By Carolyn Linck, '11
Coming off a stellar sophomore performance in which she led the Broncos in scoring for the majority of the year with 11.6 ppg, Meagan Fulps (MF) is already looking forward to next season. As she transitions to her junior year in 2011-12, Fulps is excited to take on larger leadership role. Recently, www.SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCB) caught up with Fulps about her goals for next season, what she's been working on this spring and the highlight of her Santa Clara basketball career thus far.
SCB: What are your goals for the upcoming season on a team, and individual level?
MF: Our team has much higher goals going into this next season than we've had in previous years. We expect to be one of the top teams in the conference and expect to be in postseason play. On top of this, we want to win a championship. While these are high expectations, they are completely reachable and something we are going to fight for everyday. Individually, my goal is to be a team leader that all my teammates can depend on and look up to on and off the court. Also, next season I want to be more consistent both offensively and defensively.
SCB: What aspects of your game are you currently working to improve?
MF: I have been focusing on a few things in particular this spring. I want to improve my mid-range game, being more consistent from the three, post entry passes and defensive footwork. I have been and am going to continue to build up my strength and speed by working in the weight room as well.
SCB: What are your summer plans?
MF: This summer I plan on staying in Santa Clara. I'm going to work on campus, play pick up games, shoot a ton and workout with our new strength and conditioning coach. I'm sure I will hit up the beach and go to San Francisco a few times. At the beginning of July I'm probably going back home to Denver for a week as well.
SCB: As you transition from an under to an upperclassman next year, how do you see your leadership role on the team changing?
MF: Transitioning from an under to an upperclassman next year I am excited to really jump into that leadership role. My coaches have talked to me about being leader for the last couple years, but now being older and more experienced, I'm really ready to be a leader that my team needs. Last year and this spring I've been working on being a more vocal leader and feel like it is starting to become second nature for me. I'm excited to take on this role and be someone my teammates can really look up to.
SCB: How do you think the team will replace the loss of seniors Lena Gipson and Kathy Willinsky next season?
MF: We have seen a lot of improvement as a team this spring. This is especially true for our post players. Ruta Zurauskyte specifically has been living in Leavey, doing extra workouts and getting better all quarter -- the hard work is definitely showing. We call Ruta ZVERIS (beast in Lithuanian). She will be key next year and will be ready to fill the gaps left by Lena and Kathy. We've been playing Ashley Armstrong at a four as well, and she has been fitting the position perfectly. I'm excited for our freshmen coming in also. While we are definitely going to miss our seniors on and off the court, we have a lot of young talent to fill their shoes.
SCB: What has been the highlight of your Santa Clara basketball career thus far?
MF: One of my basketball highlights here at Santa Clara was this years senior night win over Portland. We played with so much passion and just dominated. It was great to send our seniors off with a great win at home.
SCB: You were named to the WCC All-Freshmen Team in 2009-10 and received WCC Honorable Mention last season in 2010-11. What do these honors mean to you? How are you hoping to duplicate this success in your upcoming junior season?
MF: Receiving a few honors over the years has been really nice. It means a lot to get recognized for my hard work. Yet, it is all about the team and what we have accomplished. Of course I want to be individually successful because it will contribute to our teams success, but I'm not focused on individual honors. I want the best for this team and for us as a collective unit to succeed.
SCB: You were named to the WCC All-Academic team this winter. How are you able to balance school and your demanding basketball schedule?
MF: A huge key to balancing school and basketball is getting ahead. I avoid procrastination. Once I something is assigned I work on it and get it done. Often I get work done before road trips so I do not have to stress about working on it and can just focus on the game.