May 20, 2002

Senior Candy Hannemann is the reigning NCAA Individual Champion. The native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, guided the Blue Devils to the school's first NCAA title in 1999. Hannemann missed the fall due to ankle surgery, but since her return the Blue Devils have won all six tournaments in the spring. She sat down with GoDuke.com on Monday previewing the NCAA Championship.

What did you do in the week between the regionals and the championship?
I enjoyed graduation with my friends and family and then went to Baltimore to work with my golf teacher for a couple of days.

What does the team need to do to bring home another national championship?
We need to play like we play every tournament. Sometimes when you are at nationals you can get tense, but we need to relax and do what we normally do.

What do you think of the Washington National Golf Club?
It is a great course. It will reward good shots and good players so I think it is perfect for us. The greens are angulated and are very nice. You can really role them well.

On having the momentum on your side heading into the championship?
I think it helps a bunch. We have beaten every team here and that is really comforting for us to know. We know that we can come out and do it again.

You are the only remaining member of the 1999 squad, which won the title. Do you give your teammates any special advice since you have been a part of a championship team?
I have told them to be really calm and play like we know how to play. We don't need to get anxious out there as that is the worst thing that we can do.

What does the team like to do off the course?
Eat, relax and watch movies...Anything to get our minds off the golf course.