Gail Goestenkors, C. Vivian Stringer Complete U.S. Olympic Staff: Additional Quotes

March 11, 2004  •  Colorado Springs, Colorado
 •  Complete Release

Gail Goestenkors
On working with Van Chancellor, Anne Donovan and C. Vivian Stringer:
(Van Chancellor, Anne Donovan and I) developed such a close bond throughout the World Championship. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with both Van and Anne. They have tremendous knowledge of the game and are great motivators. I learned a great deal from them and I feel very comfortable working with them.

I've known Vivian for many years and I've always great respect for her and the job she's done with her programs. So I'm really looking forward to working with her as well.

What are your thoughts on working with Van Chancellor and Anne Donovan, as well as most of the players on the 2004 team during the 2002 World Championship, and how that will help this summer?
It's good to have that continuity, I know we all feel very comfortable with one another. Anne and I did the scouting for the team and we both worked together very, very well. I think Van feels very comfortable with us and there's a lot to be said for chemistry in this situation and I think we had great chemistry. Also having the ability to work with those players, letting them get to know me during the World Championship. That's important because they felt comfortable with me and I felt comfortable with them as well. Sometimes it takes a little while to get to know one another and have that level of comfort. Because we won't be together for a long period of time and everyone's coming from different pro teams, I think it's really important to have as much chemistry as possible.

What do you feel you can contribute to the USA's efforts in Athens?
I think that Van was very comfortable with my scouting. That's one of my greatest assets. During games, I feel I was helpful with the in-game adjustments. I think Van is comfortable knowing I work hard and that I'm a very positive person.

C. Vivian Stringer
Thoughts on her forthcoming Olympic experience:
When you think of the Olympic Games, the ultimate Olympic experience would have to be in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. I had actually planned to attend the Games as a spectator, but now I will have the opportunity to serve as an assistant coach. It is going to be a very special experience.

On working with Van Chancellor, Anne Donovan and Gail Goestenkors:
I'm excited to work with such a highly professional and knowledgeable coaching staff. This is like a coach's dream come true.

Van Chancellor is very sharp and has been highly successful on the professional and collegiate levels. He is someone I have known through the years, and someone I truly respect. I have always enjoyed being around him as a person. The last time we saw each other was at the (2001) Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductions, so I am really looking forward to seeing him and working with him.

Anne Donovan is just a great coach. I have coached against her many times, both when she was a player and when she moved into the coaching ranks. She is someone who I have always admired. She does a tremendous job of motivating young people, and her knowledge of the game is impeccable.

Gail Goestenkors is a proven winner. I admire her ability to put high-level talent on the floor and to get them to play hard and play together as a team. I am really looking forward to working with her.

It really is a coach's dream to work with such a fine staff. They are all people I like, respect and admire.

What do you feel you can contribute to the USA's efforts in Athens?
I am looking to contribute whatever coach Chancellor needs. I'm just so glad to have this opportunity. I'll do whatever is needed. I think that I can contribute in a lot of areas, and I'll just wait to hear what is needed from me and then do my best to fills those needs. Obviously, the goal is to bring the gold medal home, and I'm just excited and anxious to do whatever I can to help make that goal and dream a reality.

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