In her third year as a Wildcat, junior Kendall Hackney is expected to start every game. Last year she was the second highest team scorer with 11.6 points per game. Averaging 31 minutes per game, this forward and new upperclassman is expected to be a physical and vocal leader on the team.
What is the main emphasis that Coach McKeown has placed on you coming into the new season?
This year our team has a lot more variety and we are a lot more versatile so we are emphasizing multiple people playing multiple positions and being flexible, just having more flow in the game.We want to be less structured where we can just play up and down and a lot quicker than last year.We are really focusing on just having fun with it and we have a really good thing going. It’s really hard for teams to match up against us.
Last year you stepped up as a leader as the second highest scorer on the team, so what is your role this year?
Last year we had Amy [Jaeschke] who was amazing, but this year we don’t really have one single solitary power in the center so people like me and the seniors have to step up and assume the position of leadership.For me, I’ve just been focused on having an encouraging attitude and letting go of mistakes.Drop it, move on and get back in the game.
Was that a problem last year?
I kind of lost my focus at times just because I get frustrated myself.I’ve been trying really hard to mature and let myself make mistakes.It’s been a daily focus of getting better.
After two years of playing in every game, what have you learned the most?
I’ve really learned about the mental toughness of the game.The Big Ten is such a physical conference and a talented conference for our team to be competitive to win the Big Ten, we have to be mentally tough.When we are tired we can’t let that ground us or bring us down.As a team, it’s a challenge but I think we can face it and rise above it.I’ve really just learned that it’s not just a physical game, it’s a mental one.
With this strong freshmen class, what have you been doing to help then and groom them into the system?
There’s a lot of things that they just don’t know.The coaches will help them with the major things, but our job is to help them with the little things that the coaches wouldn’t point out.They’ve had a lot thrown out them but they have been doing great.
Do you have a game that you’re most excited to play in?
Honestly I’m just ready to play.I’m excited to play everybody.It’s going to be a fun year.We are going to be competitive and fast.
When are you singing the national anthem at a game?
I don’t know. It might be senior night.I might just save it until then.
Any halftime performances?
Definitely not. (laughs)