Jack Chat with Caty Huntington

by Stayson Isobe — December 8, 2010 at 10:14 pm | 1 comment

Caty Huntington, a junior guard on the NAU women’s basketball team, is known for her defensive intensity on the court. After averaging six steals per game in high school, she’s brought her defensive mentality to Flagstaff and is tied for the most steals in a game (nine) in school history. Here, she speaks to The Lumberjack about not only defense, but also her similarities with her coach, her love for jigsaw puzzles and her need for a soda before every game.

The Lumberjack: When did you start playing basketball and why?
Caty Huntington: Oh boy. I don’t know the specific age. I just know I was little, maybe in the sixth grade. I was a very hyper kid with ADHD, and sports were what I took that hyperactivity out on. Basketball was just another sport for me.

LJ: Why did you decide on NAU?
CH: It was close enough to home to where I could go home and my parents could come see me, so I don’t feel homesick. And the campus was just beautiful.

LJ: You finished second in the conference in steals last year. Is defense your strong point on the court?
CH: Yes, very. I take pride in my defense because I know that’s my specialty.

LJ: What’s your key to being such a defensive presence?
CH: I really don’t know. Ever since I was little, I always loved defense and being on the girl.

LJ: What do you look forward to more: hitting the game-winning three or shutting down the opposition’s best player on the last possession of a game?
CH: I would say shutting down the opponent’s best offensive player.

LJ: During your basketball career, who’s been the most influential person?
CH: I would say [senior forward] Jenna [Galloway]. She’s such a hard worker, and she really never lets anything get her down, or she never shows it.

LJ: If you could go one-on-one with any basketball player, past or present, who would it be?
CH: Candace Parker so I can put her in her place.

LJ: Describe coach Laurie Kelly in three words.
CH: Loud, fun and very excited.

LJ: Describe yourself in three words.
CH: Hyper, loud and funny.

LJ: So you see a lot of yourself in her?
CH: Yeah, I kind of do. There are a lot of times where I’m like, “Wow, she’s really loud and hyper right now.”

LJ: So I see that you love doing jigsaw puzzles. What about them intrigues you?
CH: I just like how it makes the mind work, especially those that are in the same color, like the frog one that I’m working on now. That one is really puzzling my mind right now. All of [the pieces] look alike.

LJ: What’s the biggest puzzle you’ve completed?
CH: A 1,000 [piece one].

LJ: What are some of your other favorite things to do in your free time?
CH: I like to go to the movies, hang out with my friends and my teammates.

LJ: Any pregame rituals? Superstitions?
CH: I always have to have a soda before a game. It has to be a Dr. Pepper or a Coke.

LJ: What would I find on your iPod at the moment?
CH: Well, if I ever used my iPod, you would probably find a lot of Disney songs. I love Disney movies and their songs in them.

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