Over the last few months, WVUsports.com visited with returning West Virginia University women’s basketball players to recap the 2016 season and preview the upcoming year. This final edition features redshirt freshman forward Marlena Schmidt.
Q: You redshirted last season. How did you handle your first year not playing?
A: The main thing for me was making basketball my number one priority. I had never been around big-time basketball growing up, so it was a transition for me. The biggest thing I had to do was have the mindset that basketball and school was my top-two focuses.
Q: What was the hardest transition from high school to college?
A: It was just getting used to the workouts every day, the extra workouts since I was redshirting and managing my time. It was extremely important for me to make sure I got everything that I needed to get done.
Q: You had two sisters play collegiate basketball. How did they help you with the transition?
A: They are excellent role models on and off the court. It helped me because I had seen what a college basketball experience was like before I arrived at WVU. My sisters were very supportive and they kept me motivated.
Q: How did you handle Coach Carey’s coaching style?
A: You basically learn his system and style of play. Coach Carey has a way of doing things and he wants things done a certain way on the court and in the classroom.
Q: What are you focusing on academically?
A: I have decided to major in mathematics. I want to buckle down and focusing on my classes this season. Currently, I am considering a career as an actuary, which calculates risk for businesses, governments or even individuals.
Q: You grew up the road in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, describe that experience.
A: It’s a very small town. You know all your neighbors. We have a post office and a red light. There’s no place anywhere else I’d rather have grew up than in Eighty Four.
Q: What are your goals this year?
A: I am looking forward to getting back out on the court. I want to get all my nerves out and focus on improving each day.
Q: How has your experience at WVU been so far?
A: It’s incredible. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more. West Virginia University is a great school and the women’s basketball program is fantastic. I love being a Mountaineer.
