March 14, 2011
Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese
Opening Statement (Before the brackets):
"Tonight is our first time to be able to take this (Selection Monday) in with you guys. This is a moment that we have been looking forward to for quite some time. I know that for us last year we were sitting in the locker room as a team knowing that we most likely wouldn't be going to the NCAA Tournament was tough. Our team in the off season their preparation is what got them prepared for tonight. The entire off season their level of fitness, their commitment and their dedication is what led to tonight. I know for us as a team we are excited to be able to see who our victims are who are going to be coming to College Park. I know that we can't wait to see who we play and for Maryland to come up on the big screen. Whoever they bring and whatever seed we are I can tell you this - we are ready. We are excited about representing ourselves and our university to the highest level."
Statement after brackets revealed:
"I know that we are excited. I don't know about you but I know we are excited about our matchup. I know what kind of competitors we have but we have to take it one game at a time. After we played at Georgetown I told our staff I really hoped that they would be coming back to our place. We have to take care of the first game as does Georgetown though. From our end we are excited about getting as many people as we can into Comcast. The last time we hosted we had the No. 1 site in terms of attendance and we want to make that happen again."
On the potential matchup with Georgetown:
"Obviously the regional flavor is great. Having played them in the second game of the season, we hoped that we would get to have that matchup again. I think that both teams would welcome that as competitors to get to play them again and really see how far we have come as a group."
On being back in the NCAA Tournament:
"It means a lot for us to be back. Last year playing in the WNIT, it was a great experience for our young players. But there is nothing better than playing in the NCAA tournament. I am proud of the body of work we have put in and I am exciting to be in the `big dance'."
On having such a young team:
"With this young team it's great to have won 23 games this year and get back to the level that we expect out of Maryland. It's great because we have everyone back for next season and have a couple of other pieces coming in as well. You can't ask for more in terms of getting this experience with this young of a team."
On being in UConn's bracket:
"I was excited. I had actually had the thought over the week. Just randomly when you are going over everything in you r head I thought who I would put on Maya Moore to defend her. I had already thought through the scenario and I am excited. You want to play the best. Obviously if we get to that point playing UConn would be a great test."
On the matchups at Comcast:
"I don't know a whole lot about St. Francis but once we get some film on them I will take a look at them. Obviously we have a really good scouting report on Georgetown having played them if they end up being the winner. Princeton as well would be a team that we would need to gather more information. In general I do like the teams that are coming here to Comcast."
On playing at home in Comcast:
"I think that it's great for a young team. For us I think we have some of the best fans in the country. They come out and support our team. Last time we hosted we had the No. 1 attendance site. We want to pack as many Maryland fans as possible into Comcast and create a good home court."
Junior Center Lynetta Kizer
Her overall thoughts:
"Last year we were sitting in the locker room, without the work of Kyle (Tarp) and everyone on the coaching staff, we were eating pizza. This year we aren't eating pizza in the locker room. We are upstairs with the Rebounders, our supporters and our team. We worked so hard to get here and to be successful. It's kind of emotional for me because I know everything that we have done to get here. It's kind of eating me up a little bit. I know that everyone is ready to go. We have been waiting for this for two weeks and I know that everyone is ready to go. It's time to work hard and that's what we are going to do."
On playing at home at Comcast:
"It means everything. Last year we were in the WNIT and this year with everyone coming back and supporting us now. We are excited for everyone to make some noise and us to come out and work. That's what we do here at Maryland. Everyone on the staff and everyone on the team have been doing everything they have to do for the past two weeks to prepare. To hear our name called today, when our name was called I knew it was time to go to work."
On going to the NCAA Tournament after not making it last year:
"Like I said last year we were sitting in the locker room eating pizza watching. We cut that out of our diet. This year Kyle (Tarp) doesn't even allow us to eat pizza any more. I know that everyone that was sitting beside me has been doing everything they need to do. They have dedicated their body and everything to hear our name called. To see everyone who was here supporting us last year here today to support us this year it's kind of eating me up. I'm excited to be a leader for this team. I know that my team was there for me when I was at my bottom but I am ready to go. Anything I have to do for this program I am willing to do. We are ready to play and I am ready to go."
Freshman Forward Alyssa Thomas
On her emotions right now:
"I am excited. I'm ready to play and get out there."
On the wait to find out their seed:
"I couldn't wait to see who we play and who was on our side of the bracket."
On the potential rematch of Georgetown:
"We are ready to get them back on our home court. We are going to be ready for them."
On being a young team:
"I don't think that we really act our age. We play well together. I don't think that age is going to be a factor for us."
On playing at home in Comcast:
"I think that it's a huge advantage for us. To be on our home court and with our crowd it's a great advantage for us."
Junior Guard Kim Rodgers
On the team:
"We played great all year. I think our chemistry is great for only having played together for one year. I think that everyone is prepared and knows our roles and is ready to get going."
On the potential rematch of Georgetown:
"I am very excited about that as I know my teammates are. We took that loss very hard. It was only by eight and I think we didn't play very well. At this point we have all grown a lot and are playing a lot better. Being able to potentially play them again here is great and I think we have a great shot at winning."
Freshman Guard Laurin Mincy
On advice she has received from the older players:
"They have just told me to come prepared. Every dog has its day, so we are going to come prepared to play 40 minutes every game of the tournament."
