Q&A with Shooting Guard Marah Strickland
7/14/2008 8:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
July 14, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As the lone freshman starter on a roster of four upper classmen, including two current WNBA players, Marah Strickland proved she could play with the best women's college basketball players in the country.
Strickland, the younger sister of former Terrapin great Marché Strickland, led the Terrapins with a .408 3-point shooting percentage last season, the second-best mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the seventh-best in program history.
The apple doesn't fall far from the Strickland family 3-point-shooting tree. Marché ranks third in Maryland history in 3-pointers made and attempted.
Marah recently sat down with umterps.com to discuss topics such as her relationship with her sister, her expanding role for next season and her freshman experience.
Q. How is your summer going?
A. I'm mainly working out with the team and working on my conditioning. I've been doing a lot of lifting and playing a lot of pick-up games. It's been a lot of fun, so far.
Q. Are you taking any classes this summer?
A. I am. I'm taking calculus and economics this session and CPR next session.
Q. How's calculus treating you?
A. It's going really well. I have an A right now, so I'm pretty happy about that.
Q. Do you envision an expanded role next season with the graduation of four seniors?
A. I really hope so. I hope every year I can grow and adapt to do whatever I need to do to help the team.
Q. What specific aspects of your game are you working on this summer?
A. I'm working on my all-around my game. Particularly, I'm working on my ball-handling and making sure my shot stays tight. I also know I need to work on my defensive game and keep those skills intact.
Q. How much of an influence does your sister have on your career?
A. I think she's a great influence. I remember being in Cole Field House when I was younger, coming to her games for the big rivalry games against teams like North Carolina. That got me so excited to come to Maryland. She still helps me a lot. She comes to the games and gives me tips on my shooting, because she was such a great shooter, herself.
Q. Who would win a one-on-one game right now between you and your sister?
A. I think I would win one-on-one. But if we played HORSE, I wouldn't put it past her. She's an excellent shooter and a good trick shooter. That would be tough.
Q. How much did you benefit from playing with players like Crystal Langhorne, Laura Harper, Jade Perry and Ashleigh Newman last season?
A. I think it helped me a lot. They definitely showed me how to step up and be a great team leader. All of them put together were team leaders. They worked together, cooperated and came together to form a really good team bond. They showed me how to act, and what to do and say.
Q. Who was the toughest player you guarded last season?
A. Candice Wiggins from Stanford.
Q. Is there anything else you want to add?
A. I'm excited for next year. I can't wait. I'm looking forward to it so much. I can't wait to get out there and play again.
-TERPS-
