Q & A with Coach Boyd

This week Alfred State head women's basketball coach Gina Boyd sat down with us to answer a few questions about her team and the upcoming season.  Boyd is entering her 19th year as the head coach at Alfred State with a career record of 277-185.

What are your expectations for the upcoming 08-09 season?  My expectations for this upcoming season is to play hard, stay composed, and come together as a team.  Right now we are working on playing together and getting to know our personnel.  With so many freshmen we are staying positive and focusing on working together as a team.  I do expect to get to the final four with a one game at a time mentality.  We will need a few games under our belts to get the kinks out, and when we do, I have high expectations for us.       

Who do you have returning from last year's team do you expect to take a leadership role on this year's team?  I have three returners and they are trying to take on the leadership role.  Kristin Abbott is doing the best job at that, being positive through encouragement and patience to the freshmen. Sherelle Brooks is running the point and is being a good leader verbally.  Christina Loder leads by example with her hustle.

After only a few practices, what incoming freshmen do you think will have an impact on the team?

I have 13 freshmen.  I see much improvement in many already. 

• Gina Moss who will play small forward is hungry to perform and succeed.  She will be an impact in the post. 
• Brittney Brooks is a pure scorer who has the ability to knock down a shot in the three point area or paint.  She's very versatile.
• Kate Bailey and Jackie Dresser both play under control and handle the ball well, both are guards. 
• Ayana Rhodes will contribute with her speed and defensive quickness.
• 6'1 Megan Coates is a diamond in the rough in the post area.  She can move and is gaining more confidence with every practice.  

What are the advantages to being at a junior college versus a four year college? As a coach or athlete?  An advantage of  working at a two year college is watching an athlete grow and mature in the classroom and on the court, by the time they leave as sophomores it's rewarding to help them get to the next level (which is what most athletes strive for).          

What kind of support would you like to see from the Alfred State student body this season?   It's always nice to see many students in the stands cheering on their friends.  I hope to see the stands filled for most games.

What type of player is the most fun for you to coach?  The type of player that has a strong work ethic, loves the game, is a team player, and wants to win.

What will you tell your players in the locker room to get them ready for a big game?  Play hard always, stay composed, work as a team, utilize our strengths, capitalize on their weaknesses. Want it more than them!

How do you sell Alfred State as a basketball program to a recruit?   Our basketball program is competitive and established; we do offer some scholarship money to talented athletes because we are Division II NJCAA.  Many of my athletes are recruited to the next level; there is exposure for those who want to continue their careers at the higher level. Players can develop and come in and contribute right away as opposed to a four year school where they might be waiting for playing time behind upperclassmen.