Press Conference #4 • Washington • Dec. 13• Qwest Center Omaha
Head Coach: Jim McLaughlin
Student Athletes: Tamari Miyashiro, Christal Morrison, Courtney Thompson
Head Coach Jim McLaughlin
Opening Statement
This is an awesome building, an awesome feeling being in here. The court looks good and I hope my team looks good in practice today. We had a good week of practice last week. Things look good, I like the way they are behaving. We are passing the ball well, serving the ball well and we hitting the ball in, so I think we are ready to go.
On Stanford's incoming class and their depth.
They're always good, but I don't believe initial ability has anything to do with final ability, that is what happens while you're at a university ... I'm more concerned about our program and just developing people.
On the effect of being in previous final fours
We've been in the environment, we know how to handle distractions. When you first get here you are wide-eyed, you can't help it. As you mature, you learn how to focus on the things you can control and don't worry about the things you can't control.
On the atmosphere in Omaha
It's going to be unbelievable, just the opportunity to play in front of 17,000 people. The excitement, the vibe it almost perfect. Then you have to play almost perfect to win this thing.
On the atmosphere of Nebraska in relation to his experience with the Big 12
I'm a pretty simple guy, volleyball is volleyball, whether you are playing in front of two people or 17,000, you just got to do the things you need to do. But the Big 12 is a great conference, going to Lincoln, going to Texas it was awesome. But playing in the Pac-10, going to UCLA, going to USC is awesome.
Freshman Libero Tamari Miyashiro
On the difference between the two matches this season with Stanford
In two different matches, we were focussed on different things. The team that focusses longer will be more successful. We need to work on that and be more focused.
Junior Outside Hitter Christal Morrison
On the rivalry with Stanford
It's a fun rivalry, because they are such a great team and you know that every time you match up against them it is going to be a good match.
Comparing the final four in Omaha to last season in San Antonio
I heard there are going to be huge crowds and that just gets me more excited. Having been to the final four before, I definitely think that is an advantage, because you are prepared.
Senior Setter Courtney Thompson
On three Pac-10 making the national semifinals
There are so many great players in the Pac-10, that there is a lot of respect going both ways. They're our conference, so you want to cheer for them pre-season and post-season, unless you are playing them. We were excited to see three Pac-10 teams make it to the final four.