Name:
Lizanne Murphy
Team:
Hofstra Pride
What playing college basketball means to me:
College basketball is so important to me because it is the time when we are pushed to our limits physically and emotionally and you really learn a lot about yourself and the things you can accomplish with hard work. College basketball represents the greatest competition because it is the highest level you can play at before becoming professional. Every team plays hard from the beginning of the season right up until the end, there is no day off and there are so many ups and downs with all of the teams—it is amazing to watch.
What I expected college basketball to be:
I expected it to be a lot more work, but still the greatest time of my life.
What it really is:
It is everything I expected and more. You test yourself emotionally and physically almost everyday; you go through times where you question your ability and how much you really want it, and in the end you become a better person. The bonds you make with your teammates and how you feel when you are on the court is a feeling that cannot be re-created in any other setting. You work so hard to go after your goal of winning and it is an amazing feeling to be going after something everyday. Also, the family atmosphere that comes with being on a team is amazing.
Advice I would give to someone wanting to play basketball in college:
Be prepared to give up a part of yourself for the common goal of the team. You will have to work hard everyday and make a lot of sacrifices, which will all be worth it. You must be confident in who you are as a person and the things you stand for.
Why I love playing basketball:
I love the competitive atmosphere that accompanies every practice and game. I love playing basketball because you challenge yourself and your teammates every day and go after your dreams. On the court you can battle every single day and it lets you escape from reality and everyday things that go on in life.
The women’s player that’s most fun to watch right now is...
Nikki Teasley, she is amazing and makes the game a lot of fun to watch.
Having the opportunity to play professional basketball after college...
Is an amazing thing—I just don’t know how someone could give up basketball cold after their college eligibility is finished. Playing professional lets you keep basketball in your life and still at a really competitive level, and you get paid for it. It would be the best job where you get to do what you love and get paid for it.
I'd go crazy on a road trip without...
My pillow… I just can’t sleep without it.
A teammate (past or present) that I’ve been the most inspired by is (and why)...
My sister was a previous teammate of mine and she inspires me everyday because she was an amazing athlete and then had a really bad knee injury that ended her career. The way she continued to support everyone and keep a positive attitude was amazing. She remained positive and encouraged me everyday to go as hard as I could because my career could be over at any time. Although she was never able to come back and play, she is my number fan (and critic) and really supports me 100%.
Three things I'd like to do before I die...
#1- Go to the Olympics
#2- Travel the world
#3- Attend a United Nations Security Council meeting
Why academics are important to me...
Academics are so important to me because I have other aspirations in life beside basketball. When it is all over, there has to be something for you to rely on. Academics are also very important to me because they present an everyday challenge for my brain. I challenge myself physically everyday with basketball, but school really pushes your brain to understand and to grasp different concepts.
An aspect of my game that I'd really like to improve is...
My ball handling and attack off the dribble.
Website I Visit Most Often:
www.hotmail.com