Aug. 24, 2007
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech women’s basketball welcomed six freshmen to campus this summer. Here is a look at their time on the Flats so far.
Describe your first summer at Georgia Tech:
Alex Montgomery: The beginning of the summer was a bit challenging. I didn’t like waking up in the morning because I was so used to my home time, we had a three hour difference. I liked the workouts in the morning, it really has helped my game, giving my jump shot an opportunity to shine and get better. In the beginning of weight training it was a struggle, I hated front squats, I hated pull-ups, I basically disliked lifting weights because I didn’t want to get buff and have my body looking like a man. But throughout all the weight lifting and waking up in the morning I knew it was to better myself and to make me physically and mentally stronger.
Shaday Woolcock: It was quick. Time seemed to just fly by. The transition wasn’t as hard as I thought, but that could be because there were lots of people as far as advisors to assist me in many ways. Weight room workouts were pretty tough but I really feel like they were preparing me even more for what’s to come in the fall.
Deja Foster: My first summer at Tech was very nice. It wasn’t that big of an adjustment because everyone was kind and made me feel welcome.
How tough has it been to be away from home?
Montgomery: To me its not tough at all, that’s one of the reasons I came to Tech was to get away from home. I miss my family but it’s not holding me back in any way. I enjoy my space now that I am away from home.
Simone Trice: Not bad at all, have not been home sick yet.
Sarah Ivester: At first, it was difficult to be away from my family, but then I realized that this team is also my family and I do not want to be separated from them either.
What has been the toughest part of the summer?
Iasia Hemingway: The classes have been tough but we have tutors there to help us get through them.
Foster: The papers that were due every week on top of the reading that was required throughout the summer.
What has been the biggest surprise about Georgia Tech?
Woolcock: Dealing with my injury has been the toughest. I want to work so hard and don’t like getting behind but there are always restrictions to what I can and cannot do.
Ivester: The toughest part for me was being in school and working out while I would normally be on vacation.
How have the upperclassman helped you?
Foster: They have helped to make my transition to college life a more comfortable one.
Hemingway: They have helped me with school work, pushing me during conditioning and by just supporting me.
What has been the biggest benefit of being here during the summer?
Woolcock: I was able to get a class out of the way and I know what to expect this fall as far as academically and athletically.
Trice: I got a chance to workout a little and get a feel for things around campus.
Montgomery: The biggest benefit of being here this summer is learning how to be an adult and learning how to stop procrastinating.
What has been the biggest change in your workouts from high school?
Ivester: We lift more often and much harder.
Foster: The biggest change has to be the very involved workout periods but it has become easier as time has passed.
Who has had the biggest impact on you in your first summer at Tech?
Hemingway: Coach Sytia Messer has been there for me whether it is in person or over the phone.
Foster: LaChina Robinson, our director of women’s basketball operations.
What are you looking forward to this fall semester?
Woolcock: First of course, I’m looking forward to making great grades and staying focused in class. I want to be on the Dean’s list and receive an academic award. I am also looking forward to rehabbing and conditioning very well in order to start off this wonderful season I am about to have with my hard working teammates.
Montgomery: I am looking forward to getting good grades and learning something new everyday.
Hemingway: Having fun with my team and working hard in practice, games and in school.
Trice: Getting my shoulder healthy and doing well in my classes.
Ivester: I am excited to begin practices and even more excited for our season to begin. I think we will play very well as a team and we will have a great time doing it.
Foster: I am looking forward to getting good grades and getting prepared for the season.
