by Robin Garivey
| Courtney Laing is averaging 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in her first season as a Roadrunner. |
Freshman Courtney Laing missed the first four games of the year, but she has become a key contributor for the Roadrunners in her inaugural season. Laing had a career night against Cal State Bakersfield on Dec. 8 when she scored 15 points. The Abilene native then posted her first career double-double with 15 points and career-best 10 rebounds on Jan. 11 against Central Arkansas. Last week, Laing took time to speak with goUTSA.com to discuss how her first season is progressing, the adjustments she has had to make since moving from home and her career plans after graduating.
How do you think your first year of college basketball is progressing?
”It has definitely been a transition. I think coming from high school to the college level is a change I've had to adjust to. The team and new surroundings are much different and you have to learn to balance your schoolwork along with practice and the other things that take up most of your time.”
How do you view your role on this year's team?
”I feel my role is to give my teammates encouragement and come off the bench and provide a spark. I want to make things happen to change the tempo of the game when I'm in there.”
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
”When I first came to visit, everyone was nice and energetic about the program. It is heading in the right direction and I want to be part of it. The facilities here are amazing, like the dorms and Roadrunner Cafe.”
What has been the biggest adjustment you've had to make since moving to San Antonio?
”It’s definitely been a big change and I'm still stuck in a rut where I only go down certain roads I know. I don’t venture out to places like downtown or across town unless I’m with someone who knows where they are going. The biggest change is having so much freedom in such a big city. It's been fun and a good change for me.”
What do you feel you need to do in order to keep playing with consistency?
“I think one thing I do need to do is get my confidence level up and get in the gym and shoot more, work on my game and just to be consistent on my shots during practice.”
Early in the season, UTSA traveled to Texas Tech, which is only a few hours away from your hometown. Were any of your family or friends able to come watch you play?
”My mom and a lot of my friends came to game and watched us play. People were telling me that they were going to come up, so it was really good to see all of my friends there to support me and our team.”
What are your plans after you finish school?
"I plan to go to go to physical therapy school back in Abilene and become a physical therapist. I would like to be able to help people and give back to other athletes."