NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: FIRST ROUND - MONTANA STATE VS STANFORD

March 17, 2022

Tara VanDerveer

Anna Wilson

Francesca Belibi

Stanford Cardinal

Media Conference

Q. What in particular would you say is different about this team in this year than last?

ANNA WILSON: I'd say the identity of this team is definitely experience but, you know, it's also the way that we play defense. It's also just the idea that, you know, last year, kind of, going through a COVID year and a lot of us coming back and then people coming in, I think, it's just a really good mixture of a lot of different talent. And, I think, we just kind of buy into that. And so, I wouldn't say we have one particular one identity in particular. I think there's a lot of things that we can do, but yeah, I think a lot of it is experience and the people coming in just doing their part, so.

Q. Does this feel more like a normal year?

LACIE HULL: Yeah. We were kind of talking about it on the walk over because Fran has never experienced this because we didn't have it our sophomore year either. So I have only had it my freshman year. It's definitely feeling more like normal. I don't really know what normal is anymore because that was only one of three, but it definitely feels good to be back at Maples for the first two rounds, and it's exciting to have all of our fans to be able to come to those games too.

Q. Anna, do you want to touch on that, as well, just because it's a special place to be able to be on your home court?

ANNA WILSON: Yeah. There was one year where we didn't have an NCAA tournament here because of gymnastics, and then, the other year, obviously, COVID happened. But I would say that it's just really exciting to play in front of Stanford fans, you know, having another opportunity to do that. And obviously, hosting is a really great thing for our team and being able to have, you know, familiar faces in the stands and everything so before, you know, moving on to any other stage of the tournament. So it's just really exciting to be playing at Maples.

Q. I'm just wondering what you've seen from Montana State so far on film, and what stands out about their game to each of you?

FRANCESCA BELIBI: Yeah. I think, it's definitely an interesting challenge. We know that they're really aggressive on defense, kind of, in a way, we were told, like, Colorado and, then, again, like shooters on the outside, in a way, kind of, like, Utah. So we know that we're preparing for two, like two teams that we've already played and one team, in a way. And so, we're really excited for the challenge and opportunity.

LACIE HULL: Yeah. I think, in film and stuff, we have been, kind of, focusing on they have great talent. They have great players. So, today, we're going to focus in on the scout there and really lock in on the defense that we're planning on using so.

ANNA WILSON: Yeah. I think, Montana State, obviously, they're in the tournament, so they're a great team. We're really focused, as well, on scouting report, but also, just on ourselves. So, you know, if we come out and play Stanford basketball, we should be good.

Q. Do you have a sense of confidence, energy, nervous energy, all three? If you can just describe, kind of, how you're feeling as a group.

LACIE HULL: I would say that there's, definitely, a little bit of all three. There's energy. There's, I think, a sense of confidence that we know, if we play our game, we're capable of anything that we want to achieve. So, I think, that there's, like, a sense of unity, and we have this vision, and we have this goal, and, I think, that there's, like, that cohesive mindset and vision. And I think that we're real excited to get started on the games.

Q. Just how have you seen Haley grow and kind of handle this attention and focus? But how has she kind of grown into this roll?

ANNA WILSON: Haley's a tremendous teammate. Obviously, she's a great player, but really, she elevates everyone else, you know, who is on the court and in the locker room. And so, obviously, I'm very grateful to be able to play beside her, and, I think, like, we've talked about this before but, you know, the words and everything, you know, whether she gets them or doesn't, that doesn't really determine her value or her worth. And so, you know, I'm just really proud of her and, you know, she's going to do great in the tournament.

Q. Just how much confidence do you take going into this tournament knowing that you guys won it last year? Does it feel different starting out a tournament as the defending champions, more pressure, but also, do you take more confidence from that as well knowing you have gone through the fire and come out on top?

LACIE HULL: I think that while, yes, there is some sort of confidence from having won because you know what it takes to get there, this is a completely different season, a different team. So I think that we have that in the back of our minds, but we can't really rely on anything from last season, so we're focused on each game as is.

Q. How do you think that the distance of your student fans really impacts your game either on and off the court?

ANNA WILSON: I would say that, obviously, we love when students can make it to the games. I think that in order to have, you know, the athletes closer and whatnot, I think there's a lot more going into that than what we can speak to. But of course, like, any time that we can have a lot of students there, and, obviously, right now, with student break and everything or spring break it will have a different kind of, you know, vibe and everything. But, you know, I hope that more students can come in the future, and, you know, whatever those things that make it a little different, hopefully, we can see changes and everything. So, yeah.

Q. How important is it to carry momentum like that into the tournament?

FRANCESCA BELIBI: I think it's really important, just kind of having that in the back of our minds, what we're capable of doing and what we know we can do. But every game, like Lacie said, is a new game, and so it's a new step and something we have to prepare for differently and continue to prepare for, so it's nice to be able to carry that momentum. But now, we've seen what we can do and what we're capable of, and so, that just kind of shows us what we need to keep doing.

Q. What are your impressions of Montana, if any of you have ever been to the state? What do you know about the state?

LACIE HULL: Well, my dad travels to Montana a lot for work. I've been there a few of times. I think it's beautiful. It's, kind of, a hidden gem. I don't know much about it, but I think there's a lot of pretty places.

ANNA WILSON: Yeah. What she said.

FRANCESCA BELIBI: Never been, but I'll take Lacie's word for it.

Q. Last season so much came up about the inequities between the men and women's tournaments, and Stanford had a role in that and some courage to speak up, and, I guess, I would be curious what you three have noticed this time around.

ANNA WILSON: Yeah. I think, you know, kind of, going into this tournament, we, obviously, kind of, have our antenna up. Obviously, our main focus is doing well in the tournament and being able to see the changes that, hopefully, are made by continuing to win. I think that it is, obviously, with a lot of hope that there have been a lot of changes made. And, you know, hopefully, there are no excuses for why it would be any different. So yeah.

FRANCESCA BELIBI: I mean, it's Women's History Month. It's the 50th anniversary of Title IX this year. So there's, kind of a lot is expected, I think, especially, with what happened last year. And, like Anna said, our goal is to keep winning to, hopefully, see what changes are made and if changes are being made. And just, yeah, you know, the hope is that changes are being made and will be made, and we can only just try to hope and see that.

LACIE HULL: I think, echoing all of that, we're really grateful for Tara and her efforts in making those changes, so I think that it's exciting and that we're looking forward to, hopefully, seeing positive change happen and continue to happen.

Q. I know we're early.

LACIE HULL: It's early to tell. I think that those changes happen a little further down the road. We haven't really gotten into our swag bags yet, so we'll get back to you on that one.

Q. Just talk about, kind of, the difference there and kind of your thoughts on a format where you do get rewarded for home court, kind of, like, what the NBA does?

ANNA WILSON: There's definitely an advantage to having home court, and, I think, that last season, obviously, is an example of playing on a neutral court. Obviously, with COVID, there's, you know, a minimum of fans that, you know, can come and or a maximum of fans that can come. And so, I think that, obviously, for people who haven't experienced, you know, the NCAA tournament, they'll probably hear that or see that or feel that energy by having, you know, familiar faces in the stands. And, maybe, there will be a higher level of comfort because of that. But I think that, you know, NCAA game is a game, and you win or lose, whether there's fans there or not. So yeah, I think that it's just a really cool experience to be able to have home fans in the stands.

Q. They sent out a Title IX gender inequity feedback form a few weeks ago, and I was just wondering if you guys filled it out or plan to fill it out?

FRANCESCA BELIBI: I don't read my e mails, but I will get back to that one. And yeah, I'll for sure fill it out and make sure our voice is heard.

Q. What have your experiences been like in Montana, and what stood out to you about the state?

COACH VANDERVEER: First of all, 406, I love Montana. You know, Joslyn Tinkle, recruited her from Missoula. I've driven through it. Got a cabin in Minnesota. I've gone up and done clinics on the Salish Kootenai reservation, beautiful, beautiful country. We're really excited. We played Montana before in the NCAA tournament, and, I believe, it's the first time we're playing Montana State. And we're really excited to play Montana State. And what a tremendous job Trisha has done with her team, and we know that there are great fans in Montana and, you know, they love their basketball.

Q. On the court, what have you seen from them on tape so far, and what are you expecting to see tomorrow night from them?

COACH VANDERVEER: Well, you know, I've noticed a lot of things. I've watched a number of their games, you know, they're led by an outstanding point guard that gets to the free throw line a lot. They're really good shooters, inside outside game. They have depth, very well coached team, very scrappy, aggressive team. And, you know, if they get down, they're not out. All the things that, you know, typify championship teams. They are coming off of a great championship in the Big Sky, and we will have to play very well to advance, and we know that.

Q. What's your philosophy on, you know, scouting out these teams further down in the bracket?

COACH VANDERVEER: What I tell our team is, you know, with our coaches, basically, we never look ahead, but we have to plan ahead. So our coaches have mapped out the whole bracket, the whole tournament, in terms of who they scout. And they can't wait until they can't wait until tomorrow. If we're successful tomorrow, we have to be ready for the next game, so the coaches are working ahead. I work by the bracket. I just look at who's in the bracket and try to figure out what are the things that, you know, so for us to get ready for the bracket, the three additional teams that are in our bracket, and we have a great bracket here. Hopefully, you'll get a chance to watch, the first game with Georgia Tech and Kansas, just really, really talented teams. The whole tournament is really deep. So we, definitely, with our team, we're focused totally on Montana State, and we just go one game, one possession at a time.

Q. Have you been in touch with Joslyn this week and have those conversations what have they gone like?

COACH VANDERVEER: You know, I got a text from Joss just wishing us good luck. You know, she's in the conference. And so, it would be it would not be, I don't think, ethical to talk to her about, you know, playing against their own conference. But I think, you know, she wishes us good luck because she was a Stanford alum. But, you know, it's difficult when your team is when a conference team is playing another team. Like, for me, Arizona's playing UNLV, like, who do I root for? You know, I want the conference team to do really well, but I love Lindy. So I think it's, kind of, that situation for Joslyn. But, you know, we're watching as many games as I can. You know, thank goodness for synergy, and they have just, you know, an outstanding team, and we just have to do our work to get ready. You know, and, I mean, Joslyn I just, you know, I'm just really proud of her and really glad at first, I thought we were going to be playing them. I was like, Oh, my gosh. We're going to be playing Joss's team, and then, I realized that she was at Montana. But we're really excited to play Montana State.

Q. Can you talk about what they mean to this program and what they meant to the team this year?

COACH VANDERVEER: Well, it's a tremendous, tremendous honor for both of them to be named AP All American players, and they've had both of them have had great years. And I would also say that the supporting cast has really whether it's Anna, Lexie, Lacie, Hannah Jump, Fran, the depth of our team is why I'm sitting here. We are led by Cam and Haley. They're tremendous talents, and we're really proud of them. I'm also proud of the fact that Lexie and Lacie were named CoSIDA Academic All Americans. What I tell our team is, awards come for people when your team does well. Kate Paye was named assistant coach of the year this week. So when your team does well, people are given individual awards. I know that everyone knows the big picture is how our team does, and Haley and Cam are extremely unselfish players. They, you know, they're very talented. But they know that it's that they don't do it by themselves.

Q. Lacie was just saying we can't rely on anything from last season. Do you appreciate that approach?

A. Well, not only did they go through all of that last year, but think of the year before, when we sat down on March 13, I believe, and said, you know, there's no NCAA tournament. So I know that our team, really, and our coaches, we really appreciate this opportunity. We are, you know we already referenced kind of the disparity from last year, but we are really thankful for the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament and for all the work that, you know, goes into this tournament. The staff, the NCAA staff and all the other people that are associated with the tournament do. It's a tremendous, tremendous undertaking, and it's a great opportunity for our team. And, you know, going through it last year in a different way and shape, I think we appreciate it this way too.

Q. Can you see any hints yet that things will be better on the women's side, and do you look back and really take some pride in the fact that your program stood up for it?

COACH VANDERVEER: Well, I mean, already you see the March Madness, which, to me, is like, how hard was that? Right? But whether it's March Madness or having 68 teams, I think that they're going to have to and the NCAA, we did a zoom with, you know, President Mark Emmert, with Lynn Holzman, and Dan Gavitt, and, basically, they said, We have a long way to go, but we can't wait 50 more years, you know? So we need to see those changes. And, you know, it can't be the hot dogs for the girls and steak for the boys. And I think those the outrage that the video by Allie Kershner or Sedona Prince, the article in the New York times, the congressional hearings, I think has everyone's attention. You referenced the Stanford gender equity. I hope all the women on our team open their e mails and respond. You know, there are things that are just, you know, so business as usual that whether it's the concerts that were at the men's tournament and not at the women's tournament. Whether it's even at the PAC 12 level where all the meetings for the presidents and provosts or trustees are always at the men's tournament. Why not flip it between men's and women's tournament? So we do have work to do, but I'm hoping. And we're really optimistic that we're going in the right direction, and we're going to move quickly.

Q. How do you take the success you've had this season, such as in the Pac 12 tournament, and use them to your advantage and harness that now as the stakes get higher?

COACH VANDERVEER: Okay. I think that's a great question. Nothing succeeds like success. So, you know, when you have been successful, I think you can lean on that success. It's not that you it's not that you can just show up and think you can just play without, but you know you've battled. You know what you have to do. You know, when you've gone to the final four, and you've won games by one point in each game, you know, it's like, you do build kind of a reserve tank that you have to dip into sometimes. And we had to dip into it this year with the games that we've played. But it's not just last year what we have done. We really scheduled very tough this year, you know, playing at South Carolina, playing at Tennessee, playing at Gonzaga, playing, you know, in the tournament with Maryland, playing Texas. So we feel we're battle tested.

Can I just I just wanted to put something out there. One of the coaches that's here from Georgia Tech is Nell Fortner, who was my assistant at the Olympics, and about 26 years ago, about now, Nell and I were in the city of Kiev. And I know other coaches and all of you in this room, we're in this little basketball bubble, but I want to put a challenge out to other coaches to our fans, to everyone in here. I've already my sister has already accepted the challenge. I'd like to donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, and I'm not sure which fund it will be yet, $10 for every three point made in the NCAA women's tournament. So Dayton is already costing me some money. But I just want to hope that men's coaches, women's coaches, women's fans, you know especially, for Nell and I. When I see Nell, I know that we'll go back to a great time.

I'd like to tell a quick story of what happened. When our team was in Ukraine, we played the Ukraine national team at least ten times. I would call them our cousins because we saw them in so many tournaments and played against them. So, maybe, I have an affinity for the country and watching what's happening has been really, really very hard. But when our team was leaving Ukraine, women, at 3:30 in the morning, were begging outside of our bus, and our team emptied their suitcases, emptied their wallets, and, you know, just were very generous. And I hope that I hope that our NCAA tournament I hope people can make a lot of threes, and I can be very generous, and I hope that other people will get on board with this challenge. And after every NCAA tournament day, will post how much I owe. And I'd like people to match the challenge. Did I get any takers? Even if it's a dime a three. I'm going $10 a three.