Q & A With Kelly Hartig

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Kelly Hartig is the sole first-year on this year’s women’s basketball squad. The 6-4 forward from Highlands Ranch, Colo., has seen action in both of the Cavaliers’ first regular-season contests and her sister, Jayna, is a second-year on the team. Virginia travels to South Carolina Thursday before returning home Sunday for a 2 p.m. match-up with Richmond.

Question: How is it being the only first-year on the team?
Hartig: It’s different, definitely a different feeling. But my teammates have been very patient with me. Kristen London, who transferred from junior college, is kind of like a first-year too. So we’re in it together in a way. Our teammates calm us down and help us with the plays and with what we’re supposed to do.

Question: How is it playing with your sister?
Hartig: I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I got here this year. We have a natural chemistry so it’s a blast. When I decided to come here, she was icing on the cake. We always said maybe we would end up at the same school. But I honestly loved the coaching staff and the team, so she just made it a bonus!

Question: Are you excited to go to Hawaii for Thanksgiving?
Hartig: I am so excited. I’ve never been to the Big Island.’ We know a couple of the girls from other teams too. For example, Emily Fox who plays for Minnesota was a high school teammate.

Question: What are your goals for this season?
Hartig: I want to help our team win a national championship. And whatever that means, whatever they need me to do, I’ll do.