Illinois women's basketball head coach Nancy Fahey and freshman forward Kennedi Myles joined a media teleconference on March 30 to discuss challenges facing the team surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the topics discussed, Fahey and Myles each spoke about the addition of new assistant coach Scott Merritt, how the team is staying connected and improving during this challenging time, and how the lessons learned this season will help the program grow as they look ahead to the 2020-21 season.
Excerpts from Fahey and Myles, and full audio of today's conference call are available below:
"I think every coach would love to be in the gym right now. Every coach would love to have the summer to prepare and get better. We have to trust two things: We have to follow what's right - and this is what's right - and we have to understand everybody is in this. I don't want players in gyms right now doing things because they feel the pressure. We want them to be self-motivated. The one thing I do know, just listening to the players right now ... we are going to be so hungry when we get back on the court. And we have to build on that hunger and that excitement that when we get back there's going to be a different level of appreciation. Are we unique in that way? No. But we're definitely going to be motivated and make that our unique desire. Listening to the players, they can't wait … No we can't be on the court right now but the excitement and the dedication they have right now is already coming through and I'm excited for them."
"I feel, going forward with this team, we need to keep that bond, keep that chemistry and just work. At the end of the day, we can't determine wins and losses, but we can determine how hard we work, and how hard we play, and our focus that we have in and out, everyday, once we are able to get back together. Right now is still a crucial part because it separates those who want it and those who just have that talk."
