On Feb. 20, first-year forward Laura Ziegler was named the women’s basketball Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Week for the seventh time this season.
According to Ziegler, the most rewarding part is the support she has been receiving from her teammates.
“I think it’s great, the way that we all celebrate each other as individuals,” Ziegler said. “It’s all almost a bit overwhelming, but I really appreciate it.”
Ziegler said the recognition she has received this season has been motivating her to play harder for her team.
“I want to win games, and I want to do what it takes,” Ziegler said. “It makes you want to work harder because you know what you’re doing is appreciated.”
Sophomore forward Talya Brugler said since the season started, Ziegler has grown in understanding the fundamentals of the game.
“She’s done a really good job soaking it all in and being like a sponge this year,” Brugler said.
Ziegler, originally from Herlev, Denmark, said that despite coming overseas for college, she was quick to find her footing, thanks to her teammates.
“There’s always an adjustment,” Ziegler said. “My teammates and coaches have helped me and made the transition very easy.”
Ziegler said she really began to click with the team during the preseason, which has contributed to her individual performance this season.
“[The team chemistry] came really naturally,” Ziegler said. “It’s gotten better throughout the season as you get to know the ones you’re playing with.”
Brugler said Ziegler adds more versatility to the team with her abilities, helping them in every aspect of the game.
“Defensively, her presence is known,” Brugler said. “Offensively, her ability to shoot the three helps open up the floor and space it out for drives.”
Ziegler currently leads the team in total and defensive rebounds, blocks and three-pointers this season. Head Coach Cindy Griffin said that she has seen Ziegler’s defensive game improve the most this season.
“She’s got a really high basketball IQ,” Griffin said. “She can play a lot of positions for us. She could handle the ball if we needed her to.”
Griffin also said that Ziegler’s presence is shown in her leadership, a rare quality to find in a first-year player.
“From the start, she has earned the respect of her teammates for a work ethic,” Griffin said. “She’s not afraid to speak up, and the way she speaks up is in a very positive and accepting way.”
Brugler said even off the court, Ziegler’s positivity makes her an ideal teammate.
“She’s very optimistic about everything.” Brugler said “She’s just someone that you enjoy being around.”
But Ziegler’s positive attitude does not take away from her fierceness on the court.
“She’s the ultimate competitor,” Griffin said. “She brings a lot of energy and effort to everything that she does. A player that does those things and is very highly skilled like herself is going to continue to get better and better.”
For Ziegler, individual recognition is not enough.
“I want to go to the A-10 championship,” Ziegler said. “I want to play in the postseason. I want to see the season go on for as long as possible.”
Ziegler’s season will extend well past the end of the Hawk’s season.
“My plan is to go and play three on three with the Danish national team for the European Championship qualifiers,” Ziegler said. “It’s gonna be lots of basketball when I go back home.”
