Athletes of the week

Katie Van Es: Women’s BasketballWhat are the team’s goals for moving from this season into next year?
We are looking to continue building on this season. Since we are only losing one senior – granted, she is a huge part of our team – it will be nice to have more returning players than new players. With that, we can grow as a team on and off the court.
What kinds of things do you do in the off-season to prepare for the next season?
We generally get summer programs to do since we don’t all stay in Appleton. Before the school year ends, though, we play pickup and lift. Personally, during the summer, I’m in the gym when I’m not working: shooting around, lifting, running, or just playing with a bunch of girls from UW-Eau Claire. I love basketball, so that is the fun part of my day.
How was the team chemistry this season, and how did the freshmen contribute to the team?
When you are on a team with nine girls things are bound to happen, but the overall chemistry was good. We all get along pretty well and really enjoy spending time with each other off the court. The freshmen contributed a lot this season because they had no other choice. They were just thrown into the mix right off the bat and had to learn as they played. They picked things up quickly, though, and they looked like veteran players by the end of the season.
What was your favorite thing about this season?
Beating the University of Dallas is definitely on the top of the list. That seemed to be a turning point in our season. We had been off to a rough start and after winning this game, things started to turn around. We consistently played as a team and found some chemistry. Our Dallas trip overall was also a highlight of the season… Hello, Dallas!
As a captain, what did you do to keep the team looking up, even during the rough parts of the season?
I felt that because of our season last year, at times everyone just got a little frustrated especially since we were in almost all of the games that we played. So most of the time it was just [keeping people relaxed] – including myself – and having some fun. That’s one thing that we always have to remember: to still have fun, especially with how long our season is. I also always tried to keep a positive attitude or at least look like I had a positive attitude because if Laura and I thought we could do it sometimes that trickled down to the rest of the team. Having a season like this [one] and [the] last is mostly about the attitude you have.

Yui Ueno: Men’s Basketball

What has been your favorite memory of LU basketball over the last 4 years?
Most of my favorite memories with the team are not really basketball-related, but if I had to pick a favorite basketball memory, I would say the game against Lake Forest at home this season. My dad was able to make it up here for a weekend and that was the first game I was able to get significant playing time. Made a few threes, dropped a couple dimes, a couple dunks. You know, just did my thing. Felt good.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Going going, back back, to Cali Cali. What am I gonna be doin’ in Cali? Simple. Gettin’ paid. What else would I do?
You finished your last game with a career high in scoring with 11 points. How did that feel?
It was okay. I mean, I woulda dropped like 50 if the coach gave me some mo’ tick. You know what I’m sayin’?
What was the team’s toughest challenge this season?
Definitely injuries. Because our numbers were down, every player on our team was a factor in our success. Every week we had to deal with more and more injuries. At one point I just played one-on-one with myself all practice ’cause everyone else was sitting out.
What is the best feature of the LU men’s basketball team?
Well I’m sure everybody knows this already, but Erik Borresen has some incredible calves. Dustin definitely has the best game, but TC and Drew are definitely more jacked. But I think I’m gonna have to give it to Salem Barahmeh for overall hairiness.