First-year University of South Alabama women's basketball head coach Terry Fowler will welcome four new players – Division I transfers Donyeah Mayfield (Tennessee State), 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. Mayfield, 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 Mayfield for a brief Q&A session. Mayfield joined the program at the beginning of the fall semester after transferring from Tennessee State University where she lettered two seasons. Mayfield has family ties to the university as she is cousins with former women's basketball player Taylor Ammons and current men's player Mychael Ammons. The Jag newcomer talks about growing up with the Ammons and also her relationship with another former Jaguar basketball player, while also providing fans some insight to what type of player they will see on the floor during the 2014-15 season.
You're from Vicksburg, Miss. Have you always lived there? What was it like growing up there?
"Yes sir, I have. I'm not going to say it was boring, but if you didn't have a hobby, you probably would be bored. Basketball was my hobby, so I guess it was ok growing up there."
You grew up with and are related to both a current and former Jaguar – Mychael and Taylor Ammons – what was it like growing up with them? Did you guys play basketball a lot together growing up?
"We actually played basketball a lot together growing up. That's what kind of kept me motivated to play basketball. We just always had something to do and just made up different games."
When did you start playing basketball? What was it like playing for your mom?
"I started playing basketball at the age of six. My mom was my YMCA coach. Playing for her, you had to always be first. She pushed me and made me a better player."
What do you like most about playing basketball?
"I like the competitiveness of the game."
What do you believe is a strength of your game and why?
"Rebounding. It's just something I've always liked to do. My coach in high school always pushed me to focus on rebounding because she saw that as one of my strengths. I have the mentality of 'If a ball comes off the glass, it's mine.' Nobody's going to out rebound me."
What factors led to your decision to come to South Alabama?
"I had family members here and they always spoke well about South Alabama. My high school coach, Barbara Hartzog who played at South Alabama (1977-79) and my family just really helped me see that this is the place I needed to go. It was also close to home."
Describe your relationship with your former high school coach Barbara Hartzog.
"Coach is like another mother to me. I call her all the time to talk about all kinds of stuff. She's always been there for me and always motivated and pushed me."
What do you want to do with your degree after graduation?
"I want to go into coaching. I would like to eventually get to the WNBA, but wherever I can start will be fine with me."
How long have you known that you wanted to do that as a career?
"I've always known that I want to be close to basketball. At one point, I was pushed towards biology, but I decided I didn't want to do that. If it doesn't work out for me to play overseas, I still want to be close to basketball."
Due to NCAA transfer rule, you will have to sit out this season. How do you see yourself helping the team this season and what are you planning on working on to improve your game for the 2014-15 season?
"I want to make myself a more versatile player out on the floor. As far as helping out my teammates, I just want to be there and helping them in every aspect of the game, whether its pushing them in the game or in practice. I'm just going to push them to be the best."
For all of the South Alabama fans that will read this on the web site, what kind of player can fans expect to see when they watch you next season?
"Whenever I do touch the floor, you can expect to see rebounding and someone who is always hustling. Also, someone who is always there to pick up my teammates."
You transferred her and began classes this fall. What are some of the things you like about the campus and what has the experience at South Alabama been like for you?
"I like everything about the campus. The experience has been fun. The campus is huge. Everything has just been great actually."
What professional or collegiate player do you try to pattern your game after and what is it that you like about their game?
"I try to be more like Candice Parker. She's a versatile player and a beast rebounding down in the post."
Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your life, either as a person or as a player?
"The person who has the biggest impact on my life would have to be my mother. My mom has always pushed herself and never given up on anything. I strive to be just like her in that aspect."
What things do you like to do off the court?
"Off the court, I like to swim. I'm a good swimmer."
Do you have any talents other than basketball?
"I like to sing. I don't know if I'm any good at it, but I like to sing."
If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
"If I could play any other sport, I would play hockey just so I could hit people."
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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