summer job; too busy.

What are you doing in your spare time outside the gym?
In my spare time outside of the gym I take advantage of naps. My rest is very important!

What is your best summer memory from when you were a kid?
Going shopping for fall and winter clothes because they were so much cheaper. Giving thanks to my mother;)