March 19, 2010
- ‘Kash’ Alexander: All-America Candidate
- 2010 Big Ten Tournament
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Take the Hawkeyes With You: Iowa Podcasts
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
STANFORD, CA – The University of Iowa women’s team met with the media Friday during the first full day of activities in Stanford, CA, at the NCAA Tournament. While some Iowa media made the trip to California, most of the day was spent answering questions asked by local California media that Hawkeye fans already knew the answers to.
Head Coach Lisa Bluder, junior Kachine Alexander, sophomore Kamille Wahiln and freshman Jaime Printy were the Hawkeye representatives at Friday’s pre-tournament media conference. The players answered questions ranging from the amazing comeback, from last place in the Big Ten to a near conference tournament championship, to enjoying the California weather.
“We were 1-6 in January but we still stayed positive,” junior Kachine Alexander said. “I think that adversity has helped us get to where we are. The coaches had to take different approaches to get us going that they usually wouldn’t have normally taken.”
Printy was quick to point out her excitement on making the NCAA Tournament. “It’s a lot of fun,” Printy said. “We are going to enjoy every second, but we are here to play ball and we don’t want our season to end now.”
Printy and Alexander were also excited about making their first trip to the Sunshine State.
“I have never been to California,” Printy said. “The weather is great and it’s fun to be out here.”
“This is my first trip to California,” echoed Alexander. “It’s sure tough to beat this weather.”
While the Hawkeyes are going to soak up some California sun, they all know this trip is more about business than pleasure.
“It’s such a great tournament,” Alexander said. “We are going to have fun, but we need to remember that we are here for a purpose. We really do love each other and have a great time being around each other.”
Most of Bluder’s time on the podium was spent discussing the connection between Rutgers’ Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer, and what she did to lead her team to the NCAA Tournament.
“We obviously have so much admiration for Coach Stringer,” Bluder said. “In our locker room we have a wall of fame with former players and coaches, including life size pictures of Michelle Edwards (Rutgers’ Director of Basketball Operations) and Vivian Stringer. I was tempted to cover them up this week but we didn’t. It’s a great opportunity to play her.”
Many of the local media fired question after question to Bluder about Alexander, trying to figure out what makes the Minneapolis native so special.
“As I’ve said before, Kachine is the heart and soul of this team,” Bluder said. “She has played hard every second of every game and once she steps on the court, she really turns it on. She has so much passion. She is willing to sacrifice for the team which is really admirable and our fans really appreciate her style of play.”
The Hawkeyes will take on Rutgers Saturday at 7:16 p.m. (CT) in Stanford. The game can be seen live on ESPN2 and espn360.com.