Question & Answer with Women's Basketball Freshman Dara Taylor
7/17/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
July 17, 2009
Incoming freshman point guard Dara Taylor took some time from her offseason training regimen to answer a few questions for umterps.com during the months leading up to her collegiate debut this fall with the Terps. Taylor, a McDonald's High School All-American as a senior in 2009, is a Wilmington, Del., native who starred at Caravel Academy. For head coach Brenda Frese's thoughts on her entire incoming freshman class, click here for the video.
Q: Why did you choose Maryland?
A: I chose Maryland because overall it was just a perfect fit. The campus is beautiful, the academics are great and I really like the team and coaching staff. Coach B really made me feel like Maryland could be my "home" away from home so I feel really comfortable heading there.
Q: What does it mean to you to now be a Terp?
A: I'm entering into a great program and it's an honor. I'm looking forward to playing in front of thousands of cheering fans in a sold-out Comcast Center. It also means I'm joining a new family where everybody is supportive of one another and really close, and I'm looking forward to that.
Q: What are your expectations for your freshman season?
A: I expect to come in and bring a lot of intensity and energy. And also help give some more depth in the backcourt and help with my speed and quickness. I expect the team to do great things this year and really work hard and surprise a lot of people this year. Don't sleep on us!
Q: How have you been spending your summer?
A: I've been lifting and working out with my personal trainer, trying to get stronger for next year. I also spent a week at Point Guard College, where I got a chance to learn a lot and work on my game. Outside of basketball I spent some time at the beach with friends.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you in terms of basketball?
A: A lot of people have really contributed to shaping my game, including camps and coaches, but I'd have to say my parents the most. They might not have taught me all the skills I have today, but they've put me in situations to learn and get better and they've always supported, encouraged, and pushed me to be the best I can be. I try to pattern my game after Steve Nash and Chris Paul though.
Q: What has been your biggest sports thrill?
A: An AAU game last summer against DFW. It was just a regular pool play game, but the atmosphere was championship-like. And we gave them their first loss of the summer.
Q: Finish this sentence: "Before every game I..."
A: Listen to my iPod. I start out with some songs that will chill me out like Bob Marley to get me calmed down and focused. Then about 20 minutes before it's time to head on the court I start to blast the hard stuff. Like some rap or songs with a really good beat that will get me hyped up.
Q: If you could sit down and have a conversation with three people, living or dead, whom you've never met, who would they be?
A: President Obama, Magic Johnson, Becky Hammon
