FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University senior women’s basketball guard Erin Neal|Durham, N.C. is this week’s Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. The team captain averaged 26.0 minutes, 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in two games last week. She posted a season-high 10 points, in addition to logging a pair of assists and one steal, at Presbyterian College on January 10. The following game, she tied a season-best with four steals, while notching four boards and four points, as well, helping the Lancers secure a 67-52 victory against Charleston Southern University on Jan. 12. Through 16 games this season, Neal is averaging 5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds, while shooting 33% (35-75) from the floor, including 17% (2-12) from three-point territory, and 73% (16-22) from the line.
Question and Answer Session with Erin Neal and Bethany Drury
BD: How does it feel for the team to be doing so well in conference play?
EN: It feels good to be winning and this is probably the best season we’ve had so far. We knew we weren’t going to be underdogs, but it has been a nice to surprise everybody else.
BD: How do you prepare for games?
EN: I just listen to my game day playlist.
BD: Why did you choose to play basketball?
EN: I’ve always liked basketball. It was either dance with my sisters or choose something else, so I picked basketball and I’ve just liked it ever since.
BD: Do you have any role models?
EN: My mom because she’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She raised three girls on her own and she always pushed me to be better.
BD: Who is your favorite athlete?
EN: Derrick Rose
BD: Who is your favorite team?
EN: The Miami Heat
BD: Why did you choose Longwood?
EN: I like the campus, the environment, the close nit groups and small class sizes. Also, I have aunts and cousins all around this area, so it’s like a home away from home.
BD: What is your favorite Longwood tradition?
EN: The tradition I follow the most is stepping on the crowns for good luck. I go out of my way to step on the crowns.
BD: What is your major?
EN: Kinesiology with a focus in teaching.
BD: What are your post-grad plans?
EN: To be a Physical Education teacher.
BD: Are there any interesting facts about you?
EN: I’m really into Winnie the Pooh.
BD: Are you involved in anything else on campus?
EN: National Society, Leadership and Success, and PEK.
BD: What is your favorite food?
EN: Mac & Cheese
BD: What is your favorite book?
EN: The Hunger Games Series - all three books.
BD: What is your favorite thing about Longwood basketball?
EN: We stick together. It’s instant -- once you’re on the team you’re in the family.
BD: Do you have any past or present teammates that you look up to?
EN: All the seniors - Crystal (Smith), Chelsea (Coward), Mieke (Elkington) - I admire them for sticking it out because it’s been hard.
BD: What’s it like being a veteran leader on the team?
EN: It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s good when everything that you’ve been working for and everything that you’ve been preaching to everybody all comes together.
