Oct. 6, 2009
In preparation for the start of the 2009-10 season on Oct. 17, UKathletics.com will feature UK Hoops’ three freshmen – Anna Cole , Brittany Henderson and A’dia Mathies. This week we sat down with 6-2 forward Brittany Henderson, of St. Altadena, Calif., for 21 Questions.
1. What’s your hometown?
“St. Altadena, California. It’s very close to Los Angeles.”
2. California is a long way from here. What made you want to come to Kentucky?
“I wanted to get away from home and experience something new and then I also wanted to play in the Southeastern Conference and play for Coach Mitchell and his coaching staff.”
3. What has most impressed you about the coaching staff?
“Just how passionate they are about basketball and their knowledge of the game. You can learn so much from them. In just two months of being here, I’ve learned so much and I think my game has improved a lot.”
4. The newest addition to the coaching staff, Coach Pillow, is your position coach. What’s it like working with her?
“She’s so funny and I really like her. I’m still getting to know her but so far she’s been a great coach.”
5. What was your trip like coming from California to Kentucky?
“It was hard saying goodbye to my parents. I wanted to get away from home so I knew that was going to be hard but I really like it here so far.”
6. What is the biggest difference between Kentucky and California that you can tell so far?
“Mainly the scenery and it’s not as warm as California. Those are really the biggest differences. Also, it’s definitely not as busy as California.”
7. You come from a sporting family. Did that influence you to get involved with sports?
“It influenced me a lot. Both my parents played sports and my sister was on the women’s basketball team at UCLA. Basketball has always been in my blood. We always went to sporting events when I was growing up. My favorite team is the L.A. Lakers and my favorite player is Rip Hamilton.”
8. You’ve been in school for about two months now, how are classes going?
“It is different than high school but I took some two summer classes to help get adjusted and I think that was a huge help. I like my classes so far and math is my favorite subject.”
9. What’s your major?
“Human nutrition.”
10. What is your dream job?
“To own my own restaurant. I want to become a personal chef.”
11. Have you ever seen the Coach’s Kitchen? Maybe they’ll let you be a guest chef.
“Yes, I’ve seen it. We went over to Coach Mitchell and Jenna’s house this summer and she cooked for us. I think Jenna and I should get together and cook. I plan on getting some tips from her in the future.”
12. What is your favorite shot on the court?
“The 15-foot corner shot. In high school I perfected it but I know it’ll be different in college with people coming at me faster so I have to get better at that shot.”
13. What have the coaches done to help you with the transition of high school basketball to college?
“Practices are more intense and they emphasize that we are in college now and that the things we may have gotten away with in high school won’t work in college. I’ve really been getting better at defense, boxing out and not just jumping over people but actually putting a body on somebody.”
14. What are you most looking forward to this season?
“I’m looking forward to the whole basketball atmosphere at UK. There were thousands of fans outside waiting for tickets for Big Blue Madness and it’s so cool. Basketball in Kentucky is amazing.”
15. How do you think you’re going to feel the first time you step out onto the floor in Memorial Coliseum?
“There will be a little bit of nervousness but it’s such a relief that I’m here. I’m excited about the season. I think there will be lot of adrenaline pumping that first time out on the floor. My excitement to play will definitely trump my nerves. I’m ready!”
16. Has there been anyone who has taken you under their wing to help the transition?
“The whole team has really helped me out and taken me places since I don’t have a car and am away from home. Vic [Dunlap] has helped me out a lot, giving me pointers and she showed me where my classes were the first day. Since Vic and I are both posts, she’s been helping me learn what the coaches expect from me.”
17. Is there a motto you live by each day?
“Just have fun. Don’t take things too seriously, but there is a time to be serious.”
18. What was it like to put on the jersey for the first time during photo day?
“Just seeing the Kentucky across the front – my dream of signing with a big SEC school and being a part of the tradition came true. It was relief knowing I was finally here but I know I do have to prove myself on the court now that I have that jersey.”
19. What are your thoughts playing in the SEC?
I think it is going to be tough day to day. We have LSU, Tennessee, some of the top schools in the country. You have to go out and fight every day and put your heart on the line for your team.
20. What most impresses you about Coach Mitchell?
“He’s a man of God first. That was a big thing when I signed, that he believed in God. We’re family and he always says that. He’s also a great coach. He cares about us. He always texts me to make sure I’m okay because he knows I’m far away from home but he’s also a business man. He runs this as a business and I know I’m here for a reason, to play basketball.”
21. What are your thoughts playing in the SEC?
“I think it is going to be tough. We have LSU, Tennessee, some of the top schools in the country. You have to go out and fight every day and put your heart on the line for your team.”
