2008 Woodie Awards
Strong defense and leadership define senior point guard Abra Like
Zack Gugenheim
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Sports
For the past four years, Abra Like has been an integral part of the Lady Mules Basketball Team. As co-captain, she has helped lead the 2007-2008 version post a record of 18-5 (13-3 in Centennial Conference play), and possibly to a regular season Conference Championship as well as the number one seed in this year's Conference Tournament. Known for her leadership and tenacious defensive play, Like has become an important part of this team. I recently sat down with Abra to discuss her past four years as a Mule as well as her future.
(In regards to her being selected as a co-captain) "Being selected as a co-captain with Michelle [Feldman] is special, we are the only two seniors on the team, and we've been here all four years." She also went on to say that "a highlight is team chemistry, I've never had to take anyone aside tell them to 'shape up.'"
(On being a Student-Athlete) "One of the big things I do is when I'm studying, I study hard, and when I'm playing, I'm playing hard. I keep them separate mentally, so I don't bring stress from one to the other. Also, basketball helps me manage my time better. I tend to do better in my studies when basketball is in season."
(On the preparing for the upcoming playoffs) "I feel like I need to remember what the playoffs have been in the past, preparing myself mentally. Like last week, playing against Hopkins, we got a taste of that intense playoff, nothing-to-lose feel to it. There's nothing to lose, and I need to practice as if it were one of those types of games. As for the team, it's not the same for the rest of them. For most it's a brand new experience. We need to mentally focus. Box out better, rebound better, we need to have a tough, physical mindset."
(On her favorite memories) "Seeing Lauren [Boyle] get her 1000th point was one of them. Playing in the 2006 NCAAs and winning in the first round was another! We had, I think, an 11-0 run at the end of the game to win it at the end. Another, and first, memory was stepping into the gym and realizing that I'm playing in college."
(Off-court memories) "I'll always remember the conversations I've had with my best friends until 4 a.m. when I have a test the next day (laughing). Going to Germany with the team was also great. Lastly, one of my greatest memories has been learning about the depth of God's love for me, especially through difficult situations, like my concussion last spring, and when I was asked to give my starting spot to a freshman. These were great because through these situations, I saw how much God loved me."
(On post-graduation) "I want to become a physician's assistant, so that I can go into the mission field and work alongside Christian Missionaries."
(In regards to her being selected as a co-captain) "Being selected as a co-captain with Michelle [Feldman] is special, we are the only two seniors on the team, and we've been here all four years." She also went on to say that "a highlight is team chemistry, I've never had to take anyone aside tell them to 'shape up.'"
(On being a Student-Athlete) "One of the big things I do is when I'm studying, I study hard, and when I'm playing, I'm playing hard. I keep them separate mentally, so I don't bring stress from one to the other. Also, basketball helps me manage my time better. I tend to do better in my studies when basketball is in season."
(On the preparing for the upcoming playoffs) "I feel like I need to remember what the playoffs have been in the past, preparing myself mentally. Like last week, playing against Hopkins, we got a taste of that intense playoff, nothing-to-lose feel to it. There's nothing to lose, and I need to practice as if it were one of those types of games. As for the team, it's not the same for the rest of them. For most it's a brand new experience. We need to mentally focus. Box out better, rebound better, we need to have a tough, physical mindset."
(On her favorite memories) "Seeing Lauren [Boyle] get her 1000th point was one of them. Playing in the 2006 NCAAs and winning in the first round was another! We had, I think, an 11-0 run at the end of the game to win it at the end. Another, and first, memory was stepping into the gym and realizing that I'm playing in college."
(Off-court memories) "I'll always remember the conversations I've had with my best friends until 4 a.m. when I have a test the next day (laughing). Going to Germany with the team was also great. Lastly, one of my greatest memories has been learning about the depth of God's love for me, especially through difficult situations, like my concussion last spring, and when I was asked to give my starting spot to a freshman. These were great because through these situations, I saw how much God loved me."
(On post-graduation) "I want to become a physician's assistant, so that I can go into the mission field and work alongside Christian Missionaries."