Providence College Athletics
QUESTION & ANSWER - Providence College Women's Basketball - ALLIE GARD
11/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 10, 2005
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Senior Allie Gard begins her final season of collegiate eligibility with the Friars in 2005-06. Allie played her first season with at Providence College in 2004-05 after transferring from Mesa Community College. Last season, Gard led the Friars with 88 assists (3.14 apg) and also averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 assists. Gard posted a career best of 14 points in two games last year vs. Stony Brook (12/7/04) and BIG EAST foe Syracuse (1/12/05). She dished out a career-high seven assists against Fordham on November 21, 2004.
Q: With a couple weeks of preseason under your belt, how do you feel the team is coming along so far?
A: So far the team is looking great! Practices have been going really well. We are improving everyday as a team, as well as individually. The new coaching staff has brought a positive energy to the court that we have been lacking. I believe that we are going to surprise a lot of people.
Q: Looking back on last season, what parts of the game do you feel are most important for your team to improve on to find success in 2005-06?
A: In the past, our team has lacked consistency. Last year we would play well in spurts, but we couldn't put a whole game together. At this level you need to bring your best everyday if you want to be successful. Also, last year we lacked intensity on the court in games and in practice. Increasing our intensity will give us an edge over our competition.
Q: In the off-season, what did you work on the most in your individual skill set to help the team improve in 2005-06?
A: In the off-season I focused on improving my ball handling, passing, and shooting. This year I need to be more consistent in all of these areas. I have also tried to improve on the "mental" side of my game.
 Gard  | |
Q: The team had an informal scrimmage with Bryant University on November 8, how do you feel it went?
A: It went very well! We are a whole new team. We have been working very hard at practice and it was very encouraging to see that it is paying off. There is always room for improvement and we need to become more consistent, but I have an extremely positive outlook on our upcoming season.
Q: Other than basketball, what are some things you enjoy doing on your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go in the city or on campus?
A: When I have free time I like to get some rest and relaxation. When I do get off campus, I enjoy going out to eat! I really don't have a favorite restaurant, but I love to eat sushi!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a part of the Providence College women's basketball program?
A: There are so many great aspects of being part of this program, but my favorite aspect is the fact that I get to be part of the foundation of a rebuilding program. That was why I came here in the first place and now we are in a position to really make changes. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity with such an amazing group of people.
Q: If you had to pick one person on your team who could make a living doing stand-up comedy, who would it be?
A: Shantee! Hands down! She is one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life.
Q: What is your current major of study at Providence College? What are your plans for "life after college?"
A: My major is finance. After college I would really like to get a coaching job or find a graduate assistant program to get my foot in the door. Honestly, I can't imagine my life without basketball. It has been such a big part of my life and it is something I am truly passionate about. I believe that people are most successful when they have a career that they are truly passionate about.
Q: Will your family have the opportunity to travel to any games this season to watch you play your final season of collegiate basketball?
A: Yes! My whole family is planning on making it to at least two games this season. They all will definitely be at senior night. My dad is planning on being at about six games this year. It is crazy to think this is my final season playing basketball!
Stay tuned for future question and answer sessions with members of Providence's junior class. Point guard Kristina Baugh will be featured next, followed by Shauna Snyder.
