June 8, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - You asked for it! Now here are the answers to questions fans sent in to players from the 2010-11 Maryland women's basketball team.
Up first is junior Yemi Oyefuwa, a 6-6 center from London, England.
Stay tuned to umterps.com for more answers from all the players!
Questions for Yemi
What is your nickname
I have loads. London Sugar from Lynetta (and she is my American Chocolate), Tink Tink from the team, because I run weird (apparently). Nemz - which I got from London.
How did you choose your number?
Well I love Thierry Henry the football (or soccer as you all say) player, and I just loved watching him play and I think he's way too cute for his own good - so I adopted his number.
What has impressed you the most about Coach Frese and her staff?
The way they connect with everybody's individual needs at the same time - they really know their players not only as a team, but they recognize us as individuals and I think that's what makes us all connect. They know exactly what type of recruits will not only help us on the floor but also fit in with us as a team.
What's it like to know you are halfway through your college career?
It's crazy! Every time somebody asks me what year I'll be in, it takes me a minute to grasp the fact that I'm going to be a junior! It's gone so quickly, I don't want to stand on that podium and give my goodbye speech at our banquet - I know it's coming quickly.
What are some of your goals for the next two years?
I'm proud at how far I've come in my first two years and I'm looking forward to growing even more, not only by myself, but as a team. I'm honored to have teammates who know what type of player I am and have been patient with my development; next year, I want to put everything together and really make a difference on the court.
What is your favorite class?
Last semester I took a creative writing class which I really enjoyed because it allowed me to do something I loved but also be taught at the same time.
From Freddie: What is your favorite shot on the court?
Haha - a layup for me, but I love when my teammates hit threes, it sends shivers up my spine. I'll be expanding however, so watch this space :)
What do you do during the summer to stay in shape?
I've been swimming and riding the bike a lot since I had my surgery, I know it's going to be a tough time getting back into the best shape I can be when the season comes, but I hope my actions this summer will make it a tad bit easier.
From Leann: What are your thoughts on playing in the ACC?
It's tough - physically and mentally. Every game is a battle and every game makes us stronger. It's something I've grown to love and I really don't think I could play in any other conference.
What motto do you try to live by each day?
I try to live by - "Live, Laugh, Love" - without those three things, I don't think you'd get anywhere in life. Each word can be interpreted different; you know? Live for the game, laugh when times are hard and love yourself? Each day I apply new meanings to those three words.
From Stuart: Who is your role model and why?
The most typical answer would be my mummy - just because of the strength, love and support she has displayed throughout the years. I can be a very difficult child sometimes :) but she's always there for me.
Favorite professional sports player?
There are too many phenomenal players out there - that is a question I simply cannot answer.
What is your dream job?
I would be a professional basketball player, who writes poetry and dances and acts on the weekends.
From Kathy: What do you most look forward to this season?
Growing and working hard. Also seeing improvements from last year and proving the wrong people wrong and the right people, right.
Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?
I love that I can get public transport to pretty much anywhere without relying on anyone else (even though the prices are becoming quite expensive). It gives me such a nice sense of freedom.
From Tom: What's on your ipod?
Too much. I absolutely ADORE music. My tastes range from Beyonce to Paramore to Kenny Chesney to Abba to Coldplay to Trey Sonz to....I think you get the gist? Basically, you ask for an artist and I'm 95% sure it'll be on my ipod.
From Barb: We learned in the ACC Tournament program you love to write poetry. What is your favorite thing about writing and who is your inspiration?
I love how you can express yourself with words, without even speaking. Writing gives me relief because there are some things I would like to say aloud, but society shuns such things and considers it to be madness. Life is my inspiration, the things I do, the things other people do, my friends, my family, strangers, everything and anything is my inspiration.
From Shawn: What team do you most look forward to playing each year?
Duke of course. The rush of the game, the fans, the opposing fans - everything just gives me such an adrenaline rush.
From Kelly: You are one of the tallest players on the team. What was it like being so tall growing up? Do you have any words of wisdom for younger girls to help them embrace their height?
It was hard towering over people, and I'm sure everyone knows that kids can be so cruel and reject the unfamiliar. For a while I was one of those girls who defended everything for no reason; but then when I started getting serious about my dance and my drama, it allowed me to put myself in such a high place that nothing anyone did would bring me down. I think that's what I would say to younger girls. Many young girls think that because they are different something is wrong with them; I would tell them to embrace their height - not one person is the same, even twins have differences and before anybody can love you, you have to love yourself first. I would also say that tall people are the coolest people in the world and to be part of that generalization is amazazazazazing.
From Carrie: Who got you in to playing basketball?
A family friend. He always wanted me to play, but I was too in love with my dancing and drama - then he bought me a whole bunch of basketball things to convince me to play - and here I am. So easily swayed :)
What is your favorite thing to do besides play basketball?
So my favorite things to do are eat, write, eat, read, eat, and dance and my favorite food is chicken.
