Written By Jefferson Reese '15
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – When the women's basketball season came to a close last month, Marie Bertholdt (MB) began to prepare for the upcoming season with workouts in a new leadership role. Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) caught up with Bertholdt, who took a few minutes out of her day to discuss offseason workouts, her adjusted role on the team and her goals for next season.
SCB: What have you been doing in offseason workouts?
MB: We have been working hard in the weight room on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's in the morning from 8:30 to about 10 or 10:30! Tuesday and Thursdays we have "individual" practices with our coaches with about 2-3 players in each group and we work on a lot of fundamentals as well as perfecting our weaknesses! Then in addition we get up 1,000 shots on our own a week!
SCB: In what areas are you focusing on improving your game?
MB: I'm really focusing on becoming a more versatile player. Not only solidifying my post position play, but also being able to shoot from further out including the three. I'm working on my ball handling and trying to add more guard skills to my repertoire. And always working on getting my left hand better!
SCB: What are your goals for next season?
MB: I think some of our goals from this season carry over to the next season. We are continually trying to always be the toughest, most hardworking team no matter who we play. And then of course our goals will always include beating out the top teams of our conference!
SCB: How has your role on the team changed since the season ended last month?
MB: I think my role has definitely changed a lot. I've been put into more of a leadership role during the offseason, which will carry over to next year. I'm currently learning a lot about what it means to be a leader and what it takes. It's a lot more than just being present on the court! Other than that, continually trying to set a good example for my teammates!
SCB: What motivates you in the offseason?
MB: During the offseason, I think knowing all the time and effort you put in, will help you out in the long run during next season really motivates me. It's a lot of hard work and not all of it is 100% enjoyable but knowing you're putting in the work now, to beat your rivals later, and actually seeing those results eventually, makes it all worth it.