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University of Houston Athletics
Catching Up with the Coogs: Part Five
11/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 2, 2011
HOUSTON - In a seven-part series, UHCougars.com will catch up with each of the seven newcomers of the University of Houston women's basketball squad prior to the start of the 2011-12 season.
UHCougars.com met with freshman forward Terran Alford on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming season. Alford starred for the Oklahoma City Storm, a home-school basketball team, where she was a two-time NCHBC All-America selection and averaged 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a senor.
Houston kicks off the 2011-12 campaign with an exhibition contest against St. Thomas on Nov. 7 and opens the regular season on Nov. 11 against New Mexico State at Hofheinz Pavilion.
UHCougars.com: What has been the biggest difference in preseason workouts at the Division I level?
Terran Alford: "It's definitely been the pace. The intensity is a lot stronger. We have to get in shape before practice even starts, so it's definitely the pace."
UH: Is there anything in your game that you've specifically worked on in the offseason to improve?
TA: "Rebounding. I've been trying to work on getting stronger so I can be the go-to girl as far as rebounds for the team."
UH: How has the team chemistry been coming along with seven newcomers?
TA: "I think we have great chemistry. We're such a family. We all cook dinner for each other and we're always around each other. There's never a moment when we're by ourselves."
UH: How has the senior leadership of Porsche Landry, Roxana Button and Michelle White been so far for the young players?
TA: "They are such great leaders and encouragers. Even when they're hurt, they're always trying to lift up everyone else. For example, each day I'll talk to Rox and she'll help me set a goal for practice or call me afterwards if I had a tough practice and just encourage me and give me advice. Our seniors are great leaders."
UH: What's it like playing for Coach Buchanan?
TA: "I love Coach B, he's the reason I'm here. One of my biggest things coming here was to have a coach looking out for us since my parents wouldn't be here, and Coach B is a father figure to all of us as college students. On the court, it's tough love, and off the court, he's nurturing and caring."
UH: What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming season?
TA: "I'm just looking forward to playing with everyone. I'm looking forward to this level of play, and traveling as well."
UH: What road trip are you most excited about taking?
TA: "Georgetown. I have a lot of family members I've only seen once and they're saying they're all going to come down and watch us play, so I'm looking forward to that game."
SEASON TICKETS
Women's basketball season tickets can be purchased starting at only $75. These general admission season tickets are part of a Flex Plan. Fans can use one ticket per game, invite 15 friends to come out to a single game or any combination in between.
Fans can also get closer to the action by purchasing season floor seats for only $200.
Fans have several options when ordering their basketball tickets. They can visit the Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center near the UH Fan Shop, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
