Catching Up with Sara Hammond
August 10, 2012 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 10, 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 sophomore forward Sara Hammond fills us in on what she has been doing since the season ended.
How was the transition going from High School basketball to Division I basketball last season? The transition from high school to college was hard for me because I used to be the tallest and strongest in high school so I could use that to my advantage to score on offense and block shots on defense. But when I got to college all the players were just as fast, just as strong, and just as tall or better. So the transition was a hard one.
What is the best thing about playing for Louisville? The best thing to me is definitely the fans. When you step onto the floor to run out for warm-ups just to hear them cheering us on puts a smile on my face and gets me all excited to go out and play. And when you're around campus or off campus they are everywhere and are really supportive. We easily have the best fans in the NATION!
At what age did you start playing basketball, and who taught you to play? I think it was the age of 5. My dad, brother, and sister taught me. We were a basketball family so I was the next in line to learn.
What have you been doing this summer? This summer I have been working out every day to slim down and stay conditioned. And I've been in the gym as much as possible focusing on improving my all-around game specifically ball handling. But mostly just working hard every day so I can help our team this year anyway they need me to.
What do you hope to improve for next season? My ball handling and passing
What has the team been doing since the end of the season to get ready for the 2012-13 season? Everyone has been working hard; working out all summer, getting up early in the morning and lifting weights and conditioning while also getting in the gym working on their individual game. We're on a mission to get to the Final Four!!
What is your best basketball memory? Winning the state championship my senior year of high school.
What do you hope to accomplish on the court before you leave Louisville? Winning a National Championship
Who is the biggest influence in your life and why? The biggest influence in my life is Jesus Christ because he is the reason I'm alive and I wake up every day. He has blessed me with the gift of playing basketball and has opened so many doors through basketball that wouldn't have been possible on my own. Praise and glory go to Him for where I am at today and everything that has happened in my life. As a Christian and as all Christians do He is who I strive to be like every day!!
What is your dream job after you leave Louisville? To play in the WNBA
What will be the team's strength this upcoming season? Our depth and work ethic. Because we are 3 deep at almost every position and whenever one person gets a little tired and has to come out another can go right in and continue on without slowing us down. Plus everyone on the team is a hard worker and we're going to out work our opponents every time we step out onto the floor! Big things to come this year for this team!!
