Providence College Athletics
Q & A With Women's Basketball Player - GAYLE NWAFILI
10/31/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 31, 2005
Select members of the Providence College women's basketball team will conduct question and answer sessions throughout the 2005-06 season. In the first installment, fifth-year senior Gayle Nwafili helps to give Friar Fans an inside look. Nwafili missed the 2004-05 season with an injury. In 2003-04, she led Providence in scoring (12.3 points per game) and rebounding (8.3 rebounds per game) and was a candidate for the BIG EAST Conference Most Improved Player award. She is a native of Maplewood, New Jersey and attended Columbia High School.
Q: Gayle, how does it feel to return to the Friar women's basketball team, following you absence last season?A: I am excited to be back playing for the program again. It was hard to sit out for a whole season because I felt that I could have helped the team in some way. Sitting out last season has taught me to never take things for granted. It has also instilled mental toughness. It feels good to be able to compete in a Friar uniform once again.
Q: How have the first couple weeks of practice been going for the team so far?
A: So far practices have been going great. Everyone on the team has been working hard on a daily basis. We have definitely made improvements on the court since the first day of practice. The new coaching staff has a lot to do with the improvements that the team has made thus far.
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Q: What are you thoughts on the conference expanding to 16 teams this season, making the BIG EAST the largest Division I conference in the nation?
A: By adding five new teams to the conference, it has made this league even more competitive. Prior to the addition of the new teams, I felt that the BIG EAST was the top women's basketball conference in the nation. The caliber of teams the league has added only makes the BIG EAST better. It should be interesting to watch the BIG EAST teams compete during the season.
Q: As the player with the most experience on the roster, what are you hoping to bring to the team this season?
A: I am hoping to bring leadership, experience, and knowledge to the team this season. Sitting out last season has given me a better knowledge of the game. It allowed me to see the game from a different perspective. I also look to bring a high level of competitiveness to the court.
Q: As a native of New Jersey, you must be excited about having several games scheduled near your family this season. You'll travel to New Jersey to play Saint Peter's and Seton Hall -- there are also two games in New York City, which is a short distance from your hometown of Maplewood, N.J. As you enter your last season with the Friars, what does it mean to you to be able to play in front of a "hometown" crowd?
A: Considering this is my last year at PC, I am excited that there are several games within the Metropolitan area. This will allow my family to see us play more this season. It means a lot to me to be able to play in front of a hometown crowd. It will be a special moment for me when we play at Seton Hall because I will be able to play in front of friends that have not seen me play since my high school days.
Q: Which player on your team this season has impressed you the most in the preseason?
A: All of the freshmen have impressed me this preseason. They have made tremendous improvements since day one of preseason training. The freshmen class knows what it takes to win and they are willing to work hard to do so. I feel as though they will all play a major role in the upcoming season.
Q: Which trip are you looking forward to the most this season, and why?
A: I am looking forward to playing at Seton Hall because it is in my hometown. This gives me the chance to play in front of my family and friends. I am also looking forward to playing at South Florida because it gives us a break from the cold weather.
Q: In the off season, what did you work on the most to improve your play for the upcoming season?
A: During the off season I spent most of my time rehabilitating my knee. When I was cleared to begin working out over the summer I mainly spent my time trying to get myself back into shape. I also worked on expanding my game by working out on the perimeter. I think it is important for me to improve my jump shot to add another dimension to my game.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Providence College women's basketball team?
A: I love the fact that we are a family. We are all willing to help each other out when we are in a time of need and we very close with one another. My teammates are my family away from home.
