Feb. 5, 2008
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -
The Santa Clara women's basketball team is about to embark on the second half of the West Coast Conference season with a 5-2 record and a league best 16-5 overall record. Before their game against Gonzaga last weekend, sophomore forward Maggie Goldenberger sat down with SantaClaraBroncos.com to talk about the season, her role on the team and Michael Jordan.
SantaClaraBroncos.com: What is your main focus when you come into a game?
Maggie Goldenberger: My focus is to bring energy and to make good defensive stops.
SCB: While at Pepperdine, you earned your collegiate start. What was going through your head before tip off?
MG: I was really nervous actually. I didn't know how to prepare myself to play right away. I'm used to being able to feed off the energy of the game before going in. It was interesting but the more I got into it, the more comfortable I became.
SCB: You were one of the first players this season to post a single game perfect field goal percentage. Do you ever look at the stats after a game?
MG: I do look at the stats. I like to see where I am at in rebounding and turnovers. This way I know what to do to get better for the next game. It's not like I'm trying to hit a certain number or anything, but its helps me prepare.
SCB: 16-5 overall, 5-2 in the conference. Was this something you expected this season?
MG: From the beginning, I felt a lot of good energy from this team. I knew we'd have a good season and I'm excited to be a part of it.
SCB: You're from Olympia, Wash., so we were just back in your home state. How was it to "be home?"
MG: It was exciting to be back in the Northwest in general, even with the snow.
SCB: What has been your favorite experience from this season thus far?
MG: I really enjoyed going to Alaska and going to Chandice's house. To see where someone came from is great.
SCB: How has your sophomore season compared to last year?
MG: Last year was a huge learning experience; I was learning plays and working to catch up to the fast pace of college basketball. So this year I've been able to focus on more things and it's definitely a lot more comfortable.
SCB: How did you choose Santa Clara?
MG: I was contacted by Coach B and came on a visit. I just fell in love with the campus. The coaches were so nice and I had a really fun time with the players. Everything seemed to click.
SCB: Who is your favorite Santa Clara athlete? Why?
MG: Big John from the men's basketball team. I just like him as a person and he's always in the gym working on his game. I respect him and he's a fun guy to be around.
SCB: If you could play a pick up game with anyone, who would it be?
MG: Oh, I have no idea. I guess Michael Jordan because he's amazing and it would be cool to be near him. But I don't know if I'd want to be play against him. It would be fun to be on his team though and play with him.
SCB: If you could ask him any question, what would it be?
MG: I'd ask him how much time he put into his game and what he did before each game to prepare.
SCB: If you could travel to any one place, where would you go?
MG: I really want to go to Ireland. I don't know what it is about it. It's just so green and pretty and I love their accent.
SCB: What one word would your teammates use to describe you?
MG: I don't know. Crazy.
SCB: What word would you use to describe your team?
MG: Tenacious. We have that refuse to lose attitude.
SCB: Although you're only a sophomore, any plans for after graduation yet?
MG: I'm not sure. I know that I would like to move away from the west coast. Just to get away, not because I don't like it here but just to experience something new.
SCB: What is your favorite movie?
MG: Right now, it's "P.S. I Love You."
SCB: Did you play other sports while growing up?
MG: I played baseball with the boys until seventh grade and football until sixth grade. In high school, I played volleyball and softball.
SCB: What did you take away from playing baseball and football with the boys?
MG: It definitely made me a lot tougher and gave me a little edge.
SCB: In the end, why did you choose basketball?
MG: I just really enjoy basketball. Nothing else really can compare to it for me.
SCB: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
MG: I really enjoy musicals. My favorite right now is "Wicked." I haven't seen it yet but I love the music, especially "Defying Gravity." Jen and I are going to try and see it in the spring in Los Angeles.
