CORTLAND, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) gets an inside look at its Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week in this week's Q&A with Taylor Durnin (Lyon Mountain, N.Y.).
Durnin recorded 76 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in Plattsburgh's three game sweep this week. In Tuesday's 72-69 win over Potsdam. The junior led the team with a career-high 26 points, including shooting 12-16 from the free throw line. She also added two assists and three rebounds. On Friday, Durnin led the team and rewrote her resume with a new career-high of 28 points in the Cardinals' 64-57 victory over Fredonia, while picking up seven rebounds. The Cardinal led the team once again on Saturday with 22 points in their 71-67 triumph over Buffalo State, adding eight assists and three rebounds. Durnin played 116 minutes last week and made 70.7% of her free throws.
Taylor Durnin
Institution: Plattsburgh
Sport: Women's Basketball
Position: Guard/Forward
Year: Junior
Hometown: Lyon Mountain, N.Y.
Major: Undeclared
Q&A:
- Which professional athlete do you have the most respect for?
I have the most respect for LeBron James. He was one of the main basketball players I looked up to when I was young. He always has his head up when he is playing, and never brings his team down with negative energy. I also have respect for him with the ways he has given back to the community such as the school he built, and how generous his foundation is with helping pay for kids to go to college.
- What's your competition day meal?
My competition day meal is either peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese.
- What age did you start competing in your sport?
I started playing basketball in third grade.
- Do you have a hidden or special talent?
My hidden talent is I am good at golf.
- What is your career goal post college?
Physical education teacher
- What's on your music playlist?
Post Malone
- Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
I get to the gym two hours before the game starts, and hang out with the team while listening to music.
- What's the best advice anyone has given you?
The best advice I have ever gotten was from my mom, she always told me from day one to remember why you started. This advice works for everything you do in life. Remember why you started this job, remember why you started to play basketball, remember why you wanted to accomplish anything. Nine times out of ten it is because you have passion, love, and drive for the things that you begin. When you are half way through and its starting to get difficult remember what you felt when you started it. And use it to help you moving forward. Whenever something does not go my way whether on or off the court I think about why I started and how happy it has made me. It really helps with thinking about the next play instead of dwelling on the past, and moving on in life in general.
- What are your hobbies outside of your sport?
I like to play golf in the summer, I like playing with my dog, and I like to hang out with my friends/family.
- What's your favorite memory since competing for your institution?
My favorite team memory since competing for my institution was my sophomore year. I was out for the whole season my freshman year with a torn MCL, ACL, and meniscus. I tore everything the summer between senior year of high school and freshman year of college. I was still a part of the team, just doing rehab every day instead of practicing every day. It was very strenuous and extremely difficult to sit on the sidelines when all of my friends and teammates were playing. I ended up getting cleared in September of my sophomore year. I was able to do preseason with the team, and continued to play that season. The encouragement and support I had throughout this process from my teammates made it so much easier. If I had anyone else as teammates I don't know if I would have been able to do it. They pushed me every day during rehab, and continue to push me to this day. Specifically, my favorite memory was definitely putting on the jersey for the first time after my injury, and being able to be an official Cardinal.