October 7, 2024 • 25 mins
Grace Townsend is stepping into North Carolina as a decorated transfer after a highly successful career at A-10 power Richmond.
Grace joins Mark Schindler to break down her decision to transfer, what she brings to the Tar Heels, her excitement to play in the ACC, how her game has grown and developed, and more!
You can listen to the pod on
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theyve-got-now/id1652378572
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eTVgaVudBvS9yox3XbgGX?si=16a02c3ea75942e8
You can watch the pod on https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSPW9eR1D5GWBw1lRpM8qTDSlliwbGp8J&si=rX7RfQZmuB6XAa3T
As always, a major thank you to James Edwards III for the intro and outro music! If you have not already, follow Mark on Twitter @MG_Schindler and be sure to rate and review the pod! Send any questions, comments, or feedback Mark's way, and enjoy the show.
Grace joins Mark Schindler to break down her decision to transfer, what she brings to the Tar Heels, her excitement to play in the ACC, how her game has grown and developed, and more!
You can listen to the pod on
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theyve-got-now/id1652378572
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eTVgaVudBvS9yox3XbgGX?si=16a02c3ea75942e8
You can watch the pod on https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSPW9eR1D5GWBw1lRpM8qTDSlliwbGp8J&si=rX7RfQZmuB6XAa3T
As always, a major thank you to James Edwards III for the intro and outro music! If you have not already, follow Mark on Twitter @MG_Schindler and be sure to rate and review the pod! Send any questions, comments, or feedback Mark's way, and enjoy the show.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome into another episode that they've got now. I'm really
excited to be joined today by the new point guard
over at the University of North Carolina. It's Grace, talentend,
Grace first and foremost. How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I'm doing great. Thank you for having me. I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
How are you I'm good? Good. I still every time
I get to do anything with somebody from UNC, I
just am jealous because I'm like, man, I would really
love to have the Jumpman logo behind me too. But
what has that learning curve been like for you? A
little bit? You know, kind of coming into I mean
it's UNC, right, So what is that kind of been
like stepping into that and getting in customer to that
over the summer and into the fall.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I definitely it was definitely an adjustment in terms of
like the offense, learning what coach Banghart wants, what they're
looking for and everything. But I think, honestly, it's been
a very smooth transition. I think my experience of four
years has really helped a lot. But no, it's been
great getting to know all the girls, like being in
this Chapel Hill environment. It's really it's truly different. It's
very different from Richmond. But no, it's been great. I
(01:06):
think I've adjusted well and.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yeah, yeah, no, it's Chapel Hill is like absolutely gorgeous place,
one of the best campuses in America. So it's it's
hard to complain about it, that's for sure. So kind
of backtracking a little bit, I want to ask, like,
just in terms of getting to this point, you know,
like what made you decide that you were ready to
transfer in and what made you n see the place
for you.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
So coming off, we had a great year. Yes that
Richmond won the Atlantic Team championship everything. It was a
great year, just an all around great year. I had it.
I was happy with the year I had, and I
think I've always had the dream of playing at the
highest level possible. So going again, I had the option
to stay at Richmond. It was a hard choice because
(01:50):
I was like, I love the people here so much,
but I also don't know if Rischman can do anything
like more. I want to be pushed a little bit
more compete at the highest level. So I went into
the portal and I'm like, oh, I think I'll just stay.
Like I said, I was comfortable a most so I
thought I was just going to stay. But then I
go into the portal, coaches are reaching out, but really
that stuck out with North Carolina was bang heard Coachman
(02:12):
car was talking to me the entire time. Like a
lot of times when you go in the portal, you're
stuck with the assistant coach or someone else, but I
was talking to her the entire time. Then night I
went to the portal, she's calling me or I have
like a thirty foury five min minute conversation, but it's
not being even about basketball. And that's kind of thing
that sold me. Was like initially like you're talking to
the head coach all the time. Not only is it
North Carolina, Yeah, but it's I'm talking to a coach
(02:37):
and I'm not even talking about basketball. I'm talking about
our personal lives getting to know one another. And then
I remember I planned the visit was fast. I planned
the visit the following week, and as soon as I left,
I canceled all my other visits and I committed I
think like three days later.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
That's awesome. No, I love hearing that. It like kind
of went that movie for you, especially when you first
go in too. What was that process like for you?
Of like, all right, I'm submitting my name. But then
like when you do that, what is you know? Are
you just kind of like waiting by your phone because
you know it's going to go crazy, or were you
going to try and do stuff after that, or like
how did that kind of go for you? Like the
first hour or so after you put your name in.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Definitely I did not know what to expect.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I remember when I told my former coach Ann Rousselle
was going in the portal, he was like, You're going
to be popular, and I'm like, okay, whatever, whatever whatever.
But then when like I get I get in the portal,
as soon as I get in, it's like instant, like
any way of communication people can find, they're like communicating me.
I'm like whoa. But it's also like I need to
like be assertive and be like if I don't want
(03:41):
to go to this place and tell them right away
rather than drag it out. But now, especially like it was,
it's a crazy environment once you go in there, because
like as soon as they see your name you go in,
everyone just is just reaching out and reaching yeah, and
like people trying to follow up and keep in contact.
So it was definitely a hectic experience, but I think
I handled it pretty well, knowing what I wanted and
(04:01):
try to remind myself like get stay straight on the path,
don't like go left and right, and just like talking
around the bush with a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah. No, it's so interesting too, because, like I there's
obviously a lot of gray area with it, because I know,
like you can do the new do not contact, but
also like okay, well how are you doing do not contact,
but also still talking to people, Like it's it's interesting
the way that all sets up. But like at the
same point too, like and this isn't like I mean,
they're doing their job, and I love a lot of assistants,
(04:29):
but it's like, man, I know some assistants that will
find like the most niche way possible to get into
contact with the player if they think it's possible. So
absolutely I wanted to ask too, because you, like you
mentioned like obviously you're from Richmond area. Uh went to
Richmond right down the road from where you grew up
(04:49):
and played you know, high school ball.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
You know.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
In terms of like I think a lot of people
can like hear like all right, well, yeah, I'm mentoring
the portal this and that. But like in terms of
having that conversation with like you mentioned like saying, like,
you know, I really want to take that step to
the next level. What was that like for you? Because
I feel like that's not an easy thing to do.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Well. It was one of those things where like throughout
the season, throughout the year, it's like something constantly on
your mind as much as it is his. And it's
like he tried, he did his very best, like to
not try to oppress for me or any of the
other seniors, and he was like, let's focus on the
season and when that time comes, we'll talk about it.
So we kind of like focus on the season for
the most part. Then we're getting towards the end of
(05:29):
the season. Me and like a couple of the people
in my class were like, uh oh, we're getting we're
getting close to marsh and that means the end of
the season. But then like he kind of let us
take our time. After the season ended and we had
our meetings, and then I kind of talked to him
and he was like, you're going to be good regardless
of what happens. He was he understood I try to
be as transparent with him as possible, as like, it's
(05:50):
the option is still for me to come, Like that
is still an option. I'm not saying no to that.
So he was like open to that. He was like
just no, I'm still going to heavily recruit you and
all that. But now he was very supportive throughout the
whole process, which I really appreciate. He was someone I
could go to to talk to about any of the
coaches as well as like anyone else on the staff.
So we're very honest interested parents as much as we
try to be with that entire process.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
No, I love that. It's good to hear because it's
not like that for everybody. So glad that you could
have that. You know, looking back at this year as
a whole too, I felt like like you're a player
who's been like a point guard in the truest sense
of the word, right, like somebody can really collapse the defense,
kick the ball out. Just a very smart decision maker
and playmaker. But I feel like this last year you
really grew as a score or two, and that was
(06:34):
so big in you becoming the best version of yourself.
So what do you think was maybe the most key
aspect of growing that? And you know how you kind
of continue to develop that mindset of being somebody can
who can score and create too.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
And all the people around me coaches too. They always
tell me I don't look to score enough. And it's
like part of me being a point guard is my
natural tendency is to pass first and with the path
and I'm like, everyone's the only at me not too
and I'm like, but it's also like kind of hard
to like balance, like you don't want to be selfish
and taking certain amount of shots. But I think this
year talking is talking with Andrew Cell and talking about plays,
(07:12):
the way we want to play, what we're looking for.
It was like he needed me to shoot more and
look for my shots but not forsome. But also a
key part is like he was confident in me, and
I need to be confident in myself, so I try
to practice that, be more aggressive. And he was like,
when you look to score it, it'll put everything up,
everything else up for everybody as well if you're getting
your shot. So no, I think I whis just able
(07:33):
to be more confident. Practice more confidence big. It's big.
It's a huge mentality to like keep being confident no
matter what happens. So I think I definitely grew that
way and playing more confident consistently was a big thing
for me.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
No, absolutely, and kind of translating that to this coming
or too, Like you mentioned, you know, coming in and
getting acclimated everything, very different system. I can imagine you
guys are going to play different than UNC did last
year as well because of personnel. But you know, like
you go from last year, it's like other than you,
pretty much everybody's the same size on roster right like
a lot of positionless basketball, there's bigs on this team.
(08:08):
It's a very different group. So what has it been
like kind of getting used to that and feeling that
out as somebody who hasn't really had that the last
couple of years.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I mean, coming from a system of four years where
you're five out and everyone is six feet and can
shoot the ball. It's very different. But it's also nice
having some of like the true posts we have like
Maria Gakbang down there, but also having like great rial
runners and finishers, like a list of people who can
shoot the ball like Sierra. So it's it's definitely it
was an adjustment because I haven't played that way or
(08:37):
played with people like that in so long, but I
also appreciate it, like we have people down there that
are like able to finish it on the rim, like
create for others, but also look for their own shot.
So they definitely changed, they have worked on the offense.
But we're all doing great playing together and I think
I think it's going well.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Yeah, No, absolutely, you know, especially like you mentioned in
terms of like just getting the fuel for that. You know,
when you're coming in and trying to get acctimated to
a new group. Obviously you're you're, you know, a fifth
year senior. There's players who have been here for quite
some time as well. How do you kind of bring
your voice into that and become you know, like obviously
you want to be here and you want to be yourself,
(09:17):
but you also like, you know, I think there's a
level of like, well, I don't want to come and
like take things over. So how do you kind of
feel that out and what has that been like for you?
Speaker 2 (09:25):
No, it's definitely an adjustment and something you have to
get like acclimated with with getting to know all of
your teammates personally and on the court, and also like
being able to have these conversations with coach Bangkhard and
other coaches to like know like everyone is different in
their own the way they communicate, the way they lead,
So it's kind of like bay lead or like I
don't want to come in as a fifth year senior
(09:46):
knowing I've like been doing this for four years with
like people who have been here for three years and
four years, so kind of like knowing like how to
talk to each person, but also know like the way
I communicate different from someone else, So kind of being
who I am and like trying to lead and flourish
in that way. And I think like not trying to
step on toes, not like trying to come into demanding
(10:07):
like blah blah blah and and stuff like that. But no,
I think I've been able to be myself, which is
really huge, as like this team has been welcomed me
who I am as well as they welcome everyone else,
Like there's very genuine So I think being able to
stay true or I am play how I am, also communicate,
bring energy and do stuff like that. It's like really
helped me just be able to lead and help to
(10:29):
help people around me.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Absolutely, you know. Again backtracking, like you mentioned in terms
of talking with Quartan at the beginning, when she's kind
of I know you mentioned like that, it was more
just kind of talking about life and stuff in general.
But when it came to, you know, selling you on
what you could do at UNC and what this team
could do with you as part of it, what does
that look like and what kind of really sold you
on that?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Well? Coming in like this is a special place here,
like Carolina is a special place. You see the blue everywhere,
you see Jordan everywhere. But also like getting to know
and sit down talk to the coaches is like the
with my visit. She like we have a meeting with
my parents, and it's just like she's showing me clips
from Richmond, seeing what I did coming off ball streams
(11:15):
passing it out and like seeing clips that what I
was able to impact Rischmand is going to be so
much the same way I can impact here. So being
able to like realistically see my talents and what I
can do. But also at the same time she was
honest and it was like these are things you're going
to have to work on, so it's like very realistic.
She kept it. It was very clear today. No beating around
the bush no anything, So I think that was a
(11:35):
big part of it. But also her as a person.
She's very caring, she wants the best for you, and
she always push you. She knows how to do that,
she knows how to talk to each different person. But
also the coaching stuff. Everyone plays in such a different role,
but they all help us tremendously. So I think all
of that and knowing like they wanted a point guard,
they want an experienced point guard. We want to make
(11:55):
a long run. So hopefully like everything comes together as
it is right now.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Definitely looking at you know, the things you want to
work on, and that court brought up for you, Like
what are the things that you're really hoping to to
kind of grow on this season. What's your you know
in terms of that summer work and getting ready for
this season, what does that look like for you.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Definitely I've been working a lot with being more consistent
with my three point shot. Last year, I would be
like inconsistent with that'd be off one game that I'd
be on one game with that, but definitely being more consistent,
being able to look for like that middle range shot
area that we weren't really used to a Richmond so
definitely like working on those two areas, but also like
(12:35):
pushing the defense, learning the defense and stuff like that.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Yeah, you know, getting more consistent with the shot. What
does that you know, what does that look like for you?
What does that mean in terms of like I think
everybody has their own idea of like, oh, well you
just have to be better at shooting, like okay, yeah,
but like what is in terms of the actual work
to do that and what has that been for you?
Speaker 2 (12:55):
For me, I've been working with Dan a lot, and
it's for me it's like a lot of repetition, a
lot of muscle memories. So we'll just get in the
gym and we'll just shoot game like shots, not like
all the shots like I would not take in the game,
but specific game like shots and just wrap them out
until I get until I get comfortable and get confident,
and just keep doing like literally just repping and repping
(13:15):
and repping so it becomes muscle memory.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah. I think that's what's fun too, because I think
so many people like, it's not there's anything wrong with
the shot, it's just like you're talking about it, you
have to just get used to it and wrap it out.
And because yeah, I mean, I think your shot has
always looked better than it looks, you know, and then
it ends up in the numbers. But it's just about
getting that consistency, especially in terms of like finding those
game reps too. Like I feel like a lot of
(13:40):
that is footwork and like being set for the ball,
but like what's maybe been the biggest thing for you
and having those reps that you feel like you've kind
of gotten a grasp.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Of now definitely, even it's kind of crazy, So like
the footwork is a big thing because I remember, like coach
quite me now all the time, he'd be like, you
catch and you shoot with you get with your feet,
so you catch it football with be Definitely making sure
I'm using more of my legs and not just trying
to be strong and use my arms is a big
(14:09):
thing about it. That also helps us like my release
and getting it quicker. So definitely using my legs and
staying low.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Yeah, that's such a great point because I think there
are a lot of people who have like great touch
on the ball, but if you're trying to use all legs,
I mean, if you're trying to use all arms, then
number one, it's going to be super inaccurate Number two,
especially like as you go on in a game and
you get tired, like, no, that's not going to work.
So you know, it's about making everything efficient and looking
the same every time. My bag's excited about it too, apparently.
(14:37):
But one of the things that I've heard you talk
about in any interview you've had that really stands out
for me, Like, obviously you're somebody who's really quick. You
have a very good first step, like can get downhill
on a whim, but you talk a lot about having
change the pace too, and I think, like that's pretty
big to have at the college level in terms of
being able to understand that and recognize is that what
(15:01):
made that a key for you? Like how did you
kind of just discover that in yourself as a player,
because so often again, like I think a guard who's
really quick and just that can be their thing. All
they do is I get to the room, I kick
the ball out. But then okay, well what happens when
I get to the room, And I feel like, again,
that's something that you've really excelled at the last couple
of years, is being able to be a player can
(15:23):
who can get into the paint but also be really
effective getting there. So you know, when did you kind
of first unearth that for yourself and how do you
kind of keep growing from that?
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Well, I've been I remember about by in fact high
school college, Like I've known I'm very starting for it.
I'm fast, I'm very quick, can get downhill a quick
first step, but I think like that almost becomes so
limited that you can only do so much with that.
So I think being developed of these past four years
is recognizing how much more dangerous changing your paces. So
(15:56):
it's like I'm coming off a ball screen. I'm able
to go flower, then go faster because nine out of ten,
a lot of other guards can keep up with me
for running the same speed the entire time. Like it's
not as it's not as big guards to somebody, but
say if I sow down and go fast, they don't
know when I'm going to go fast, and I think
that creates an advantage that I can also get to
the basket, I can cook out and stuff like that.
(16:17):
So definitely, these especially especially these past two years, I
would say I've been able to really emphasize it and
understand like the importance of it because as I'm learning
to like get more into it and like remember, change
your pace more so down more. It's going to be
way harder for people to guard.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Yeah, absolutely, especially with like keeping your dribble alive, which
is something that I think you really started to excel at,
like doing stuff with like nashing around the basket. And
what is what was the biggest key for you in
getting to that because I think again, like that's something
that a lot of guards can struggle with. Is okay, well,
if I don't have some mares, got to get off
the ball, And yes, it's good to get off the ball,
(16:54):
but also when you're somebody who's creating the offense and
you're the best pastor on the team, you got to
keep the possession alive, keep things moving. So like how
do you kind of how did you kind of get
to that point?
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Well? I struggle with it too because I would get
to the basket and I would stop, but I would
let the kick out and there's no one to kick
out too, and then it kind of like this combobulates
it often. So I think definitely this past year, we'll
cut you. Sol would always be like just keep it
dribble and dribbled out and then something else and I
think same thing with Ben Kart while I'm here. It's
just like it's better to just keep your dribble, bring
(17:26):
it back out and run something, rather than the offense
gets in a frenzy and like everyone gets all over
the place. So I think I've had to work at
it and being like it's okay to keep dribbling if
you don't have anything and just drib it out, dribble
it out and get us into a good offense, because
that is better than stopping and like trying to force
something that isn't there.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
No, absolutely, And I think it like leans into too,
like being a point guard. It is just there's so
much more that goes into it than I think people recognize,
because like we've talked about like yes, you want to
set up the offense, but also you got to be
able to score yourself, but also you got to be
a threat when you don't have the and it's like
there's just so much stuff that goes into it, and
it's like it keeps building up onto what you have
(18:05):
to do in order to be the best version of yourself,
and like every position has that to a degree, but
I think it's just different when you're the player who
has so much control of what the offense is doing
right right, especially like I know Courtney is somebody who
is like very u she wants a lot out of
her guards. So like getting to know that and learn that,
Like obviously you know you had that in Arran as well,
(18:27):
but learning that from Courtney too. What is that? What
has that process kind of been like for you, you know,
in and out of practice and walking through film together
and seeing that, and how has it kind of been
different a little bit?
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Well, the thing I greatly appreciate it appreciate about the
screen card is she she will tell you what she wants.
She would like there's no it tells you something. You
will know what she wants. So meeting with her own
court after plays, meeting with her off the court, when
we have meetings during the week, it's just like making
sure we're on the same page, were able to communicate clearly.
(19:00):
If I have a question, I asked, if she answered it,
she answers it, it would let me go. But now I
think it's been really great to have her as a
coach and as a mentor to talk to her, to
pick her brain, to understand what she wants and what
this team needs. So I think definitely at the point
our position, and she has very high expectations and she
expects you to meet them. But that's also like that's
a coach. That's a great coach for you there. But no,
(19:21):
I think just talking. I think it's for instance, like
the n nashy on the basket, that's something we talked
about the other week, to let just keep it just going,
just call out. So I think just like those small
conversations build up and creates such great communication.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Yeah. No, I think that's such a great point because
like everybody's smart, everybody sees things, but it's like being
able to communicate it to one another and get on
the same page is a lot harder than I think
some people realize for teams and programs. So that stands
out a lot. I wanted to ask too, Uh I
was you know, I hadn't realized until I was going
back through the roster. Obviously I've watched lady play a lot,
(20:00):
I've watched you play a lot. I didn't realize you
guys both went to James River until I was looking
at the roster day. Obviously there's probably no overlap there,
But have you guys been able to kind of bond
and connect over that a little bit.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Yes, she got here I think August early August, and
I think we've been able to share some of our
experiences at James River as much as like we're talking
about days if we're going home and stuff like that.
But now I'm excited to play with Lanney. She's been
doing great coming in though so far I learned it
and adjusting, adapting and everything. So now we've been having fun.
It's been Bonnie's great to play with Fair.
Speaker 1 (20:31):
Yeah, No, for sure. In terms of anybody else who
stood out, Like I'm sure everybody's kind of taking a step,
you know with summer stuff, but it was there a
player that you maybe weren't super aware of yet that
has really kind of taken a leap for you in
your eyes, or what has been you know, who's maybe
stood out most of you and all the sessions leading
up to the season so far.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
I mean, that's a hard it is.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
It's on the spot, for sure.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
It's a hard question. But I mean everyone on this
team is incredible, Like even though I've watched their games
for the past years and like seeing who plays and
stuff like that, But everybody brings so much to the table.
I think I don't even everyone's played great. Maria Gogdang
is incredible down below. Yeah, like he is just killing
it down below. She's worked. She is so good on
(21:19):
the basket, she knows the footwork and all that. I
think Tryana Chris from Arizona State, she has been amazing.
She has. She's a different player than what she's what
I've played with a lot of people say she has
an old man's game, but that is also that is
that is her bread and butter right there. So I
think everyone's done great. Those two have not played with
(21:39):
people like that before. But also like seeing like Alyssa
to be like she does what she does, she's that
great player does everything you need to do is aggressive
place defense Lexi India. It's everyone across the board is incredible.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Yeah. No, I'm really excited to watch you and Maria
develop chemistry together because exactly like you said, I think
like this team played kind of a slower pace last year,
so her numbers maybe don't stand out incredibly well, but
like I think she's just she's so good on the block,
especially defensively, like she's six y three, but she plays
so much bigger than that. Really long too, like just
(22:15):
a hell of a.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Player, very long, Like that's the thing. She is very long,
Like you think he might have her be but then
if she has stick arm out take like get rebounds,
it's like she's she's incredible.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Incredible. Yeah. The last couple of things I want to
close out on you mentioned in terms of like having
watched games for this team prior you know, coming in. Obviously,
I know so much of this is like you want
to learn what you guys are doing and be on
top of that, right, But are you somebody who's like
kind of always been pretty tapped into what's going on
around the country in basketball, or like, are you somebody
who's just kind of like recently gotten like super into
(22:48):
watching as much of it as possible.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
I've been growing up. I've like loved watching basketball. I've
like WBA, and I was younger when my more was
in the league Cannis Parker. I like getting up to
like watching like Morgan William doing against k and the
final for the National Championship. So I've always grown up
watching it. I appreciate it as much as I've looked
(23:13):
up to the people who have come before me and
seeing all the greenness that they did and bring it
all support that it did to women's basketball. So I've
always watched it. I love it.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I enjoy it definitely, you know, especially with the a
SEC too coming in, Like, uh, do you feel like
you have like a pretty good feel on where all
these teams were at or is that gonna be something
like just kind of like in, you know, headed into
the year. Obviously you're gonna be on scouts and stuff
and keeping up with that, but you know, like everybody
on this team has kind of seen the a SEC
for a while and now it's like, you know, it's
(23:42):
gonna be kind of that thing and get to see
quite a bit last year with how much you guys
played in then on kin, But yeah, what does that
look like for you?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
I mean, it's like the big ones you're aware of,
like the NC State, the Duke ones that I remember
from last year, where it's like kind of knowing that
like trying to take one game, each game at a time,
but also like each each game means so much, especially
there's so many teams in the league now adding Stanford
and Cal But no, I think I know all all
games will be competitive no games off. It's like, so
(24:11):
I'm just ready for that, and I think we're aware
that no game is an easy game, so being prepared
for that.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Yeah, it's going to be a pretty crazy season. You
guys have a heck of a non conference and then
the ACC S. I mean, it's interesting because like both
ACC and Big Ten are just like there's like twenty
teams now, So I coping up with that is going
to be so interesting from like all standpoints. But yeah,
I'm fascinated by that. And I guess just kind of lastly,
(24:37):
you know, when you look ahead to this year, what
are the things that you really want to accomplish? Obviously,
both as an individual and as a team.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
I think individually, I just want to have a great year,
be a great point guard for this team, whatever they
need team wise. Individually too, this like it's my last year.
It's like, this is my last year in college basketball.
So it's like I want to make as long as
a run as we can as we can make, and
I think we have the potentially of all the right
pieces to do so. So I think it just goes
(25:06):
as far as we can win, as much as we
can stay together. And I think it'll be a very
I'm excited to be I think it'll be a very
good year, very fun year.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Definitely. Well, Grace, I really appreciate your time. I'm excited
to watch what you guys put together this year and
how you grow as a team. To everyone watching and
listening and most importantly having our rest of your day,
keep up with all things you want to see women's basketball,
and be sure to catch Grace coming up and shoot.
It's like a month and a half, it's.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Like very soon, it's almost locked over.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Yeah, Or do you have any like last couple of
things you're trying to get in before a season starts,
or you're just kind of locked in already and ready
to go.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
I'm ready to go. I'm excited twenty our weeks, I'm
excited get ready for the season, start playing. So I'm
excited it'll be fun.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Well, definitely, Grace, I appreciate you. Enjoy the rest of
your day.
Welcome into another episode that they've got now. I'm really
excited to be joined today by the new point guard
over at the University of North Carolina. It's Grace, talentend,
Grace first and foremost. How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I'm doing great. Thank you for having me. I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
How are you I'm good? Good. I still every time
I get to do anything with somebody from UNC, I
just am jealous because I'm like, man, I would really
love to have the Jumpman logo behind me too. But
what has that learning curve been like for you? A
little bit? You know, kind of coming into I mean
it's UNC, right, So what is that kind of been
like stepping into that and getting in customer to that
over the summer and into the fall.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I definitely it was definitely an adjustment in terms of
like the offense, learning what coach Banghart wants, what they're
looking for and everything. But I think, honestly, it's been
a very smooth transition. I think my experience of four
years has really helped a lot. But no, it's been
great getting to know all the girls, like being in
this Chapel Hill environment. It's really it's truly different. It's
very different from Richmond. But no, it's been great. I
(01:06):
think I've adjusted well and.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yeah, yeah, no, it's Chapel Hill is like absolutely gorgeous place,
one of the best campuses in America. So it's it's
hard to complain about it, that's for sure. So kind
of backtracking a little bit, I want to ask, like,
just in terms of getting to this point, you know,
like what made you decide that you were ready to
transfer in and what made you n see the place
for you.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
So coming off, we had a great year. Yes that
Richmond won the Atlantic Team championship everything. It was a
great year, just an all around great year. I had it.
I was happy with the year I had, and I
think I've always had the dream of playing at the
highest level possible. So going again, I had the option
to stay at Richmond. It was a hard choice because
(01:50):
I was like, I love the people here so much,
but I also don't know if Rischman can do anything
like more. I want to be pushed a little bit
more compete at the highest level. So I went into
the portal and I'm like, oh, I think I'll just stay.
Like I said, I was comfortable a most so I
thought I was just going to stay. But then I
go into the portal, coaches are reaching out, but really
that stuck out with North Carolina was bang heard Coachman
(02:12):
car was talking to me the entire time. Like a
lot of times when you go in the portal, you're
stuck with the assistant coach or someone else, but I
was talking to her the entire time. Then night I
went to the portal, she's calling me or I have
like a thirty foury five min minute conversation, but it's
not being even about basketball. And that's kind of thing
that sold me. Was like initially like you're talking to
the head coach all the time. Not only is it
North Carolina, Yeah, but it's I'm talking to a coach
(02:37):
and I'm not even talking about basketball. I'm talking about
our personal lives getting to know one another. And then
I remember I planned the visit was fast. I planned
the visit the following week, and as soon as I left,
I canceled all my other visits and I committed I
think like three days later.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
That's awesome. No, I love hearing that. It like kind
of went that movie for you, especially when you first
go in too. What was that process like for you?
Of like, all right, I'm submitting my name. But then
like when you do that, what is you know? Are
you just kind of like waiting by your phone because
you know it's going to go crazy, or were you
going to try and do stuff after that, or like
how did that kind of go for you? Like the
first hour or so after you put your name in.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Definitely I did not know what to expect.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I remember when I told my former coach Ann Rousselle
was going in the portal, he was like, You're going
to be popular, and I'm like, okay, whatever, whatever whatever.
But then when like I get I get in the portal,
as soon as I get in, it's like instant, like
any way of communication people can find, they're like communicating me.
I'm like whoa. But it's also like I need to
like be assertive and be like if I don't want
(03:41):
to go to this place and tell them right away
rather than drag it out. But now, especially like it was,
it's a crazy environment once you go in there, because
like as soon as they see your name you go in,
everyone just is just reaching out and reaching yeah, and
like people trying to follow up and keep in contact.
So it was definitely a hectic experience, but I think
I handled it pretty well, knowing what I wanted and
(04:01):
try to remind myself like get stay straight on the path,
don't like go left and right, and just like talking
around the bush with a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah. No, it's so interesting too, because, like I there's
obviously a lot of gray area with it, because I know,
like you can do the new do not contact, but
also like okay, well how are you doing do not contact,
but also still talking to people, Like it's it's interesting
the way that all sets up. But like at the
same point too, like and this isn't like I mean,
they're doing their job, and I love a lot of assistants,
(04:29):
but it's like, man, I know some assistants that will
find like the most niche way possible to get into
contact with the player if they think it's possible. So
absolutely I wanted to ask too, because you, like you
mentioned like obviously you're from Richmond area. Uh went to
Richmond right down the road from where you grew up
(04:49):
and played you know, high school ball.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
You know.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
In terms of like I think a lot of people
can like hear like all right, well, yeah, I'm mentoring
the portal this and that. But like in terms of
having that conversation with like you mentioned like saying, like,
you know, I really want to take that step to
the next level. What was that like for you? Because
I feel like that's not an easy thing to do.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Well. It was one of those things where like throughout
the season, throughout the year, it's like something constantly on
your mind as much as it is his. And it's
like he tried, he did his very best, like to
not try to oppress for me or any of the
other seniors, and he was like, let's focus on the
season and when that time comes, we'll talk about it.
So we kind of like focus on the season for
the most part. Then we're getting towards the end of
(05:29):
the season. Me and like a couple of the people
in my class were like, uh oh, we're getting we're
getting close to marsh and that means the end of
the season. But then like he kind of let us
take our time. After the season ended and we had
our meetings, and then I kind of talked to him
and he was like, you're going to be good regardless
of what happens. He was he understood I try to
be as transparent with him as possible, as like, it's
(05:50):
the option is still for me to come, Like that
is still an option. I'm not saying no to that.
So he was like open to that. He was like
just no, I'm still going to heavily recruit you and
all that. But now he was very supportive throughout the
whole process, which I really appreciate. He was someone I
could go to to talk to about any of the
coaches as well as like anyone else on the staff.
So we're very honest interested parents as much as we
try to be with that entire process.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
No, I love that. It's good to hear because it's
not like that for everybody. So glad that you could
have that. You know, looking back at this year as
a whole too, I felt like like you're a player
who's been like a point guard in the truest sense
of the word, right, like somebody can really collapse the defense,
kick the ball out. Just a very smart decision maker
and playmaker. But I feel like this last year you
really grew as a score or two, and that was
(06:34):
so big in you becoming the best version of yourself.
So what do you think was maybe the most key
aspect of growing that? And you know how you kind
of continue to develop that mindset of being somebody can
who can score and create too.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
And all the people around me coaches too. They always
tell me I don't look to score enough. And it's
like part of me being a point guard is my
natural tendency is to pass first and with the path
and I'm like, everyone's the only at me not too
and I'm like, but it's also like kind of hard
to like balance, like you don't want to be selfish
and taking certain amount of shots. But I think this
year talking is talking with Andrew Cell and talking about plays,
(07:12):
the way we want to play, what we're looking for.
It was like he needed me to shoot more and
look for my shots but not forsome. But also a
key part is like he was confident in me, and
I need to be confident in myself, so I try
to practice that, be more aggressive. And he was like,
when you look to score it, it'll put everything up,
everything else up for everybody as well if you're getting
your shot. So no, I think I whis just able
(07:33):
to be more confident. Practice more confidence big. It's big.
It's a huge mentality to like keep being confident no
matter what happens. So I think I definitely grew that
way and playing more confident consistently was a big thing
for me.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
No, absolutely, and kind of translating that to this coming
or too, Like you mentioned, you know, coming in and
getting acclimated everything, very different system. I can imagine you
guys are going to play different than UNC did last
year as well because of personnel. But you know, like
you go from last year, it's like other than you,
pretty much everybody's the same size on roster right like
a lot of positionless basketball, there's bigs on this team.
(08:08):
It's a very different group. So what has it been
like kind of getting used to that and feeling that
out as somebody who hasn't really had that the last
couple of years.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I mean, coming from a system of four years where
you're five out and everyone is six feet and can
shoot the ball. It's very different. But it's also nice
having some of like the true posts we have like
Maria Gakbang down there, but also having like great rial
runners and finishers, like a list of people who can
shoot the ball like Sierra. So it's it's definitely it
was an adjustment because I haven't played that way or
(08:37):
played with people like that in so long, but I
also appreciate it, like we have people down there that
are like able to finish it on the rim, like
create for others, but also look for their own shot.
So they definitely changed, they have worked on the offense.
But we're all doing great playing together and I think
I think it's going well.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Yeah, No, absolutely, you know, especially like you mentioned in
terms of like just getting the fuel for that. You know,
when you're coming in and trying to get acctimated to
a new group. Obviously you're you're, you know, a fifth
year senior. There's players who have been here for quite
some time as well. How do you kind of bring
your voice into that and become you know, like obviously
you want to be here and you want to be yourself,
(09:17):
but you also like, you know, I think there's a
level of like, well, I don't want to come and
like take things over. So how do you kind of
feel that out and what has that been like for you?
Speaker 2 (09:25):
No, it's definitely an adjustment and something you have to
get like acclimated with with getting to know all of
your teammates personally and on the court, and also like
being able to have these conversations with coach Bangkhard and
other coaches to like know like everyone is different in
their own the way they communicate, the way they lead,
So it's kind of like bay lead or like I
don't want to come in as a fifth year senior
(09:46):
knowing I've like been doing this for four years with
like people who have been here for three years and
four years, so kind of like knowing like how to
talk to each person, but also know like the way
I communicate different from someone else, So kind of being
who I am and like trying to lead and flourish
in that way. And I think like not trying to
step on toes, not like trying to come into demanding
(10:07):
like blah blah blah and and stuff like that. But no,
I think I've been able to be myself, which is
really huge, as like this team has been welcomed me
who I am as well as they welcome everyone else,
Like there's very genuine So I think being able to
stay true or I am play how I am, also communicate,
bring energy and do stuff like that. It's like really
helped me just be able to lead and help to
(10:29):
help people around me.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Absolutely, you know. Again backtracking, like you mentioned in terms
of talking with Quartan at the beginning, when she's kind
of I know you mentioned like that, it was more
just kind of talking about life and stuff in general.
But when it came to, you know, selling you on
what you could do at UNC and what this team
could do with you as part of it, what does
that look like and what kind of really sold you
on that?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Well? Coming in like this is a special place here,
like Carolina is a special place. You see the blue everywhere,
you see Jordan everywhere. But also like getting to know
and sit down talk to the coaches is like the
with my visit. She like we have a meeting with
my parents, and it's just like she's showing me clips
from Richmond, seeing what I did coming off ball streams
(11:15):
passing it out and like seeing clips that what I
was able to impact Rischmand is going to be so
much the same way I can impact here. So being
able to like realistically see my talents and what I
can do. But also at the same time she was
honest and it was like these are things you're going
to have to work on, so it's like very realistic.
She kept it. It was very clear today. No beating around
the bush no anything, So I think that was a
(11:35):
big part of it. But also her as a person.
She's very caring, she wants the best for you, and
she always push you. She knows how to do that,
she knows how to talk to each different person. But
also the coaching stuff. Everyone plays in such a different role,
but they all help us tremendously. So I think all
of that and knowing like they wanted a point guard,
they want an experienced point guard. We want to make
(11:55):
a long run. So hopefully like everything comes together as
it is right now.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Definitely looking at you know, the things you want to
work on, and that court brought up for you, Like
what are the things that you're really hoping to to
kind of grow on this season. What's your you know
in terms of that summer work and getting ready for
this season, what does that look like for you.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Definitely I've been working a lot with being more consistent
with my three point shot. Last year, I would be
like inconsistent with that'd be off one game that I'd
be on one game with that, but definitely being more consistent,
being able to look for like that middle range shot
area that we weren't really used to a Richmond so
definitely like working on those two areas, but also like
(12:35):
pushing the defense, learning the defense and stuff like that.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Yeah, you know, getting more consistent with the shot. What
does that you know, what does that look like for you?
What does that mean in terms of like I think
everybody has their own idea of like, oh, well you
just have to be better at shooting, like okay, yeah,
but like what is in terms of the actual work
to do that and what has that been for you?
Speaker 2 (12:55):
For me, I've been working with Dan a lot, and
it's for me it's like a lot of repetition, a
lot of muscle memories. So we'll just get in the
gym and we'll just shoot game like shots, not like
all the shots like I would not take in the game,
but specific game like shots and just wrap them out
until I get until I get comfortable and get confident,
and just keep doing like literally just repping and repping
(13:15):
and repping so it becomes muscle memory.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah. I think that's what's fun too, because I think
so many people like, it's not there's anything wrong with
the shot, it's just like you're talking about it, you
have to just get used to it and wrap it out.
And because yeah, I mean, I think your shot has
always looked better than it looks, you know, and then
it ends up in the numbers. But it's just about
getting that consistency, especially in terms of like finding those
game reps too. Like I feel like a lot of
(13:40):
that is footwork and like being set for the ball,
but like what's maybe been the biggest thing for you
and having those reps that you feel like you've kind
of gotten a grasp.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Of now definitely, even it's kind of crazy, So like
the footwork is a big thing because I remember, like coach
quite me now all the time, he'd be like, you
catch and you shoot with you get with your feet,
so you catch it football with be Definitely making sure
I'm using more of my legs and not just trying
to be strong and use my arms is a big
(14:09):
thing about it. That also helps us like my release
and getting it quicker. So definitely using my legs and
staying low.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Yeah, that's such a great point because I think there
are a lot of people who have like great touch
on the ball, but if you're trying to use all legs,
I mean, if you're trying to use all arms, then
number one, it's going to be super inaccurate Number two,
especially like as you go on in a game and
you get tired, like, no, that's not going to work.
So you know, it's about making everything efficient and looking
the same every time. My bag's excited about it too, apparently.
(14:37):
But one of the things that I've heard you talk
about in any interview you've had that really stands out
for me, Like, obviously you're somebody who's really quick. You
have a very good first step, like can get downhill
on a whim, but you talk a lot about having
change the pace too, and I think, like that's pretty
big to have at the college level in terms of
being able to understand that and recognize is that what
(15:01):
made that a key for you? Like how did you
kind of just discover that in yourself as a player,
because so often again, like I think a guard who's
really quick and just that can be their thing. All
they do is I get to the room, I kick
the ball out. But then okay, well what happens when
I get to the room, And I feel like, again,
that's something that you've really excelled at the last couple
of years, is being able to be a player can
(15:23):
who can get into the paint but also be really
effective getting there. So you know, when did you kind
of first unearth that for yourself and how do you
kind of keep growing from that?
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Well, I've been I remember about by in fact high
school college, Like I've known I'm very starting for it.
I'm fast, I'm very quick, can get downhill a quick
first step, but I think like that almost becomes so
limited that you can only do so much with that.
So I think being developed of these past four years
is recognizing how much more dangerous changing your paces. So
(15:56):
it's like I'm coming off a ball screen. I'm able
to go flower, then go faster because nine out of ten,
a lot of other guards can keep up with me
for running the same speed the entire time. Like it's
not as it's not as big guards to somebody, but
say if I sow down and go fast, they don't
know when I'm going to go fast, and I think
that creates an advantage that I can also get to
the basket, I can cook out and stuff like that.
(16:17):
So definitely, these especially especially these past two years, I
would say I've been able to really emphasize it and
understand like the importance of it because as I'm learning
to like get more into it and like remember, change
your pace more so down more. It's going to be
way harder for people to guard.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Yeah, absolutely, especially with like keeping your dribble alive, which
is something that I think you really started to excel at,
like doing stuff with like nashing around the basket. And
what is what was the biggest key for you in
getting to that because I think again, like that's something
that a lot of guards can struggle with. Is okay, well,
if I don't have some mares, got to get off
the ball, And yes, it's good to get off the ball,
(16:54):
but also when you're somebody who's creating the offense and
you're the best pastor on the team, you got to
keep the possession alive, keep things moving. So like how
do you kind of how did you kind of get
to that point?
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Well? I struggle with it too because I would get
to the basket and I would stop, but I would
let the kick out and there's no one to kick
out too, and then it kind of like this combobulates
it often. So I think definitely this past year, we'll
cut you. Sol would always be like just keep it
dribble and dribbled out and then something else and I
think same thing with Ben Kart while I'm here. It's
just like it's better to just keep your dribble, bring
(17:26):
it back out and run something, rather than the offense
gets in a frenzy and like everyone gets all over
the place. So I think I've had to work at
it and being like it's okay to keep dribbling if
you don't have anything and just drib it out, dribble
it out and get us into a good offense, because
that is better than stopping and like trying to force
something that isn't there.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
No, absolutely, And I think it like leans into too,
like being a point guard. It is just there's so
much more that goes into it than I think people recognize,
because like we've talked about like yes, you want to
set up the offense, but also you got to be
able to score yourself, but also you got to be
a threat when you don't have the and it's like
there's just so much stuff that goes into it, and
it's like it keeps building up onto what you have
(18:05):
to do in order to be the best version of yourself,
and like every position has that to a degree, but
I think it's just different when you're the player who
has so much control of what the offense is doing
right right, especially like I know Courtney is somebody who
is like very u she wants a lot out of
her guards. So like getting to know that and learn that,
Like obviously you know you had that in Arran as well,
(18:27):
but learning that from Courtney too. What is that? What
has that process kind of been like for you, you know,
in and out of practice and walking through film together
and seeing that, and how has it kind of been
different a little bit?
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Well, the thing I greatly appreciate it appreciate about the
screen card is she she will tell you what she wants.
She would like there's no it tells you something. You
will know what she wants. So meeting with her own
court after plays, meeting with her off the court, when
we have meetings during the week, it's just like making
sure we're on the same page, were able to communicate clearly.
(19:00):
If I have a question, I asked, if she answered it,
she answers it, it would let me go. But now I
think it's been really great to have her as a
coach and as a mentor to talk to her, to
pick her brain, to understand what she wants and what
this team needs. So I think definitely at the point
our position, and she has very high expectations and she
expects you to meet them. But that's also like that's
a coach. That's a great coach for you there. But no,
(19:21):
I think just talking. I think it's for instance, like
the n nashy on the basket, that's something we talked
about the other week, to let just keep it just going,
just call out. So I think just like those small
conversations build up and creates such great communication.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Yeah. No, I think that's such a great point because
like everybody's smart, everybody sees things, but it's like being
able to communicate it to one another and get on
the same page is a lot harder than I think
some people realize for teams and programs. So that stands
out a lot. I wanted to ask too, Uh I
was you know, I hadn't realized until I was going
back through the roster. Obviously I've watched lady play a lot,
(20:00):
I've watched you play a lot. I didn't realize you
guys both went to James River until I was looking
at the roster day. Obviously there's probably no overlap there,
But have you guys been able to kind of bond
and connect over that a little bit.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Yes, she got here I think August early August, and
I think we've been able to share some of our
experiences at James River as much as like we're talking
about days if we're going home and stuff like that.
But now I'm excited to play with Lanney. She's been
doing great coming in though so far I learned it
and adjusting, adapting and everything. So now we've been having fun.
It's been Bonnie's great to play with Fair.
Speaker 1 (20:31):
Yeah, No, for sure. In terms of anybody else who
stood out, Like I'm sure everybody's kind of taking a step,
you know with summer stuff, but it was there a
player that you maybe weren't super aware of yet that
has really kind of taken a leap for you in
your eyes, or what has been you know, who's maybe
stood out most of you and all the sessions leading
up to the season so far.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
I mean, that's a hard it is.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
It's on the spot, for sure.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
It's a hard question. But I mean everyone on this
team is incredible, Like even though I've watched their games
for the past years and like seeing who plays and
stuff like that, But everybody brings so much to the table.
I think I don't even everyone's played great. Maria Gogdang
is incredible down below. Yeah, like he is just killing
it down below. She's worked. She is so good on
(21:19):
the basket, she knows the footwork and all that. I
think Tryana Chris from Arizona State, she has been amazing.
She has. She's a different player than what she's what
I've played with a lot of people say she has
an old man's game, but that is also that is
that is her bread and butter right there. So I
think everyone's done great. Those two have not played with
(21:39):
people like that before. But also like seeing like Alyssa
to be like she does what she does, she's that
great player does everything you need to do is aggressive
place defense Lexi India. It's everyone across the board is incredible.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Yeah. No, I'm really excited to watch you and Maria
develop chemistry together because exactly like you said, I think
like this team played kind of a slower pace last year,
so her numbers maybe don't stand out incredibly well, but
like I think she's just she's so good on the block,
especially defensively, like she's six y three, but she plays
so much bigger than that. Really long too, like just
(22:15):
a hell of a.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Player, very long, Like that's the thing. She is very long,
Like you think he might have her be but then
if she has stick arm out take like get rebounds,
it's like she's she's incredible.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Incredible. Yeah. The last couple of things I want to
close out on you mentioned in terms of like having
watched games for this team prior you know, coming in. Obviously,
I know so much of this is like you want
to learn what you guys are doing and be on
top of that, right, But are you somebody who's like
kind of always been pretty tapped into what's going on
around the country in basketball, or like, are you somebody
who's just kind of like recently gotten like super into
(22:48):
watching as much of it as possible.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
I've been growing up. I've like loved watching basketball. I've
like WBA, and I was younger when my more was
in the league Cannis Parker. I like getting up to
like watching like Morgan William doing against k and the
final for the National Championship. So I've always grown up
watching it. I appreciate it as much as I've looked
(23:13):
up to the people who have come before me and
seeing all the greenness that they did and bring it
all support that it did to women's basketball. So I've
always watched it. I love it.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I enjoy it definitely, you know, especially with the a
SEC too coming in, Like, uh, do you feel like
you have like a pretty good feel on where all
these teams were at or is that gonna be something
like just kind of like in, you know, headed into
the year. Obviously you're gonna be on scouts and stuff
and keeping up with that, but you know, like everybody
on this team has kind of seen the a SEC
for a while and now it's like, you know, it's
(23:42):
gonna be kind of that thing and get to see
quite a bit last year with how much you guys
played in then on kin, But yeah, what does that
look like for you?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
I mean, it's like the big ones you're aware of,
like the NC State, the Duke ones that I remember
from last year, where it's like kind of knowing that
like trying to take one game, each game at a time,
but also like each each game means so much, especially
there's so many teams in the league now adding Stanford
and Cal But no, I think I know all all
games will be competitive no games off. It's like, so
(24:11):
I'm just ready for that, and I think we're aware
that no game is an easy game, so being prepared
for that.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Yeah, it's going to be a pretty crazy season. You
guys have a heck of a non conference and then
the ACC S. I mean, it's interesting because like both
ACC and Big Ten are just like there's like twenty
teams now, So I coping up with that is going
to be so interesting from like all standpoints. But yeah,
I'm fascinated by that. And I guess just kind of lastly,
(24:37):
you know, when you look ahead to this year, what
are the things that you really want to accomplish? Obviously,
both as an individual and as a team.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
I think individually, I just want to have a great year,
be a great point guard for this team, whatever they
need team wise. Individually too, this like it's my last year.
It's like, this is my last year in college basketball.
So it's like I want to make as long as
a run as we can as we can make, and
I think we have the potentially of all the right
pieces to do so. So I think it just goes
(25:06):
as far as we can win, as much as we
can stay together. And I think it'll be a very
I'm excited to be I think it'll be a very
good year, very fun year.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Definitely. Well, Grace, I really appreciate your time. I'm excited
to watch what you guys put together this year and
how you grow as a team. To everyone watching and
listening and most importantly having our rest of your day,
keep up with all things you want to see women's basketball,
and be sure to catch Grace coming up and shoot.
It's like a month and a half, it's.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Like very soon, it's almost locked over.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Yeah, Or do you have any like last couple of
things you're trying to get in before a season starts,
or you're just kind of locked in already and ready
to go.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
I'm ready to go. I'm excited twenty our weeks, I'm
excited get ready for the season, start playing. So I'm
excited it'll be fun.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Well, definitely, Grace, I appreciate you. Enjoy the rest of
your day.
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