Aug. 10, 2009
We checked in with Women's Basketball Assistant Basketball Coach Evan Unrau (EU), who joined the Bronco staff in late June. Unrau discussed her career as a professional basketball player, her love of the Bay Area and her favorite moments of playing college basketball.
SCU: You joined the Santa Clara staff in late June. What excites you about this team?
EU: I am so excited to be part of this program. The players have welcomed me with open arms and I am amazed daily by their energy, personality and intelligence. I can't wait to get on the court with them!
SCU: You were an assistant coach for the UCSB team that made the NCAA Tournament last season. What knowledge can you bring from that team to help Santa Clara succeed?
EU: I have been fortunate enough to be part of winning programs. I know the hard work and dedication it takes to win. I only hope to bring my knowledge and effort and do great things at Santa Clara
SCU: What was your experience like playing in Daegu, South Korea for the World University Games in 2003?
EU: Playing at the World University Games is probably one of my greatest athletic moments. I was able to represent the USA! It's an experience that not many people experience and I was humbled by the opportunity!
SCU: What was your experience like playing professionally in Luxembourg?
EU: Luxembourg is a special little country and to be a professional athlete is pretty cool. I got paid to do the thing I love most...play basketball! I got to travel the world and see things that I will never forget and I am a better person for the experiences.
SCU: You are going to spend a lot of time with the post players this season. Is there anything you want to focus on in particular to help them improve?
EU: I think post play is a mentality. You have to love the contact, the physicality and the battle in the paint. I want to impart a relentless tough attitude to our Broncos.
SCU: You also are going to play a large role in recruiting. What do you look for in a recruit other than their ability on the court?
EU: Santa Clara is an incredible academic institution; only the bright and well rounded student-athlete will live up to the Bronco standard. We look for great players as well as great students and great people!
SCU: Who was your favorite team to watch when you were growing up?
EU: I loved the 1996 Olympic gold medal winning women's basketball team. They set the precedence for what women's basketball could become. It is so cool to be a part of that journey and the present standard of women's basketball.
SCU: Do you have a favorite place to hang out on campus or in the area?
EU: I LOVE the Bay Area. There are so many things to do and the area is so diverse. There is a great vibe to the area. Anywhere on campus is where I want to be! It is beautiful!!
SCU: What was your favorite moment of playing college basketball at Missouri?
EU: My experiences in Missouri greatly shaped the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to have a leading role as a player and as a student! We made it to the Sweet 16 my freshman year and beat a talented Georgia team. That was a special experience for me. My senior year we played a loaded Kansas State team in a double overtime game. It was awesome. I actually scored 40 points in that game. I lost my mind on the floor and the game became easy for me. That was a moment I won't forget.
SCU: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
EU: I love being active! I am a huge fan of road biking, running and I am a self proclaimed book nerd! If anyone knows of any good books holler at me!