Freshman phenom: Taylor Richards
Freshman Taylor Richards said she isn’t really a nervous person. She said she just doesn’t get nervous.
But before every game of her first year of college basketball she said she has gotten nervous.
“I’ve noticed that every game I get pretty nervous before,” she said. “Not so much mental, just like my stomach is a little bit queasy. As soon as the tip-off goes though I’m fine.”
Richards said she was so nervous because she was coming in and playing guard as a freshman. She didn’t know if she had all the characteristics that a guard would need to lead the team.
But, even though she still has questions sometimes and still gets nervous, she said games have become much easier and she is a little more sure about herself on the court.
“I hope I’ve contributed,” she said. “It’s exciting to be part of the second year of the program and already be doing so much better. I hope that I’m part of the reason why.”
With the season coming to a close – sooner than she expected – and only the Big West Conference tournament left, Richards said she doesn’t really know what to expect next.
As far as tournaments go, she said she’s never been in a situation like this before.
“I’ve never been to the state tournament, even in high school,” she said. “Now I’m at a D-I conference tournament.”
Looking back at her performance this season, she said she feels her performance so far this season has been OK, but there are still things she would like to work on for next season.
Along with being at the top in assists, Richards said next season she wants to work on being a more vocal leader.
“I feel confident now that I won’t step on any toes,” she said.
Richards and the Aggies will face off against UC Irvine Wednesday in the first round of the tournament in Anaheim. The game starts at 3:30 p.m.
-aedmunds@cc.usu.edu