Senior guard Lena Ethington led Women’s Basketball in minutes, points, and steals. Though the team ended with a 10–15 record this season after making the Elite Eight last season, Ethington reflected on the challenges the team has faced and her experience as a player.
How did you feel about this season in comparison to past seasons?
I think it definitely could have gone better, but from the standpoint of the fact that a third of the team was first-years this year, we had a lot of growth, which was definitely good. In comparison to last season, [where] we graduated four starters […], we graduated six seniors [this season].
How different was this season with so much turnover in the roster?
Our coach really looks for more than basketball ability. He also looks for personality. Our team was really close. Last year was great, because we were all best friends, and that was pretty much the same this year. From an outside-of-basketball perspective, it was amazing. From a playing standpoint, it was hard because we had so many less experienced players, but everyone caught on really fast. It was definitely different, but it was just as fun. As long as you love the team, it doesn’t really matter.
How did you feel about your performance this season?
I could have done better, but it was hard because we graduated so many key players. It was hard because they did a lot last year, so I had a bigger role on the team, and I maybe could have done a better job embracing it, but I did what I could.
How did you improve over the course of the season?
When you have more responsibility given to you, you’re going to improve somehow, as long as you acknowledge that it’s there.
Now that the season is over, how are things different in terms of time?
I don’t know what to do with my extra time. It is really nice, but I’m just not used to having Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays free. It is nice for getting schoolwork done, because I just finish everything by five and then go to sleep. I think it might be easier during the season because you’re always in a time crunch. You say “I actually have to do it now.” It’s easier and harder now because I used to do things on time because I knew I had to. The back-up-against-the-wall idea is easier to work with than what I have now.
How do you think the team is going to do next year?
I think they’re going to be fine. We graduated six key people last year. We weren’t necessarily as good this year, but the team was fine, and we’re only graduating two of us this year. Honestly, the team is going to be better next year than it was this year just because everyone is going to have time to adjust.
What is your biggest accomplishment through basketball?
I don’t want to sound cliche, but the friendships. I am pretty confident that I am going to keep talking to everyone on the team. They’ll be at my wedding. I know I have lifelong friends through them. Also, going to the Elite Eight last year was pretty fun.
How did you start playing basketball?
My best friend, when I was eight, said that she was going to go to a basketball camp, and she took me with her. She then made me join a team at a rec center. Then she quit, but I didn’t stop.
If you could be any TV character, who would you choose?
Tina from “Bob’s Burgers.”
