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Chat Reel: Angie Welle

Iowa St. forward has Cyclones on list of Final Four teams

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Iowa State's Angie Welle. Welcome Angie!
Angie Welle: Thanks great to be here.

From Steve Hallstrom in Fargo, N.D.: Hey Angie, all the hoops fans back in Fargo are having a lot of fun watching the great season! You've drawn a lot of national interest this season. Do you feel any extra pressure? And if so, how are you handling it?
Angie Welle: No, I don't feel any extra pressure at all. I just want to thank everyone from Fargo for all of their support.

From Jason Schoellen in Norcross, Ga.: Angie, I have enjoyed following my alma mater from far away. Lindsey Wilson seems to fill the shoes of Stacy Frese nicely. How would you compare the two?
Angie Welle: I think coach Fennelly likes to use the analogy that Stacy was like elevator music and Lindsay is like Metallica.

From Eric Woehler in Chapel Hill, N.C.: Hi, Angie. Who is the toughest individual matchup for you personally in the league, and what does that player do that is particularly tough for you to defend or score against?
Angie Welle: I can't think of one specific player. If I play against a great shot blocker, that type of a player gives me the most problems.

From Stephy in Des Moines, Iowa: Why did you pick No. 32? And being from N. Dakota, what drew you to ISU as opposed to staying at home and playing for Division II powers N. Dakota or N. Dakota State?
Angie Welle: There is really no reason why picked 32. I was 42 in high school and I wanted a different number and an even number because I don't like odd numbers. I knew I wanted to get away from home. I wanted to go away. I think that is part of college -- having to mature and grow up. If I had stayed at NDSU I probably would have been too tempted to go home to have my mom do my laundry.

From Rhonda in Texas: If Stacy is like elevator music and Lindsay is like Metallica, what kind of music are you?
Angie Welle: (laughs) I think I can be a combination of both.

From Vanessa in Ames, Iowa: What do you think about stores actually selling you and Megan Taylor's jerseys here in Ames? The only time I've ever seen retailers take the time to sell women's jerseys was maybe for Chamique Holdsclaw when she was on Tennessee.
Angie Welle: Actually, I didn't know they sold my jersey. I thought they were just jerseys people had made themselves. It's nice to know that people support you and think of you as a role model. It's nice to get the recognition. The first time I saw a 32 jersey I thought, "who is number 32 for the men's team?"

From Daryl Kirsch in Council Bluffs, Iowa: Congratulations on another successful season. When I was a student in the early eighties, I went to the women's game to throw some coats in the front row to claim general admission seats for the men's game. My, how have times changed. What does it mean to you to have that kind of support? Did you ever think you would be as popular as Grayer, Stevens, or Jeff Hornacek?
Angie Welle: No, not all. The fan support is unreal. One time, on a Wednesday night we'll think it won't be full, but the fans are pack in and the whole lower level is packed. It's great.

From Dallas: What are your Final Four teams for the women's NCAA Tournament for this year?
Angie Welle: Iowa State (laughs), Notre Dame, UConn and Duke.

From Matt Anthoney in Cincinnati, Ohio: Angie -- As a former ISU'er, the team has done all of us fans proud year after year. What's the biggest change for you and the team from last year?
Angie Welle: I think everyone has had to step it up. Last year we had a go-to person in Stacey. I think that has been the biggest adjustment for the team.

From isutrav: What are your thoughts on your No. 1 fan "Wild Bill?" That man has seen women's basketball go from hardly known at ISU to what is now one of the best shows in town.
Angie Welle: All I can saw is he is a die-hard fan. He is getting national attention now. I'm glad he is on our side. He is on the refs and the other team. I think there was one game this year where he wasn't there and we were like "Oh my God, where is wild Bill?!"

From Carol in Ames, Iowa: You are obviously one of the best centers in the country and have made improvements in your game every year. In what areas of your game are you still looking to improve or what would you like to add to your game to make yourself an even better player?
Angie Welle: I think I have expanded my game outside a little bit more, but being more of a threat outside is something I need to work on. I need to improve my free-throw percentage. Those are two things I want to improve now.

From CycloneinGA: Coach Fennelly has done wonders with the program since he joined and seems to be very personable. Does he ever really "let you have it"?
Angie Welle: Yes, he doesn't show any favors. He is into seniority. He will take it a little easier on the juniors and seniors. He shows them a little more respect.

From Rhonda in Texas: In your opinion, what league is the best as far as women's basketball is concerned?
Angie Welle: I think the Big 12 has to be up there. This year it is so balanced throughout the conference. I think the SEC is a super tough conference. And the ACC is also tough.

From isutrav: Do you have any desires to play in the WNBA after your college career is over?
Angie Welle: I do. If the opportunity comes up, I would like to. I don't want to live off basketball my whole life. I would see what it is like to get a job and live in the real world.

From Marty: Hello Angie, Describe what it will take for Iowa State to go far in this year's NCAA women's basketball tournament?
Angie Welle: We need to stay balanced like the way we play now. Coach Fennelly wants us to pay attention to detail. I think the further you go into the season and the tournament, it is not offense that wins games it is defense. Early on you can outscore teams but not down the stretch.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Angie Welle. Thanks for joining us!
Angie Welle: Thank you!

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