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Chat Reel: Jackie Stiles
Team goal is bring NCAA tourney game to SMS
Posted: Wednesday February 07, 2001 7:12 PM
Updated: Wednesday February 07, 2001 7:12 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Jackie Stiles. Welcome Jackie!
Jackie Stiles: Thanks. Hi everybody, I'm happy to be here.
From Ultimate_LadyBearFan: Of your four losses, none have come by more than eight points, and three are to widely known basketball powers (Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Drake). Is this the most consistent team you have played with in your four years? How do you think this will play out in the NCAA tournament?
Jackie Stiles: Yes, I definitely think that we have been consistent all year through a tough schedule. We have to keep focused and take it one game at a time and raising our level with each game.
From Rose Dunn in Springfield, Mo.: To this date, what is the most memorable game or special moment you have had as a Lady Bear?
Jackie Stiles: Well, I would say a couple. One, is at Baylor in my sophomore year when were down by 10 points with two minutes left and came back and won. And last year in Evansville in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament: a game we had to win to get into the NCAA tournament.
From Warren Taylor in Murtoa, Australia: Who has been the one player you have had the most trouble scoring against over your four years at college? And if you could pick, which team would you like to go to in the draft?
Jackie Stiles: Last summer I played against the U.S. Olympic team and that probably was the toughest time I had scoring. As far as the draft goes, any team that would take me I would be happy to play on.
From Eric Woehler in Chapel Hill, N.C.: Hi, Jackie. Who is the toughest individual matchup for you personally in the Missouri Valley Conference, and what does that player do that is particularly tough for you to defend or score against?
Jackie Stiles: It seems that in the Missouri Valley conference I see so many good players. So it's hard to pick on player. But those who play me physical, bumping me while I make cuts or making it hard to come off screens. I would Indiana State because they double-team me every time down the floor.
From Rachel Elder in Independence, Mo.: How do you feel about being a role model for so many young girls like me? Also how does it feel being a small town girl to have the opportunity to go to Las Vegas to possibly win an ESPY?
Jackie Stiles: I really am glad I have the opportunity to be in this situation to play the game of basketball and give back to the fans. I remember when I was a kid growing up how much it meant to me to have a college player autograph a ball for me. So I take the time to sign autographs and run camps. I take the opportunity to give back. I'm still in shock that I'm going to the ESPYs. It's very exciting for me and not only for me but for Claflin and Springfield. I know I would not have made it this far if it wasn't for all of the support I've gotten in Claflin and Springfield.
From Ultimate_LadyBearFan: Hi Jackie! The Lady Bears are hovering around a 16 ranking nationally, which would mean you get two NCAA games in Springfield, Missouri. Do you think a home court advantage would increase your chances of a final four (or better!) appearance?
Jackie Stiles: That is one of our long-range goals -- to be ranked high enough so we can host because we believe Springfield is the best to play for us. We call our fans our sixth man because they give us so much momentum. But if we don't get the chance to play at home we are still excited to get the chance to play in the tournament. We will take it one game at a time 'til we get there.
From Ronnie Hawks in Greenfield, Mo.: How do you maintain scoring 30 points or more in practically every game?
Jackie Stiles: I have to give all the credit to my coaches -- coach Burnett for making me a complete offensive player and making me play on the defensive end. And also my teammates, like against a box-in defense. I have to count on them to open things up for me.
From Joe in Jefferson City, Mo.: Describe what its like to play in front of the thousands of screaming fans, and did their home attendance numbers influence your decision to go to SMS? Thanks and best of luck to you.
Jackie Stiles: Definitely. The fans were I big reason I chose to come to SMS, because not that many places have that kind of support for women's basketball. It's an incredible feeling running in front of 8,000 fans. It's an amazing atmosphere and makes all the hard work worth it. I want to thank all the fans for all the support that they give us.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Jackie Stiles. Thanks for joining us Jackie!
Jackie Stiles: Thanks a lot.
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