Nov. 6, 2013
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In our countdown to the start of the 2013-14 hoops season, we will feature all 11 Hawkeyes. Today, we feature junior guard Melissa Dixon.
Dixon hails from Johnsburg, Ill. The former Johnsburg High School standout wears No. 21 for the Hawkeyes. Dixon (5-foot-8) led Iowa in scoring during conference play a year ago on her way to Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honors.
Iowa opens the regular season Friday, hosting UC Riverside inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the Hawkeye Challenge at 6 p.m.
What is it like working with the coaching staff?
“The coaching staff is great. I respect them so much as people that it makes me want to work hard for them every single day.”
Key factor in recruitment:
“Automatically, on my first visit I felt that I would fit in really well with the team. I felt really close with them right away. I felt that that the coaches were kind of like a second mom for me away from home, and I just felt like it was a really good environment.”
Facet of game you are working on:
“I have focused on developing my overall game. I have been known for my shooting, but have been working on getting to the rim, and improving my jump shot.”
Team goals:
“We are hosting the NCAA tournament again at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, so it is a big goal to be selected for a seventh-straight year. Every year, the goal is to be Big Ten champion.”
Story behind your jersey number:
“Not really. I was No. 2 in high school, and Kamille (Wahlin) was No. 2 when I got here, so I picked No. 21.”
Pre-game ritual/superstitions:
“I always try to take a nap before the game, but that is about it.”
Summer free time:
“Our team is really close and we hang out a lot. We try to spend a lot of time outside in the sun. When we have some time off, I try to head up to my family’s cabin and spend time with my family.”
Why did you choose the University of Iowa and the Hawkeye basketball program?
The University of Iowa has great academics. The coaches and team immediately made me feel like family. I loved the campus and it was close enough so my family could come watch me play.
DIXON’S FAVORITES
Hobbies: Spending time with family, hanging out with friends, shopping, traveling
Other Sport: football
Male Athlete: Derrick Rose, Michael Jordan
Female Athlete: Diana Taurasi, Alex Morgan
Pro Team: Chicago Bears
Movie: Love & Basketball, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Restaurant: Formosa, Bluebird Diner
Band/Musician: Goo Goo Dolls, Beyonce, Keith Urban
Store: lulu lemon, Free People, Francesca’s
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Nashville, Scandal
Midnight Snack: frozen yogurt
Spot on Campus: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
City: Chicago