Posted 1/5/07
Kendra Gohr is a senior women's basketball player at UW-Platteville who hails from Mayville. She leads the Pioneers in Saturday's home game vs. UW-Superior at 3 p.m. The men's teams from each school play at 1 p.m., and one ticket is good for both games.
How satisfying is it to be back on the court after last season's knee injury that limited you to four games?
"It feels really good. After not coming out in my freshman year, then not playing much in my sophomore year, it felt like I was going to come in and have a good season last year. Then having the injury before conference season started was really hard. I'm graduating in May, and this is my last opportunity. Having the opportunity to get minutes on the floor is awesome."
Was there any point in your rehabilitation when you questioned whether or not it was worth it?
"I definitely did because I am graduating in May, I'm planning my wedding, and everything is coming at one time. I'm student teaching next semester, so I'll be teaching and playing basketball. Time management will be key. I can manage it."
How do you manage it? What is the key to getting everything done?
"Back to high school, I've always had multiple organizations I've been in, and I'm used to being in athletics and music and still getting good grades. I'm just used to getting things done. I study when I need to, and definitely have time management and priorities set."
One of the things you were involved with during the fall was being on the Homecoming court. How was that experience?
"That was amazing, actually. I never, ever imagined I would have been on Homecoming court. To go through the whole process and have the student body pick me was an honor and a privilege. I was really glad I was able to do it. It was the first week of basketball starting, but the coaches were really good about it."
On the basketball court, your game continues to pick up. You had a career-high 11 points against Edgewood Dec. 13. This has to be a pleasing season for you.
"It definitely feels good. I have struggled with finishing shots around the basket, but against Edgewood I finished those. The more I do that, the more apt I am to keep making them. I want to keep improving."
As one of two seniors on the team, have you been looked at for leadership by a young team? What words of wisdom have you given your teammates?
"I don't feel like a senior because I haven't played that much, and we have our captains, so I try and help off the court, like telling them they need good grades and to stay together as a unit. My words of wisdom would be that this is a family, and we need to make sure we all work together and always work our hardest. Give it everything you have because it's over before you know it. I can attest to that."
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson