Catching Up with Tia Gibbs
June 07, 2012 | Women's Basketball
June 7, 2012
Louisville, Ky. - Every week this summer UofLSports.com will catch up with a member of the women's basketball team to see how they are preparing for the upcoming season. This week junior guard Tia Gibbs fills us in on what she has been doing since the season ended.
How hard was it to sit on the bench last season? It was very hard for me to sit out every game last season. I wanted to do everything I could to help my team, but unfortunately I was not able to. My teammates made a conscious effort to encourage and support me each and every day. If it wasn't for them, my injury would have been much tougher to deal with.
What did you learn from the experience? I learned how to become more of a vocal leader. I usually led by example but I had to learn to lead with my voice instead. I was able to encourage each of my teammates and give them advice. I knew I was an experienced player and could help each of them grow during the season.
What do you hope to improve for next season? I hope to continue improving my leadership abilities. I am a fifth year senior now and I want to take on the role and responsibility of leading our team to a Final Four!
What has the team been doing since the end of the season to get ready for the 2012-13 season? The team has been working out Monday thru Friday and continuing to improve on our individual games. Monique and I are both rehabbing aggressively and working towards being 100 percent for the season.
What has been the best thing about playing for Louisville? The best thing is our FANS!! We have the best fans in the nation. They motivate us to succeed, perform and give them a team to be proud of.
What is your best basketball memory? My best basketball memory so far has to be winning the Kentucky State Championship in 2008 for Butler High School.
What do you hope to accomplish on the court before you leave Louisville? The goal I most wish to accomplish while playing for the Cardinals is winning a national championship.
Who is the biggest influence in your life and why? My mother is the biggest influence in my life. She is my number one fan and she has supported me my entire life. She made so many sacrifices to allow me the opportunity to develop the basketball skills that have made me into the player I am today. I love her.
What is your dream job after you leave Louisville? I would love to work in management for Nike.
What will be the team's strength this upcoming season? Our biggest strength this season will be our depth. We won't have a weak link as long as we stay healthy. We will be a very dangerous team.
