Hopkins record is good, but that doesn't mean it was easy

Q Your team has a great record, but at times it's been tough this season so far, right?

A We've had a lot of fun. But, yeah, when [Hana Potter] came down with mono, we had to get over that. She's one of our big posts, so that gave us a little adversity. But we came through it. And with [head coach Brian Cosgriff] being gone [because of pancreatitis], that was really tough. He's a huge presence during practice. You don't realize what you have until it's gone. But our assistant coaches did a great job stepping up. We knew we had things to accomplish even with Cos being gone.

Q Describe how the team has stepped up.

A We just kind of got used to all of it. All of the coaches are on the same page, so that helped a lot. We didn't have to go from one coaching style to another. As a team we have a very level, well-rounded attack. We have outstanding guards, people who can knock down shots when we need them. I also feel that we have a presence inside. If people kick it in, we can either make a move or kick it back out for a great shot. And it's not just one person. Different people have stepped up in different games.

Q What did the senior leaders from past Hopkins teams teach you about becoming a leader this season?

A There's so many different kinds of leaders. There's leaders who lead by example on the floor and leaders who lead by getting everyone together for sleepovers and stuff. I didn't play with Leslie Knight, but I've heard that she was a great leader. She was someone who wanted everyone to be great around her. And she forced that. She made everyone feel important. And that's what I feel all the veterans have done here.

Q Are you happy with how things have gone for you personally this year?

A I'm happy. At the beginning of the season, I won't lie, I was kind of out of shape. We're doing a different style of play this year. Last year we tended to bring [the ball] down and set up a play. This year we're into a more running, transition style. And that was probably the hardest part for me. Getting in shape has been important, and it's getting better. And my defense and rebounding.

Q What went into your decision to play college ball at Air Force?

A The other two schools I was looking at [Wisconsin-Green Bay and Valparaiso] were great schools academically and for basketball. I decided Air Force because it seems like an honor to go to a place like that. I thought of it as the coolest thing I could ever do -- get a great education, represent my country and play basketball.

Q How satisfying was winning your home holiday tournament?

A It was great. Last year we didn't do as well as we thought we would. This year we came out and played a lot more as a team. Wins and losses, we're coached, aren't important. Coming out and playing as hard as we can is. Getting the win is icing on the cake, a little something extra. It was really good just to come out and play well.

Q You defeated Minneapolis South, a team in your same section, for the championship. What did you learn about that team?

A Tayler Hill is very, very good. She's going to take the ball to the basket every single time. She likes to spin a lot and come up and under. When she doesn't make it, she gets her rebound. So we need to box out better. We learned a lot about that. We have to be aware of that.