Melissa McFerrin, American University (2nd Season)
2005-06 Patriot League Women's Basketball Composite Schedule
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Melissa McFerrin American
Five Questions Archive
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Each Friday during the Patriot League women's basketball season, www.patriotleague.com will provide a brief question-and-answer session with each head coach, which were completed prior to the start of the League schedule in the beginning of January. This week, the interview is with the American University's Melissa McFerrin.
Q1 - What are your thoughts on your season thus far?
A1 - We are definitely continuing to acclimate to the many fresh faces on our team. We are learning valuable lessons each time we take the floor. I am impressed with this team's ability to keep grinding during a challenging start. It is important that we take time to recognize that we are improving but we must gain some consistency individually and collectively.
Q2 - What are your expectations of the upcoming League schedule?
A2 - We are expecting another Patriot League season where we must defend our home floor to reach our goals. We are expecting that our veterans will continue to improve their consistency. That is critical for this team. We are expecting that our young players will begin to perform their roles more comfortably and prove they can contribute significantly.
Q3 - Who will be your toughest competitors once League play beings?
A3 - We look to our veterans for that type of leadership...Tala Hadavi, Abby Lipskis and Tara Williams. They understand the rigors of the conference schedule and are working very hard to provide leadership in that area. However, our five freshmen will also shoulder some of that load. It will be important that they are resolute in bringing energy and passion to the floor each night.
Q4 - How much pride do you take in the Patriot League scholar-athlete model?
A4 - Our players are challenged by the academic expectations and proud of their academic accomplishments. As they compete on the floor, they also compete in the classroom. All of college athletics is played with the larger backdrop of education. However, the Patriot League might be the truest example of that model.
Q5 - What kind of impact has the return of Tala Hadavi made on this year's Eagle squad?
A5 - We got a sampling of what Tala could be to our team during 8 games last season. It has been a preseason of adjustments and challenges for her but I trust Tala's heart, passion and ability to lead this team while she us adjusting to being back on the floor. Tala is going to be a force during league play.