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Q&A with Simley's Brittney Willaert

By Ron Haggstrom, Star Tribune, 01/25/11, 10:08AM CST

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After two losing years, the senior is trying to lead Simley to a winning season


Brittney Willaert

Brittney Willaert has had her share of ups and downs as a member of Simley's squad.

Willaert saw varsity action as a freshman and two years later was playing injured after suffering a torn ACL. Following back-to-back losing years, the senior is trying to lead the Spartans back to a winning season.

The three-sport athlete also participates in volleyball and softball. Here is a closer look at Willaert:

Best movie I've seen in the past year: "Grown Ups." I laughed throughout the entire movie.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are ...? Anything from Nicki Minaj!!!

Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me: Loud, funny, competitive.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I really rely on having a study hall, and when I can, I try to plan ahead and use the weekends to catch up.

Favorite pregame meal: I don't each much before a game. I look for anything quick and easy that won't slow me down.

How did you get started playing sports? My parents signed me up for park and rec and the passion for basketball, softball and volleyball grew from there. My dad has coached many of my teams and he has always encouraged me to work hard, practice often and push myself to improve.

At my first varsity practice, I felt... nervous and excited. I started practicing with the varsity team in the beginning of my freshman year, and I was playing with the team by the end of the year. I had a lot to learn and really wanted to be able to contribute.

To get focused for competition, I... don't have a specific ritual, but I listen to pump-up music and joke around with my teammates in the locker room. I love to laugh!

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? I was excited about being the starting varsity point guard as a sophomore and honored to be voted as our team MVP the same year.

What did you work on in the offseason? Last summer, I played for a Minnesota Fury basketball team, and in the fall, I played with my high school team. I have really tried to focus on improving my rebounding and shooting percentage.

What are your goals for the 2010-11 school year as an athlete? As a captain, I want to be a leader both on and off the court, inspire my team to work together and have fun, and help my team be strong and competitive. I believe if we can be successful at these things, the Simley girls' basketball team can succeed in the playoffs.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? I would like to see increased student/fan participation. Quite frequently game schedules overlap. If game nights could be adjusted during the week, students might have more opportunities to attend and support more sporting events.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? Even when you're playing well my dad says, "You should be pleased ... but not satisfied."

Team leaders

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