Goodrich Makes Official Jayhawk Debut
Nov. 15, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
The Kansas women’s basketball team took on Oral Roberts University in their season opener on November 15 and highly recruited redshirt freshman guard Angel Goodrich used this as her opportunity to show fans, players and coaches that she is back and better than ever.
Goodrich finally experienced her first official start after coming off an upsetting torn ACL injury that occurred in the team’s second practice of the 2008-2009 season.
“It feels good to have my first start,” Goodrich said. “The exhibition games were something, but this game actually counted, so I was a little nervous still. “
However, Goodrich’s nervousness didn’t show. She played with major intensity in the first half recording four assists and ending the game with a total of seven assists, helping the Jayhawks to a much deserved victory against a team from her native state of Oklahoma.
“The first couple of weeks back I was still learning the plays on some things and I was still a little hesitant,” Goodrich said. “I think I am getting more used to plays and where my teammates go and I think that is making me more comfortable.”
She made up for lost time by ending the game scoring in double digits with 10 total points. Goodrich scored a big shot in this fast paced game by grabbing a quick rebound in the second quarter and following it up with jump shot.
“I felt a lot more comfortable shooting the ball,” Goodrich said. “Last week at practice I was trying to focus on getting my feet correct and getting the shot off on an on-ball screen. I think once I start shooting I can be a threat.”
However, Goodrich’s intensive play got her into a bit of foul trouble in the first half, but she still ended her career debut with 23 minutes of floor time.
“Angel getting in foul trouble wasn’t good for us,” Kansas head coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “She found pretty good rhythm and played aggressively offensively. She has played like this in practice more the last 10 days.”
The team’s goal for the year is to finish at the top nationally and Goodrich is going to do everything she can to propel the Jayhawks forward.
“I am going to focus in on one game at a time and not looking too far head,” Goodrich said. “There are goals that we have set for the team, but if we start to look ahead too much I think that will mess with us. I am going to continue to look at the game we are playing next.”
Goodrich is now looking at Wednesday Nov. 18 when the Jayhawks travel to Iowa for a game against the Hawkeyes. Goodrich had a long recovery process, but that has not stopped her from bringing the heat back into the game she loves.
