Aug. 19, 2009
Former University of Maryland standout Laura Harper recently answered some questions for umterps.com. The second-year pro is the Sacramento Monarchs' leading shot blocker and has logged 11 starts in 25 games in 2009. Harper helped the Terp women to the 2006 national crown and was the 10th overall selection of the 2008 WNBA Draft.
Q: How is life in California?
A: My life in California is great, it is always warm and it never rains. It doesn't feel as busy as D.C. and everything I need is in a five-minute radius, except for the mall which is maybe 10 minutes. Overall it is a nice change but it's hard to compare to D.C.
Q: Does Sacramento feel like "home" yet?
A: Sacramento is my home, yes, but my comfort zone and familiarity will always be on the East Coast. I feel Sacramento is home for the five months I am here but as far as starting a life out here and leaving my family and friends...that will be tough. I consider home where my heart and my family are.
Q: Are there major differences between life on the East Coast compared to life on the West Coast?
A: Overall life is similar on both coasts. However there are some differences. The East is more metropolitan and the West is more country and rural with flat grounds. There are some differences in restaurants; for example, Jamba Juice and In and Out Burger are two famous chains here that can't be found in the East. Out West, I don't care how hard I look I just can't find Dunkin Donuts or Noodles and Company. But after playing in Europe I learn to be grateful for just having the luxuries of America.
Q: What is it like to play against some of your former Maryland teammates in the WNBA?
A: Playing against my former teammates in the WNBA is a relief. I love it and there is a comfort level with them that makes me so happy. My Maryland teammates are irreplaceable and in a league where changes happen every day, I know I always have a few times a year to see the girls I love.
Q: How did the growing pains from being a rookie make you a better player and professional now that you're in year No. 2?
A: Being a rookie and going through those initial pains definitely prepared me for this year and helped ease the transition. I feel like a pro and I understand what to expect and what I have to give to fully meet my potential.
Q: What are your expectations for the Monarchs the rest of this season?
A: This has been a very challenging season thus far. For the last month [of the season] I expect us to play for our pride and for the franchise. I expect us to fight and get better every game.
Q: What was it like for you to see your former collegiate teammates, Kristi Toliver and Marissa Coleman, have a great senior season but one that ultimately ended with an emotional loss in the Elite Eight? What were your emotions as you watched their careers end?
A: Watching Marissa and Kristi play their senior year in college was an exciting thing to witness, especially from Europe. It was hard to see them go down and in fact it was almost 4 a.m. when I was listening to the second half of the game. I couldn't listen anymore and I just prayed for them and hoped they would be ok when it was all over. I felt like I lost the game myself.
Q: What do you miss most about being at Maryland?
A: There is so much I could say I miss about Maryland but the most important thing is my teammates. The best part of Maryland was the team chemistry.
Q: What is your fondest memory of Coach Frese?
A: My fondest memory of Coach B is when she pulled me in her office for underachieving. She made me a tape of all my best highlights half way through my senior year and I was motivated and enthused for the rest of the season. I played my best and most consistent basketball after that and I realized how much she really cared about me.
