Badgers Close Semester by Hosting Santa Clara Tonight
December 16, 2004 | Women's Basketball
The Badger women's basketball team (4-4) close out the semester with the next to the last non-conference game tonight with Santa Clara (3-4) at 7 p.m. in the Kohl Center. UW opens the Big Ten Conference season Dec. 30 at home with Purdue.
The Badgers evened their record at 4-4 Saturday with a come-from-behind win over UW-Green Bay, 79-76. That gives UW a 2-1 record vs. other Div. I state teams this season and gives Badger Coach Lisa Stone a 2-0 edge over the Phoenix. The Badgers lost to Marquette in Milwaukee, 78-64, and beat UW-Milwaukee 75-66.
Senior point guard Steph Rich has been an important reason for UW 's success this year. The Big Ten assists leader in 2003-04 with 5.8 per game, Rich has continued that pace ranking second in the Big Ten with 4.75 assists per game. She nearly had her third career double-double versus SIU with 13 points and nine assists. Rich also leads the Big Ten in 3-pt. goals made with 2.5 per game. Learn more about Rich in the following feature.
Spotlight On: Senior Stephanie Rich
What was your best moment so far over the course of your college basketball career'
Wins haven't piled up the way we have wanted, so every win has been a great moment. Also, being with the other players on the team, all of our road trips--those are the things I'm going to remember, being with the team.
What are your plans after college'
I'd like to get into coaching and become a head coach some day. I really love basketball, and any way I can continue with the game would be awesome.
Will being a captain and senior leader of the team help you to become a coach'
For sure. Learning different roles from the coaches, how to approach different players from the freshmen to the upperclassmen, developing my leadership skills--all of it has helped me be a better senior leader. Over the past three years, it's been a great learning experience toward becoming a coach.
What kind of coach will you be' Tough' Easy-going'
Like Bobby Knight--just kidding! I probably wouldn't be as excited as coach Stone is. I would in fact be low key. I have been fortunate to have different coaches and have seen their different ideas and game plans. I've learned a lot from all of them, so I would come up with my own twist to their style.
So what path will you follow toward becoming a head coach '
I don't know if I would be a graduate assistant, because I've had enough school [laughs]. I know that I would work hard, and if I have to start at the Division III level and work my way up, then that's the way it's gotta be. I know I have to earn my keep and just like any other job, you can't just start at the top. I understand you have to work hard and put in long hours, and I'm willing to do that.
Any particular area of the country you'd like to coach '
Wherever makes me happy and whatever opportunities come to me. I love my family very much. They've been my rock, and all the support they have given to me is unbelievable. So hopefully, I'll be able to stick around the Midwest.
