First of all, I don't think we are a shoe-in for the NCAA tournament. I really believe that the only way we will to go to the NCAA's is to win the WCC Conference Tournament. And, the WCC tournament is going to be very, very competitive. Any number of teams can win it. If we are fortunate enough to be invited to the NCAA's I'd like to finally just win a single NCAA game before we even start to think of the sweet sixteen.

2. So...do you think Pep will take the WCC championship tourney this year or not? And why is this team different than any other team you have had in the past? Talent-wise, ability, and bball smarts?

Like I stated, I think any number of teams can win the WCC Tournament. I think the favorites have to be Pepperdine, Gonzaga, Santa Clara and USF. Gonzaga and USF are playing very well right now and Santa Clara is always going to be tough. This Pepperdine team is probably the most resilient team I have ever coached. They have survived injury after injury. It was a pleasure watching young women like Tamara McDonald, Shanell Law Nicole Funn and Keani Christianson step up. Our women stayed together, overcame a lot of adversity and became champions. I'm very proud of them.

3. The WCC has such an amazing season last year as a whole, finishing ranked above the Pac 10. Why do you think the league has struggled more this year in preseason? How many WCC teams do you see getting into the NCAA tournament? Good luck!

I think injuries had a lot to do with some teams not meeting pre season expectations. Our conference lost a lot of quality players to injuries, among them were LMU's Kate Murray (who was a player of the year candidate), USF's Lisa Whiteside , Gonzaga's Julianne Laney, and Shandrika Lee. I believe that only the conference tournament champion will get into the NCAA's.

4. First of all, congratulations on a great season so far. It is amazing how your team has been able to play so well despite all the injuries. I have been following the WCC for a few years now and I was wondering who you think is the best point guard that you have played against over the last few years and why? Best of luck in the WCC tournament!

Thanks so much for your kind words. I think that the best point guard that we have played against was St. Mary's Corrie Mizusawa(now at Oregon). When she played against us, I observed her to be a tough, hard nosed kid that really knew the point guard position. She was an excellent passer who saw the entire floor. She was also a fierce competitor.

5. How does the team look for next year? Will a few of the injured players from this year be able to return next year?

We are all looking forward to next year with cautious optimism. We think we can be a strong team, but who knows? Shandrika Lee will return along with Shannon Mayberry, a 6-4 post player. Kelly Greathouse, a 6-3 transfer from North Carolina State will become eligible. We also will have some quality returnees along with a solid recruiting class. We play Stanford, UCONN, Oklahoma, Florida State, and Michigan State in our preseason, so we'll find out how good we are in a hurry.

6. How is your team different from the one that lost to UConn by 61 points earlier this year? Should that loss be held against the team should Pepperdine fail to win the WCC tournament?

Ouch! You had to mention the UCONN game, huh? We just got an old fashion but kicking. I'm not going to sugar coat it, that was the worst loss in Pepperdine women's basketball history. But our kids showed their resiliency and came back. We are a much difference team now. I think since then, the team has found it's identity and heart.

7. When you look around the league, it seems like all of teams graduated their best players last year (Nadja Morgan, Becky Ashbaugh, Bryn Britton, Lindsey Huff, Dostys, etc.) and therefore there is no obvious "Player of the Year". I was wondering who you think has established themselves as MVP of the conference this year?

I think any number of players can be selected as the Player of the Year. I think USF's Carey Sauer along with Gonzaga's Ashley Burke and Portland's Khalila O'Reilly Williams have all had great years. But, obviously I'm biased and my sentimental pick would be Tamara McDonald. I don't think we would be regular season conference champions had she not stepped up.

8. Coach, congratulations on a terrific season. How was the team able to cope with the loss of Shandrika Lee and who do you think was the one responsible for stepping up and filling the void? Good luck in the WCC Tournament!

Losing Shandrika Lee could have been devastating for this team if not for Tamara McDonald. Tamara stepped up and filled the void.

9. Damaris Hinojosa seems to have struggled this season but has been such a vital part in Pepperdine's success in the last four seasons. What has she meant to the program and where would she rank among the all-time greats in Waves' women's basketball? Thanks and good luck in the postseason.
Damaris is one of the greatest players that ever played at Pepperdine. She is a truly a great person has been the spiritual leader of our team. Injuries and major surgeries have taken a toll on her body, and she is not the player everyone saw in her freshman and sophomore years. But, despite everything she has gone through, she never quit, maintained a positive attitude and is still and integral part of our program. I am really proud to have coached this wonderful young women.