Q & A With Lexie Gerson
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First year Lexie Gerson checked in with VirginiaSports.com to talk about the team’s two-game winning streak and upcoming home games vs. Purdue (Thursday at 7 p.m.), JMU (Sunday at 4 p.m.) and Furman (Tuesday at 7 p.m.).
Question: The team earned two hard-fought victories in two-consecutive days at the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving week. Talk about the wins over Indiana and South Dakota State.
Gerson: Against Indiana, we knew we had to win to have a chance to play for the Junkanoo Jam Championship. So the second game we knew we were going to play South Dakota State and I knew that every single one of their players was a good shooter. The past few years, so I’ve heard, Virginia has advanced to the championship game of its Thanksgiving tournament but not won, so I was personally excited to get that win and take home the trophy.
Question: What were some of the fun things you did off the basketball court in the Bahamas?
Gerson: The Bahamas was really fun. I loved the beach trampoline, which is a trampoline in the middle of the water. Jayna Hartig and I went kayaking, which was fun even though it was raining. I’ve never been to the Bahamas before, it was beautiful and the water is so clear. I took a lot of pictures of the sunset. I loved it!
Question: Your parents were in attendance for the games, but how was it having a more non-traditional Thanksgiving holiday?
Gerson: This was the first Thanksgiving I haven’t been at home with my family, but at least my parents were there. We had a great dinner at the hotel and it was still a good Thanksgiving.
Question: How are you preparing this week for Purdue?
Gerson: They are a good team. I’m good friends with one of their best players, Brittany Rayburn, from playing USA Basketball with her. I’m getting mentally prepared for this game, because I think it will really be a great game.
Question: In just the third home game of your career, the team played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 11,895 vs. Tennessee. Describe the atmosphere of John Paul Jones Arena.
Gerson: I’ve never played in front of that many people. The Tennessee game, I walked into the arena and was just like “wow.” Our fans are diverse and they are so loyal. I’ve met a lot of them and they’re fantastic people.
Question: How would you describe your transition from high school to college basketball?
Gerson: It’s been a little bit of a tough transition. Your practices before you come to college do not come close to what is done here. The conditioning alone is a big mental and physical thing to get adjusted to.
Question: Have you decided on a major yet? Do you have a favorite class?
Gerson: I’ve thought about doing something relating to communications. I like to write so maybe something with English. Next term, I’m taking a nutrition class which I’m very interested in, so after next semester I should have a better idea of what I want to do.
Question: What went into your decision to come to Virginia?
Gerson: The coaching staff and team were a big part of it. Also when I walked into the gym I was sold. Academics as well, I was looking for a good academic school.
Question: What other sports do you enjoy watching at Virginia?
Gerson: I like watching men’s basketball and football. I’ve been to some soccer games. I’ve seen some fall ball softball and baseball games. I’ve been to a field hockey. I have friends in every single sport so I try and go to as many of their games as I can. That’s probably the best part about Virginia, is that we are all very close.