NCSA caught up with basketball standout Katie Hall about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What’s your pre-game ritual(s)?
Hall: Before every game I listen to my basketball mix cd. It's a bunch of songs about how basketball is who I am and how it's a game that makes up me. I leave the stands to dress with exactly 6:45 left in the jv game. I go into the locker room and put on my jersey and warm up top. I get both ankles taped. Put my shoes on. Stretch. Then I fill up my water bottle and go out an put it on the bench. I go in the locker room and put on my warm up bottoms. Usually if this process gets messed up I have to start over.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Hall: When and if I get the opportunity to take my game to the next level I am most looking forward to moving away and playing and getting to know different types of games outside of Idaho.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in?
Hall: I started playing basketball as soon as I was big enough to hold a ball and possibly before. My mom was the varsity coach at a high school and for as long as I can remember I went to practice with her everyday. I even ran with the "big girls." I loved every minute of it. I played on our 5th and 6th grade recreation teams as a 2nd grader. My mom conned them into that one I think. I've just grown up loving the game and it has always been completely natural for me.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Hall: My college interactions so far are incredible. They're just mind boggling. I'm getting letters from everywhere it feels like. There are places I've never even heard of, colleges I didn't know existed, that are contacting me. It's just so astonishing. It's so surprising to jump on the computer really fast to check my email but I end up sitting there for an hour answering to colleges. I love it. I also found it odd that colleges from the same state and in the same conference want me to play for them. It's so incredible.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far? (Club teams, high school teams)? Any challenges this season? How are you excelling personally, how does that compare to previous years?
Hall: Currently my basketball season hasn't started. Though we have a bunch of girls that have talented and we're all gearing up for the fast approaching season. I've been in the weight room lifting more often this year and I can already tell I'm getting stronger. Also I have been running a lot because come that first day of practice I want to be able to focus on my skill work and improving in other areas and not have to worry about getting in shape.
This year my goal is to maintain my 4.0 first and foremost. Also I am aiming towards gaining more strength in my upper body. I've always been a lower body lifter. I also want to help be a leader on the team and strive to be the best I can be.
NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.
Hall: Since being with NCSA I've learned that I my dreams really are just a step away. And that colleges are looking for kids who realizes this. I've realized this because I've be in contact with so many colleges that are just thrilled I maintain an excellent grade point average while playing. I also learned that going to the next level is tough but it's worth it. My greatest take-away would have to be the fact that if I work hard and keep myself dedicated I'm an even better prospect to colleges.
