First-year University of South Alabama women's basketball head coach Terry Fowler will welcome three new players – Division I transfers Juliann Miller (Evansville) and Grace Farnsworth (Weber State), along with incoming freshman Colby Davis (Wylie High School) – to the Jaguar roster during the 2013-14 season.  Miller and Farnsworth will have to sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules, but Davis should see time on the court this season.

Recently, www.USAJaguars.com sat down with all three newcomers for a brief Q&A session.  The second of the trio is Farnsworth, who lettered the last season at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.  As a freshman, Farnsworth played in 26 games, averaging 16.9 minutes a game off the bench.  The 5-11 guard/forward averaged 3.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, while also adding 21 steals, 18 assists and five blocks as a reserve.

Over the past few years, you've gone back-and-forth across the country – living in Georgia, going to Utah and now coming back to this side of the United State.  What has that experience been like for you?
"It's been a great learning experience.  Transitioning from the way the south plays basketball to the way the west plays basketball and then coming back down south has definitely been a transition, but I feel like it has really helped me grow as a basketball player."

Due to NCAA transfer rule, you will have to sit out this season after transferring from Weber State.  What do you view as your role and how do you see yourself helping the team this season?  What aspects of your game are you planning on working on to improve your game for the 2014-15 season?
"In regards to how I'm going to help the team while I redshirt, I'm going to give a 110 percent in practice every day and try to challenge everybody and make everybody better.  Personally, I'm going to get in the gym and work on my weaknesses, such as my left hand, my shot, my three-point shooting."

What do you try to accomplish during the offseason workouts?
"My main focus is to get stronger in the weight room and work a lot on my shot and ball handling."

What about South Alabama made you want to transfer here?
"I fell in love with the coaches.  I've know coach (Terry) Fowler since he was at North Alabama.  They've all been great.  Once they came to South Alabama, I was right on that."

What do you believe is a strength of your game and why?
"Like I said earlier, my hustle has always been my strength and my defense.  My versatility is a strength of mine as well."

For all of the South Alabama fans that will read this on the web site, try to sell yourself.  What kind of player can fans expect to see when they watch you next season?
"I am probably one of the most competitive people I know.  I always give 110 percent.  You're always going to see me diving on the floor for loose balls and taking charges.  I'm a garbage player.  I'm a dirty player, not sportsmanship wise, but I'm very physical and I feel like hustle is always fun to watch.  I feel I can bring that to the South Alabama fans."

When did you start playing basketball?  How did you get involved with the game?
"I was seven when I started.  My mom pushed me to play basketball.  It's something I've always loved.  Just playing with boys in the backyard and the desire make me better, that's how I got started."

What do you like most about playing basketball?
"Probably the competitive spirit aspect of the game.  I'm always a competitor.  I always want to be the best at what I'm doing.  Playing against the best of the best in the country is one way to get there."  

What are you majoring in here at South Alabama and what do you are plan on doing after graduation?
"I plan on majoring in occupational therapy and I hope to have my own practice when I graduate."

How long have you known that you wanted to do that as a career?
"I've been around a lot of physical therapist and personal trainers and I feel like I just want to go into a career that can benefit other people."

Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your life, either as a person or as a player?
"I would say both my high school coaches – Corey Clayton (American Fork HS) and Craig Bennett (Milton HS).  They've both been father figures to me and pushed me, whether it was through tough love or something else, to be my best and that's what's really helped me to grow as a basketball player."

What things do you like to do off the court?
"I like to play my ukulele."

Do you have any talents other than basketball?
"I can probably eat more than three grown men in one sitting.  Not really any others that I can think of."

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
"Either volleyball or track and field.  I've just played around with those two sports, but never really got into them because it was too late for me."

You have a somewhat famous relative as your uncle, Kyle Farnsworth has been a Major League pitcher.  What is your relationship like with him?
"It isn't too close because he's always away.  He's in Florida right now playing for the Tampa Bay Rays and he's been all over the country, so we don't get to see him much.  Anytime we do get to see him though, he's always great."

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

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