Jan. 30, 2003

ABILENE, Texas - Senior Laura Ricci sat down for a brief question and answer session to reveal her thoughts on this year's team and what contributes to her success on the court. Ricci is averaging 10.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Ricci's best game this year was against Louisiana College where she had 21 points and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double this year.

What do you think of this year's team? This year's team has a lot of potential to go farther in the playoffs because we work well together.

How is this year's team different from your last three year's playing at Hardin-Simmons? Our defense is better this year and that has helped us win games.

How do you fit in the team dynamic? I am probably the motivator of the team. Everyone calls me the "charge queen" because I try to get everyone pumped up at practice or at the game. I also like to clown around sometimes.

What are your strengths? I feel my strengths are defense on the court and being the spark of the team. I am a very emotional player when it comes to game time.

Which game this year was your best so far? My personal best games so far are at home against Louisiana College I had a season high of 21 points and away at Mary Hardin-Baylor I had seven steals and an overall great defensive game.

What do you think about during a game? I think about winning. I focus on defense a lot. I try to be at the right place and time to beat my opponent.

What gets you motivated? My teammates motivate me. Also playing a rival or a good team motivates me.

Which ASC schools are surprising you in a good or a bad way? Sul Ross is winning more game this year than in the past, so that is kind of surprising.

Which ASC school is HSU's competition this year for the conference tournament? I feel Howard Payne and Sul Ross are competition for us going in to playoff time.

Are you meeting your personal goals you set in the beginning of the season? Yes, I have a goal to become a more offensive threat and to stay focused on defense. This year I feel I am more motivated to do my best because this is my last year of playing basketball.

What can we expect for the rest of the season from you and the team? You can expect more motivation and effort to go farther into the playoffs.

What is your favorite memory about playing at Hardin-Simmons? It has to be beating McMurry in the Sweet 16 in front of a packed house my freshman year.

How is balancing being a student-athlete during basketball season? The hard part for me is balancing being a student-athlete and an athletic trainer. I am always doing stuff sports or training related so it cuts down on free and personal time.

What are your plans after Hardin-Simmons? I plan to get married and to attend graduate school.

What are you going to miss about next year after you have graduated and not playing basketball for HSU? I am going to miss my teammates and our camaraderie the most next year.