Lehigh completes media day events at Rutgers

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Mountain Hawks took care of business off the court so they could free their minds to focus on basketball from here on out. Lehigh answered questions from reporters around the country on media day at the NCAA Tournament in Rutgers on Friday.

Fifth-year co-captain Claire Sullivan and sophomore guard – and Patriot League Player of the Year – Erica Prosser attended a press conference where they fielded questions alongside Lehigh head coach Sue Troyan. After the press conference, media members were allowed access to the locker room for one-on-one interviews with the players.

Here’s a transcript from the press conference:

Lehigh head coach Sue Troyan

“We’re very excited to be here at Rutgers and to be participating in the NCAA tournament and competing against Auburn. We are looking forward to representing the Patriot League and representing Lehigh University."

(On some of the challenges Auburn poses) “We’ve watched quite a few tapes. They are a phenomenal team in a great league, the SEC. Boddie is tough and Bonner is as diverse a player as we’ve matched up all year against. Going into the game, I don’t think you try to stop great players from doing what they do. We try to focus on what we need to do as a team. We need to focus on defending and executing on offense and playing a team game. Those kids are going to do their thing and get their points and do what they do. If we can execute our game plan, we are a pretty good match up."

We’ve watched the Vanderbilt tape. Vandy’s given them some problems, and I look at how we play and how we defend and I think we play a similar style to what they do. We watched the film and we actually like the matchup for a 15-2 seed. I think these are kids that have competed all year, and they’re going to lay it out on the floor. They’re not just happy to be here; we’re here to compete and give it our best."

(On being one of 14 teams in the tournament field with a perfect graduation rate) “From my perspective, it’s why I do what I do. Being at Lehigh, the type of kids that we get there are truly exceptional in terms of having to balance the things in their lives and truly representing what it means to be a student athlete. This group epitomizes being able to excel academically and athletically. Their team GPA was 3.32, they’ve been ranked in the top 25 in team GPA in six of the last seven years. Our team GPA has been between a 3.25 and a 3.45 ever semester, so it’s not a blip on the map; it’s not a one time thing. It’s year in and year out. These kids are kids who excel academically at the same time we have exceptional kids, exceptional students and kids who value the experience."

(On being back in the NCAA tournament after 11 years) “On a personal level, it was just my second year and I was probably not as strong of a coach then as I am now. Going back six or seven years ago, the athleticism in the Patriot League, it’s been a difference of night and day. Competitively we are a much stronger program. From a coaching standpoint, I’m obviously a more mature coach. It’s an awesome opportunity for these kids. The experience of it doesn’t change, but the personnel and the people do. I’ve had so much fun with this exceptional group of young women. I’m really happy for our seniors, who have represented Lehigh and the Patriot League as scholar athletes."

(On going into New York City) “When we found out that we were going an hour away, we tried to spice up the trip a little bit. We went into New York City for dinner after practice. We just wanted to bring something a little bit different to the experience."

Student Athletes Claire Sullivan & Erica Prosser

Fifth-year guard Claire Sullivan

(On getting to the NCAA tournament) “It’s just kind of been the culmination of our goals the whole year. We talked about playing well in the league, winning a championship and getting to the NCAAs. To actually be here and get to participate and be part of it is just what we’ve been working for all year so we’re just really excited.”

(Why should anyone give you a chance?) “Why not? It’s March. Anything can happen in March. We’re here to compete; we’re not here to just roll out the red carpet for Auburn. We’re going to have a good time with it."

(If you were to win tomorrow night, what were the factors that led you to victory?) “It will be because we are able to slow the game down and keep them from running and to contain them from using their athleticism. We’re obviously going to have to knock down some shots and shoot the ball pretty well. We need to play really well."

(On overcoming a knee injury to get to the NCAA Tournament) “I’m so happy that this is my last year and that we are able to get to this point. I’m hoping we are all having fun and appreciating it. I know that this doesn’t happen every year. I hope the younger kids take it all in and enjoy it and play with no pressure."

(On getting past the intimidation of playing Auburn) “Take away the SEC and the fact they have an All-American and a 6-foot-7 post, it’s still the game of basketball and we’ve already played 32 games. We’re going to try to play 40 minutes and invoke the game plan that our coaches give us. We need to just focus on what we need to do because they’re going to be great. We are trying to focus on what we need to do to compete with them."

(On going into New York City) “It was fun to go to the city. It added a little more, it’s not just a typical away game.“

Sophomore guard Erica Prosser

(On getting to the NCAA tournament) “I’m really excited also. I’m extra excited for our seniors, especially Claire, because she’s a fifth year. They’ve been working really hard to get to this point. For all the underclassmen, I know we’ve been working really hard to help them get there."

(On being a student-athlete academically) “Coach really emphasizes scholarship throughout the year. We want to achieve in the classroom. We know academics is just as important as athletics. It’s been year in and year out, not just a one time thing. We really take pride in how we perform in the classroom."

(On going into New York City) “We went to Dave and Buster’s and watched American play Villanova. That was a confidence builder."

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