Meet women's basketball hoopster Helen Roden
12/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
1. Describe your first semester at TCU. How different has it been both academically and athletically compared to junior college?
Junior college and Division I basketball have the same expectations both academically and athletically, however, it is a defiant step up in levels. Although it was hard at times at the start of the year, I am enjoying my stay here at TCU.
2. Your team seems close away from basketball. What are some of the things you do together?
We eat a lot together after practice as well as spend a few hours at someone's apartment. I think we have grown in a big way, especially on road trips. During the games away, we learn more about each other and really enjoy the times we spend together.
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3. Describe the feeling you get when your name is called out during pre-game introductions. How exciting is it to be a starter as a newcomer?
Well, I think starting is not that much of a big deal, however, it is a big responsibility. We are all working well together and we have so much depth on the team that my spot can be taken at anytime. It's just how well you practice and play when the opportunity arises. When you have depth, you are challenged by your own team members on a daily basis, so that is a good thing.
4. What do you see are the strengths and weaknesses of your team?
Strengths- Every game we seem to get better in communicating on the court with each other as well as getting to understand how each other play.
Weaknesses- We have to continue to have consistent practices as a team, however, I think our strength is over riding our weakness.
5. Your family lives in Australia. How are the Christmas customs different there than they are in America?
First of all, in Australia our seasons are the opposite. Right now it is summertime, so we usually spend our Christmas on the beach celebrating it with a BBQ. I guess you can say that Santa Claus comes wearing shorts and a T-shirt. We don't decorate our houses as much as American houses do with lights and streamers, although, we may have some houses getting in the spirit. It's definitely not as much as people do here in the USA. However, we do have one thing in common: Santa Claus does come all the way from America to our malls (which we call shopping centers).
6. When was the last time you saw your family? When do you plan on seeing them again?
The last time I saw my family was last summer break. My parents usually come see me play every year here as they come when I played in Odessa. If they don't come, I will see them again first semester of summer break.
 Helen's brother, David Jr., plays professional football in the AFL | |
7. You come from a family of athletes. Who is probably the most athletically skilled in your household?
My Dad, he is very talented in every sport as well as competitive, so that is a trait from him that my brother and I received. My brother David is also skilled and has the highest working level I have ever seen.
8. The team is going to Puerto Rico next week. Have you been there before? Does it excite you?
Puerto Rico will be very exciting! No, I haven't been there so it will be my first time. It excites me because we as athletes get so much opportunity to travel around the world using our talents, which I think most people take for granted. However, I am greatly appreciative of this opportunity and will take a lot of pictures!
9. What's something about Coach Mittie that most people may not know?
He is very open and understanding on and off the court. He is a teacher first, and loves to see us achieve our goals. His honesty makes us stronger, and those many hours he spends in the office makes us more knowledgeable as a team.
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Fun Questions:
1. What's your favorite cereal? Honey Bunches & Oats
2. Do you put your uniform on the same way each game? Well, I put my shorts on first, then I go get treatment. Afterwards, I go put on my jersey and warm-up top and go get a few shots on the court. Finally, I put on my pants just before our warm-up.
3. _____, _____, and _____ make the world go 'round: Power, politics and money!
4. Who is the funniest person on your team? Shayla Moore
5. Who is the most outgoing? Adrianne Ross
6. What's the one TV show you'll never miss each week? CSI Miami
7. When you get ready to go out at night, what part of your routine takes the longest? Hair, as you can tell I have a lot of hair (laughs)!
8. What's the one Web site you check each day? Myspace.com
9. I give you a dollar to buy something in the grocery store, what do you get? Gum, it's the one thing that I can't go without in a day.
10. Who is your celebrity dream date? USHER
