1-on-1: Kali Peschel

Nov. 2, 2013

In our countdown to the start of the 2013-14 hoops season, we will feature all 11 Hawkeyes. Today, we feature sophomore forward Kali Peschel.

Peschel is a sophomore from Sauk Centre, Minn. The former Sauk Centre High School standout wears No. 25 for the Hawkeyes. Peschel (6-foot-1) played in 28 games as a freshman last year.

Iowa opens the regular season Nov. 8, hosting UC Riverside inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the Hawkeye Challenge at 6 p.m.

What is it like working with the coaching staff?
“It’s a really great experience. They are one of the reasons why I committed to Iowa, and they teach you the values of on the court basketball and off the court life values that will get you far in life.”

Key factor in recruitment:
“The coaches were a huge part. I met the players before I committed and talked to them. They were all very relatable girls, and our style of basketball is very similar to what I played in high school, so I thought I could fit in. Also, the environment in Iowa City and at the University of Iowa is awesome.”

Facet of game you are working on:
“Working on confidence a lot, and using that to better all of my other skills because last year was kind of a rough year for me, so I’m looking to turn it around this year.”

Team goals:
“We have made a lot of goals within the Big Ten, winning 11 nonconference games, and we want to do what we did last year and more.”

Story behind your jersey number:
“I actually got this jersey number for high school. When I was in eighth grade, I was playing varsity and it was the only jersey left. It was moldy so they threw it at me and I wore it. It has stuck with me ever since.”

Pre-game ritual/superstitions:
“I don’t, but usually a nap is required a while before, in addition to a good meal, and some music with my teammates in the locker room.”

Summer free time:
“I love spending time with friends and family. If I get an opportunity to go home for a weekend, it’s awesome to do so, or there are a lot of concerts that I have been to with my team that are really great memories that I’ll never forget.”

PESCHEL’S FAVORITES
Hobbies: Long walks on the beach, going to music concerts of all kinds, eating, hanging with my family and friends, and relaxing
Other Sport: volleyball
Male Athlete: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen
Female Athlete: Elena Delle Donne
Pro Team: Minnesota Lynx
Movie: Harry Potter series, Remember the Titans
Restaurant: Takanami
Band/Musician: Goo Goo Dolls, Luke Bryan
Store: Buckle, lulu lemon
TV Show: Nashville, Law & Order: SVU, and Grey’s Anatomy
Midnight Snack: I love all food and will eat anything available, preferably a bowl of ice cream
Spot on Campus: any coffee shop, Carver-Hawkeye Arena
City: My home: Sauk Centre, Minn.