Q: Talk about your first encounter with sports...

A: Before I ever started playing basketball, I was a classical ballet and jazz dancer. I think my background in dancing has tremendously helped my basketball playing abilities. Some things that jump to mind are: good stretching habits, an awareness of my body, particularly in the air, foot speed and agility.

Q: What led or motivated you to play?

A: I was always a tall girl. On the first day of seventh grade my best friend (also a very tall young lady) convinced me to try out for the basketball team. I've been playing ever since.

Q: In your hometown, what was the sports culture like for girls?

A: The Northern Virginia area has tremendous women's sports, especially on the high school level. Playing for my middle school team opened up so many doors for me: I started going to camps, playing AAU basketball, attending clinics, etc. Actually there were several girls from my region that went on to play Division I basketball, including Kara Lawson (starting point guard for Tennessee).

Q: How did you get to where you are today and what would you attribute that to?

A: I don't think that anyone knows how much he or she can accomplish until he or she tries. Working hard is one thing, but pushing yourself beyond the limit of what you thought you could do is even more important. I think that, once you start to demand excellence from yourself in one field (for example, sports or academics), you start to demand the same in all areas of life.

Q: What has playing sports done for you?

A: Maybe the most important thing is giving me confidence to do more than I ever thought possible. The experience of encountering a challenge, and rising to the occasion is part of what makes sports so fulfilling. And when the sport is a team sport - then I'm not only playing for yourself, but a whole group of girls who are as dedicated to excellence as I am. It's inspiring.

Q: At what point did you realize you wanted to go to an Ivy League school?

A: I have always wanted to go to an Ivy League school, because I wanted academics to come first, but I still wanted the opportunity to play Division I basketball.

Q: Is there a certain athlete you admire and why?

A: Michael Vick, for being an innovator, and a great football player.

Q: In your opinion, what has been a shining moment in women's sports?

A: The USA Women's Soccer Team winning the World Cup.

Q: What would you tell young girls who are interested in getting to where you are now?

A: Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, to tackle things you think are beyond the realm of possibility. You'll surprise yourself when you realize just how much you can do.