One of four seniors on this season’s women’s basketball team, University of South Alabama guard Mary Nixon currently leads the Lady Jags in scoring this year after earning third-team all-conference honors in the preseason. The Pensacola, Fla., native currently ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference in three-point shooting and is averaging 11.4 points per outing. In a conversation that appears in the final 2012-13 basketball game program, she talks about her production this season, her leadership role, goals among other things.

Q.  This season, you are putting up your best offensive numbers since arriving at USA.  What did you do during the offseason and preseason that helped you make that transition?

A.  Coach (Rick) Pietri talked a lot to me about getting in the weight room and getting stronger in order to help me perform better.  I worked hard on that in the offseason and it has helped a lot.

Q.  As we approach the home stretch of the season, what are some of the goals that you have?

A.  I just want to get back on the track that I was at the start of the season.  I want to get back, to playing like I was in the non-conference season and stay healthy.

Q.  What areas do you feel the team needs to improve in as you close out the season?

A.  I feel like we need to improve more in rebounding, because that’s one thing we are going to have to do better if we are going to be able to beat the better teams in our conference.

Q.  You are viewed as one of the senior leaders on the team.  With six newcomers this season, how have you tried to help them make the adjustments to this new level of basketball and how have you embraced the leadership role?

A.  I’m not really a verbal leader, so I try to just lead by example and show them that “This way works if you do it this way”.

Q.  One of the staples for South Alabama during your time here has been strong defense.  What do you concentrate on at the defensive end when you are out on the court?

A.  I try to constantly think about what we went over in our scout and how we want to defend them.  I also just keep talking to my teammates and make sure they know what’s coming next.

Q.  Who on the team do you feel has made the most improvement from last season and what areas have you seen them improve in?

A.  I would say Ronneka (Robertson).  I think that she is more determined and focused on rebounding and being a great asset to our team.  She takes a lot of pride in what she’s doing.  

Q.  What’s your favorite Sun Belt arena to play in?

A.  It would have to be on our home court here at the Mitchell Center.

Q.  How do you balance all the demands of being a student- athlete?

A.  It’s hard at times and I have had some problems balancing it, but you just have to realize what your priorities are and what’s going to help you reach those.  You can have your fun later on in life.  

Q.  What are your plans following graduation?

A.  I’m really not sure right now.  I’m just looking forward to graduating.

Q.  What’s the one thing you will take away from your time at the university?

A.  Well, during my time here at South Alabama, I’ve grown as a person and learned how to deal with other people and their attitudes and how to alter my attitude.  I’m also going to be leaving South Alabama with a great education.

Q.  Who has had the biggest impact on your life?

A.  I would have to say my mama.  She’s the person who really got me started playing basketball and she was always there at every game, even during my AAU ball.  Most people that I’ve played with haven’t had that experience.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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