Posted 12/04/07
UW-Platteville's Conny Droeszler is a senior from Hazel Green and Southwestern High School. The co-captain leads the Pioneers into home games against UW-Eau Claire Wednesday at 7 p..m. and UW-River Falls Saturday at 1 p.m.
What does that mean to you to be a captain?
"Being a captain has brought more leadership out of me. I knew I always had leadership, but this gives it more importance on the team in what I say to the younger girls. Hopefully they look at me as someone they can always come to with school or sports or anything."
What kind of leadership skills do you use?
"I like to use humor a lot. The girls know I take a lot of things in a humorous way, but they also know when I'm being serious. It's kind of like that with coach (Tina Kuhle), too. She has times when she can have fun with us, but when she means business, it's business. I don't want to to be the person who is always nagging on them and telling them what they have to do. I like to be the person who says, 'hey you need to do this and you'll get it next time. It's no big deal. Forget it, and we'll get it next time.' That's an easier approach for me. When I came in, that's the way the captains were to me."
You're seeing a lot more playing time this year than you have before. What is that like?
"At first, I was pretty excited but a little bit nervous. Now after a few games, I'm ready to play and get into the program more. I'm ready to play and take on the role of not just being the leader on the bench, but taking the extra step on the court and show them what I can do."
We're you surprised the first time you were called upon during a tight game?
"It was our first scrimmage, and I was the first or second off the bench. I was like really excited and like 'Wow. Ok, I need to show what I have and do it now.' After that, we had a few more meetings and they told me 'we were impressed with the intrasquad and here are some things to work on. Do these and you'll definitely be a big part of the team.' I was pretty excited about that."
One of the young players whom you are leading also happens to be your sister, Chelsey. What is it like to play with her?
"She definitely gets more of the 'worse Conny.' I know that she can take it. Everyone says I'm really hard on her, but I know she can handle things and won't take things the wrong way. I I think she's adjusting quite well to me being on the team and being a captain. We've probably hung out pretty much every day after really not seeing her much for three years while I was at school here. It's a big change, and I like it."
What does the future hold for you?
"I want to start looking for jobs after I graduate in May. Since my brother moved out to San Diego, I am interested in looking there. During spring break, I will be going out there and stay with them for a week. Hopefully I can have some kinds of interviews set up by then. Otherwise, in Wisconsin, I'm looking at Madison, Milwaukee or La Crosse. I really want to go into advertising and be on an advertising team. That's my emphasis. I feel I can use my creativity and go along those lines."
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson