Warriors Return

Interviews with players

The Warrior’s basketball teams are back on the court after a long holiday break. They have hit the ground running with games throughout the first few days back and a tournament scheduled for the third weekend of January. The new semester is bringing new challenges for both teams. Each team has lost and gained players, and the once comfortable dynamic between teammates will need to be reestablished. Despite these changes, the teams are excited to come back full force and show the Warrior spirit with each university they face.

The women’s team was asked to reflect on last semester –the first part of the season– and share their thoughts. Here are some of the questions and their responses. 

What is one way you hope to improve as a basketball player this semester?

“I hope to be more confident in myself and what I have learned. I hope to be more aggressive offensively and defensively.”

Lily Tubbs is an IRR/nursing major from Grandview, TX. This is her second year on the basketball team. 

What was most memorable about your time as a Warrior last semester? 

“What was most memorable about last semester for me was the bond I created with such a wonderful group of people, both on and off the court. Developing that chemistry and learning how to play together has been an amazing experience. The connections we built, both as teammates and friends, made the whole journey even more meaningful.” 

Emily Branda is from New Jersey and is studying nursing. This is her first year on the team.

What habits have you developed that help you mentally prepare for game day?

“I have many things I do specifically on game days to prepare. I make sure to always maintain high energy, drink lots of water, and get to the gym extra early before games for a long warmup. I also make sure to have my hype music playing whenever I can throughout the day, and for sure ALWAYS on for pre warm-up hype!”

Kassie Abrahamson is taking Sports Physical Therapy. She is from Sturgeon, MO and this is her first year as a UAU Warrior. 

What are some important lessons you've learned during your time as an athlete?

“The biggest obstacle you have to overcome is yourself. Oftentimes the

only thing that is stopping us from achieving what we want is the lack

of belief that we can achieve. Believing in yourself and your

abilities is the first step to overcoming adversity and challenges on

and off the court.”

Nyadheal Dak is a Science Education major from Rochester, MN. This is her first year playing for the Warriors.

by Sami Hoffer