July 27, 2005

RALEIGH, N.C. - With the summer winding down and the start of the fall semester looming, NC State women's basketball players are already looking forward to individual workouts. Another year has gone by, another year stronger, wiser and more experienced. The Wolfpack players have never ventured far from one another during the summer months, returning to meet several times a week to play pick-up games and take part in strength and conditioning workouts. So GoPack.com decided to catch up with each of the players to find out what the summer has been like, find out some interesting things others may not know and also to discover what the future holds. For the next month, each player will sit down to answer these questions. Next Up: Junior Sasha Reaves.

After two seasons as an underclassman, Sasha Reaves is ready to let her experience and hard work pay off. The Mullins, S.C. native has been working hard during this offseason to slim down, get some new moves and prepare herself to step up for the Wolfpack in 2005-06. Those around her are impressed with her obvious improvements are excited to see what next season has in store for her. For Sasha, it's all part of doing what it takes to help make NC State successful.

What were your goals when you first arrived on campus?
My goal was to contribute to the team in any way that I could.

How have your goals changed?
My main goal is still to do whatever I can to contribute to the team. It isn't about me, it's about the team.

How have you evolved as a player, as a person after being at NC State for two years?
As a player I have become more knowledgeable about the game. I have been working a lot on my post moves and defensively I have been working hard to get faster and better. I have improved in a lot of areas since my freshman year. As a person I have been having fun and I want to keep doing that.

You have gone home for the first semester each summer you have been here, how has that helped you prepare for the upcoming season?
When I was home I played a lot of basketball, running and I played a lot of games with guys. I can definitely see the difference in my game. Playing with them made me play more physically. If I can play that physically with the guys I know I can with the girls.

What drives you to work as hard as you do?
Knowing that if I work hard, hopefully it will inspire others to work hard. If everyone is working hard then we can reach our goals to be on top of the ACC and advance further. If we do that, we are representing the school, the program, Coach Yow and the community.

For those fans who have not heard of Mullins, S.C., give them some insight and tell them what it feels like to put that city on the map.
It's a little country town. We have no WalMart, no malls and only two grocery stores. It's a small town, but that is where I came from. I like it there. I want to set an example for all of the little girls and everyone. I want to set an example that you can get out and not just through basketball.

What are you looking forward to personally and as a player?
Just looking forward to playing with the new players coming in. Everyone is going to bring something good to the table and I am excited to see how far we will get as a team.

What advice do you have for the newcomers this season?
Work hard at all times and have fun. Basketball is the main reason you are here, but get the academics done too. Have fun and enjoy the process.

NC State made its 18th trip to the NCAA Tournament last season, what does it mean to be a part of such tradition and success?
It feels good. It feels good to get into the tournament, but I want for us to go beyond the first round.

What would you like to say to the NC State fans who are looking forward to a 19th appearance this season?
Grab your ticket and get ready. We are going to take them for a ride.

Any final words...
I feel we have a great team and coaching staff. We have all the tools to get what we want. We are ready to get to work.