“The biggest thing is taking it day by day…our goal is just to win everyday…this year more than ever, we have to stay grounded…” -Katie Lou Samuelson, UConn
Long gone are the days of Katie Lou Samuelson playing under the guidance of Breanna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson. Samuelson is now a senior with an NCAA championship under her belt; she holds the responsibility of being the centerpiece of the continuation of excellence that is the University of Connecticut, pushing back against what even her head coach, Geno Auriemma, says is increased parity in the women’s college game.
Parity or dominance, it doesn’t matter. The Huskies are looking to take things on a day-by-day basis this year to achieve what is expected of their dynasty: yet another national championship title. Auriemma remains legendary and his program elite, but now, the dynamic of the team is much different. But, every year, every team must adjust to changes and UConn is not exempt.
Samuelson spoke on behalf of her team on Halloween at ESPN National Media Day, saying “it’s going to be the little things” that get them far this year. The little things on Samuelson’s resume make her the key ingredient to being the example for her teammates.
Going into her senior year, the Huntington Beach native has been a two-time All-American First Team honoree (WBCA Coaches, AP, USBWA), two-time American Athletic Conference Player of the Year (17-18) and 2017 American Athletic Conference Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Her sophomore and junior season were preceded by her 2016 ESPNW National Freshman of the Year recognition.
High Post Hoops had the chance to talk to Samuelson about the upcoming season—her expectations and her self-preservation methods. WATCH:
The UConn Huskies face Ohio State to begin their season on Nov. 11, 12 PM ET.