Q & A With Monica Wright

Story Links

Virginia senior guard Monica Wright checked in one last time with VirginiaSports.com to talk about her four-year career with the Cavaliers. Wright was named to the Associated Press All-America first team on Tuesday (March 30), becoming the first UVa women’s basketball player to earn that honor. The WNBA Draft takes place on April 8, 2010 in Secaucus, N.J.

Question: How have the last few weeks been since the season ended and you have been preparing for the WNBA Draft?
Wright: It’s been hectic. Just getting phone calls from all different kinds of people. But the last few days of receiving different awards and having Coach Ryan and my parents and friends call and congratulate me on different things has been pretty special. It’s definitely been a delightful experience, especially after the way the season ended, and it has made things a little bit better.

Question: How emotional has it been coming to the end of four years of Virginia basketball?
Wright: I was the most emotional right after our loss to Green Bay in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the last time I was going to be able to play with those girls and the last time I was going to be a college athlete. Being a college student at UVa is an experience I will never forget. But after four years I do have to accept the fact that it’s done. It’s over. It’s emotional, but reality sets in pretty quickly.

Question: Have you thought about what it’s going to be like being on the court with nine other players that are as fast as you?
Wright: I look forward to elevating my game. The reality is that at the next level that is what you’re going to face. I’ve been trying to prepare myself for that all season.

Question: By our count, you’ve done at least five Q and A’s with VirginiaSports.com. What is your least favorite topic to talk about when answering questions from reporters?
Wright: The losses of course.

Question: What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever asked you to do?
Wright: Sign their cell phone.

Question: What went through your mind when you heard you were the first Associated Press first team All-American in school history?
Wright: Honestly I thought something wasn’t right because I couldn’t imagine that Dawn Staley wasn’t one! But then I heard the fine print that she wasn’t one because they didn’t have it back then. At the same time I was excited about it, and it was encouraging to know that I was voted one of the top five players in the country.

Question: What are you goals for the rest of your career?
Wright: I’m honestly more of a short-term goal person. It’s hard for me to establish goals right now until I know where I’ll be playing and the make-up of that team.

Question: Are there any WNBA teams, coaches or players that you are looking forward to working with?
Wright: I’m just excited to get there. Obviously if you’re at that level you’re talented and the best at what you do. I’m excited to be a part of it.