6 Questions With Holy Cross Basketball Forward Amy Lepley

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

John Barone, GoLocalWorcester Sports Contributor

Senior forward Amy Lepley.

On Jan. 6, Amy Lepley scored her 1,000th career point for the Holy Cross women’s basketball team, becoming the 28th player in program history to achieve that milestone. The senior forward from Norfolk, Mass., a second-team All-Patriot League selection last season, is averaging 12.3 points and a team-best 5.4 rebounds through 11 games, after missing the Crusaders’ first nine contests with an injury.

GoLocalWorcester: What is your primary goal for this season?

Lepley: The most important goal is to win the Patriot League championship. We have not done that since I’ve been here, so that is my main priority.

GoLocalWorcester: How do you strike a balance between schoolwork and playing a sport?

Lepley: I always find I do better when I am in-season, because I have to manage my time. My teammates always joke with me that I get my homework done so far in advance, but I like to stay on top of my work and not try to cram it all in the night before. Basketball and school are very important to me, so I know that I have to manage my time efficiently so I have enough time for both.

GoLocalWorcester: What are the biggest differences between playing high school and college basketball?

Lepley: The speed and physicality are so much more intense. Also, you have to be prepared for every team that you face. In high school, you could get away with mistakes because you were usually that much better. However, in college, everyone is just as fast, just as strong and just as good, so you need to make sure you are prepared. Also, the time commitment in college is so much greater because you have practice, extra shots, lift, film, etc.

GoLocalWorcester: What are your strengths as a player?

Lepley: I think I am a pretty smart player. I am also a pretty good passer, especially passing to the other posts. I also think I am pretty versatile because I can shoot, take it to the basket, pull up and post up.

GoLocalWorcester: Who introduced you to basketball?

Lepley: My dad introduced me to the game. He was always outside shooting with my brothers, and I always looked up to them. I wanted to do everything that my two brothers did, so I started shooting in the driveway with my dad and playing organized basketball when I was old enough. Growing up, I always looked up to Diana Taurasi because I just loved her game.

GoLocalWorcester: How do you like to spend your free time?

Lepley: I like to spend my free time with my friends and family. Also, I love hot yoga, so I do that as much as I can. In the summertime, I love the beach.