The Augustana Observer sat down with sophomore women’s basketball team member Izzy Anderson to talk about her recent CCIW player of the week award and the team’s historic streak.
1. How did it feel to win the CCIW player of the week?
“It was good to get a personal accomplishment like that, but I still think what we are doing as a team right now (being 8-0) is more impressive.”
2. How do you hope to continue and build on the success that you have already found on this team?
“I think it just comes with working hard every day in practice. We have a lot of leadership that is going to continue to push us to get better and not slack off. That is one of the things I love most about this team. We all make each other better.”
3. What do you attribute to your historic winning streak?
“I think it’s our ability to balance having fun while staying focused and competitive. It’s easy to win when you are enjoying it and it’s such a fun atmosphere to play in.”
4. Who do you think will be your toughest opponent this season?
“Wheaton. They are in our conference and they are ranked nationally. They are always a solid team with a lot of really good players. Last year we played them twice and split with them.”
5. What is one thing that the Augie team does that sets you apart from your competition?
“Our ability to play such a fast paced game. We worked really hard in the off season to get in shape and ready for the season.”
6. How do you feel like you have changed as an athlete in the last year?
“I definitely think the team has helped me change a lot. We are the type of team where someone different could step up and be the leading scorer each night. That has really pushed me to make myself better because I know this team has a lot of potential.”
7. What is your favorite memory from this team?
“Our overtime win against Coe. That was the first time we were really tested as a team and we showed our toughness. I think that was the first time we really realized we could be something special.”
8. What does being on this team mean to you?
“It means a lot to me. I have grown up playing basketball and I love it. This is also a really close team and we all get along really well. Practice is fun for me every day because it is just going and hanging out with all of my friends every day.”
9. What is one thing you wish the rest of the Augie community knew about your team?
“I wish they knew just how historic of a run this is right now for our program. I don’t know how many people realize this is the year we are turning it all around.”