Louisville women’s basketball media day 2021-22 presented opportunities to catch up with a lot of new arrivals on campus.
The Louisville women’s basketball team had their 2021-22 media day on Tuesday, October 26th. Local media gathered at the Kueber Center on Floyd Street to get their first look at the 2021-22 Louisville women’s basketball team.
The Cards are coming off of a fourth straight ACC regular-season championship, and Elite Eight appearance. Everyone wanted to see what the new-look Cardinals had without All American Dana Evans this season. I was at the Kueber Center to take part in the media day events. Here are my takeaways from the Cards media day.
Jeff Walz talks transfers and freshmen
Media day began with the head coach being available for a question and answer session. Walz began media day by thanking all of the media for their coverage of the team last season with everything that went on with COVID. Before any questions could get asked the Louisville women’s basketball team came in with a cake to sing Happy Birthday to their coach. Walz’s 50th birthday would be the next day on the 27th.
Walz dove into many topics during the question and answer session. Walz went into the contract extension he just signed last week.
When asked by Jody Demling about the extension Walz said “The extension is very important in recruiting because he is recruiting freshmen and sophomores in high school right now.”
Walz also discussed the transfers in detail. Walz talked about the poise Vanderbilt grad transfer Chelsie Hall brings, and the toughness of Syracuse transplant Emily Engstler.
Walz also dove into the freshmen. He highlighted that impact freshman Payton Verhulst will bring immediate help to the roster. Walz also said Sydni Shetnan will contribute in a smaller role.
While he may not have a 25 point per night scorer, Walz said, he does have 4-5 that can score 15-20 points per game.
Finally, Walz says senior Mykasa Robinson has been in the gym working on her offense during the offseason. This is welcome news for Louisville women’s basketball fans. Robinson is an all-conference defender and the heart and soul of this squad. However, Robinson has been somewhat limited as a scorer in her career.
Hanging out with Sydni Shetnan
I had a chance to talk with freshman Sydni Shetnan during player interviews, and here is how that interview went.
I asked how the transition from high school to college is going. Shentnan said, “Things are a lot more different, and I am still adjusting.”
I then asked how much more comfortable she will be with her first college game being in her hometown. “It’s going to be pretty cool having my first college game in the same city I ended my high school career,” said Shetnant. “I am very excited to go back home and start my college career.”
What about the rest of the newcomers? Is everyone getting along well? “Payton, Alexia, and I hang out a lot and are really good friends,” said Shetnan.
How have the new NIL rules impacted Shetnan? What would be her dream NIL role? “My family would want me to get a deal with moomba boats,” says Shetnan. “I’d also like to get a deal with the naked juice brand.”
What about on the court? Who is the toughest person to go against in practice? “Since she is a post it’s definitely Liz Dixon because she is so big and physical.”
How much different does it feel only focusing on basketball when you have played basketball and volleyball for so long together. Shetnan said, “It’s super weird. I am used to doing basketball Monday through Friday, and volleyball on Saturday and Sunday.” Is she ready to get back to her volleyball roots in college? “I’m very excited to join the volleyball team next season,” said Shetnan. “Especially with how good they are doing this season.”
Payton Verhulst on… Coke-a-Cola?
I next caught up with freshman Payton Verhulst.
First things first, how is the transition to college going? “It’s been tough I’m not going to lie,” Verhulst said. “Getting in the weight room was tough because I didn’t do a lot of weight lifting in high school. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been fun.”
What about the relationship between the freshmen? “Sydni Shetnan and I are roomates along with Merissah Russell and Hailey Van Lith,” Verhulst explained. “We spend a lot of time together and share a car so we are always together before and after practice.
What about the NIL deals at the next level? What is Shetnan’s dream NIL deal? “That’s easy, it’s Coke-A-Cola. I probably shouldn’t say that as an athlete, but it’s my go-to drink.”
Emily Engstler on a new role in Louisville
I next caught up with senior transfer Emily Engstler.
I asked what made her pick Louisville when she entered the transfer portal. “It was quick, so I didn’t have a lot of time to get to know the team,” she said. “One of the standouts was that Coach Walz was a big part of the recruitment which was something I appreciated. Him showing me where I fit in, but not promising me anything.”
I then asked after competing against Louisville for 3 years, how is it playing with them?
“It’s good,” said Engstler. “We beat them maybe once out of three years, but now we are going to win more than we are going to lose. Honestly, it’s a big reason I wanted a change. I spent a lot of time at Syracuse, but I was really intrigued to be apart of such a winning program.”
Who is the toughest person to go against in practice?
“Everyone is very competitive,” said Engstler. “Olivia Cochran is very hard to guard. She is very strong and has a lot of really good post moves.”
I then asked what her dream NIL deal would be. Engstler said, “It would be something within fitness would be a dream of mine.”
“I love it here, it is really nice,” Engstler said when I asked about adjusting to Louisville. “It’s just a lot of basketball, and that is what I came here for. It’s very welcoming.”
The Cards will have their tipoff luncheon on Friday, October 29th, and have their exhibition game on Thursday, November 4th.
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