March 6, 2007 • Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sylvia Fowles competed on the 2006 USA Women's Senior National Team that won the Australia-hosted Opals World Challenge. Prior to being injured in the second game she averaged 9.0 ppg. and 2.0 rpg. in only 13.0 mpg. (USA Basketball Photos)

USA Basketball today named a 21-member 2007-08 Women's Senior National Team pool that included four current collegians. With most of the pool off in Europe and the four collegians -- Ohio State's Jessica Davenport, LSU's Sylvia Fowles, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris and Tennessee's Candace Parker -- we thought we'd find out a little bit more about what makes them tick, how they feel about being named to the USA Senior National Team and what they feel they can bring to the team. USA Basketball.com, thanks to their respective sports information directors, spoke with each of them for about 10 minutes on the phone and one thing we found out was that these four players are quite enthusiastic about the future of USA Basketball.

What went through your head when you were asked to be a part of the 2007-08 USA Women's Senior National Team pool?
I was happy. I was very happy because I know that not many young women have this opportunity to play with the older players. I was very excited.

What does it mean to you to be listed among this group of players is there more pressure because you're so young?
I won't necessarily say that there's extra pressure on me. I think it shows the character of those who did get chosen from college to be on this team. It shows our character and the hard work that we put into our games to be able to play with those older players, to get the opportunity to go out there and play on the same level as the pros. I wouldn't say we're playing at the same level, but we'll have the chance to play with them on the same level and compete against the same people. I think it's a blessing.

You logged some quality minutes off the bench last year in Australia during the USA Senior National Team's spring training before you injured your shoulder, do you think that helped you solidify your position among this pool of players?
Yes, most definitely. I wasn't really worried about the minutes (last spring), but the opportunity I had to be around (the veterans) those two weeks, to be able to grow and learn from them. That was the part that was most exciting for me.

What did you learn most from that experience?
What I learned the most was to just be humble. If they're willing to teach you, you should be willing to learn and get all the help you can while you're out there. Utilize them while you can.

Was there anyone who really took you under their wing or was it a collective effort from the veterans?
I think everybody took me under their wing. The ones who stood out the most were Katie (Smith) and Tina (Thompson). Katie talked to me a lot about going out there every night to compete and Tina kind of broke it down for me, to go out there and be myself. Go out there and work hard every time I have the chance.

After playing alongside and against some of the best players in the world, do you think that affected your play this year?
Yes. Being able to go out and compete with those girls in Australia, coming back to college it was like a whole different level that I was on. It really helped me out a lot.

Did you ever think you'd be among the top list of candidates for an Olympic team?
No, that was always a dream but I never thought I'd really be one of those who actually would have that chance.

What are your thoughts on playing with Seimone Augustus, one of the all-time LSU greats, again?
It'll be good to reunite with her. I'm happy to see here again. I haven't seen her in awhile. Just to be able to play with her again, I think it'll bring back a lot of emotions.

Did you follow the '06 World Championship team's progress and how did you feel when they lost in the semis?
Yes, my head coach kept me updated on everything. I know they didn't play how they're capable of playing (in the loss to Russia). I know (what they're capable of) is much better than what happened in that game.

What do you think you could contribute to this team?
I will go out there and do everything in my power to contribute to the team. I can bring my energy and listen and learn from the ladies. That's what I can bring to the table, my energy to go out there and compete hard every night to the best of my capabilities.

Tell me about some of your best memories from last year's spring training? Any particular moments stand out on or off the court?
Off the court, just how we got along. It was like a normal high school or college team even though we were from all over the place. The bonding that we had off the court was like we knew each other forever. On the court I'd have to say it was the practices going against Tina Thomson, Ruth Riley, it was fun but a learning experience at the same time.

If you weren't playing basketball, what would you be doing after graduation?
I would get into some kind of fashion. I want to design clothing for tall women.

Who is your favorite Olympic basketball player?
That's a tough one. I'd have to say everyone, I can't choose one over the other!

Favorite non-LSU coach?
Coach (Kathy) Delaney-Smith (Harvard). When she coached us (at the 2005 World University Games) in Turkey she was a good coach. It was a fun experience. She's outgoing and she wasn't just a coach, she was a friend on the side. Someone you could talk to off the basketball court.

Go to the other three Q&As:
Jessica Davenport || Courtney Paris || Candace Parker