A whopping 560 total votes were cast for the Times' Athlete of the Week, sponsored by SOCU, with Haley Larsen of Ottawa Women's Basketball taking home 261 votes. The Pirates' win over the conference-leading Sycamores on Friday night was big, and no basket was bigger than Larsen's drive and late score that was the difference in Ottawa's 37-25 victory.
Also on the ballot were runners-up Denver Traynor (Marquette men's basketball), Julianna Thrash (Ottawa women's wrestling) and Brady Ruestman (Fieldcrest men's basketball).
Here's our Q&A with this week's winners:
Do you have a nickname?
Larsen: Hi.
The Sycamores have been the team to beat in the Interstate 8 Conference for many years. Please tell us about the shot that decides your match. How did you feel when you saw it come in?
Larsen: We've wanted to get a Sycamore for a long time. It was a great team victory. As for the game-winning shot, I was trying to run the play beyond the timeout. As the play scrambled toward us, I saw a driving lane and I attacked. I was happy when it passed.
The Kingman Gym was nearly full that night for the men's game and the Hall of Fame recognition following your team's dramatic victory. What is special about playing at Kingman?
Larsen: Basketball is special at Kingman Gym, and the atmosphere gets even better on men's and women's nights. And since it's a Hall of Famer, there were a lot of people there. It's just a special place to play.
You are also a very talented softball player. How do you navigate the rapid transition between basketball and softball seasons?
Larsen: I try to be passionate about sports all year round.
How old were you when you started playing basketball and which league did you first play in?
Larsen: A fifth-year student who belongs to the Central Cyclones.
What's the best concert you've ever been to? Have you seen anyone on your bucket list?
Larsen: Best Concert – Morgan Wallen. I miss you – Zach Bryan.
You and your team go out to dinner to celebrate a big win. Where will you go and what will you order?
Larsen: Chipotle chicken bowl.
Did you have a favorite children's book series when you were a kid? What about now?
Larsen: “Junie B. Jones.”
What movie do you think you've seen more than any other? How many times?
Larsen: “Benchwarmers” I think I've seen it about 50 times.
What are the best three high school gyms you played in?
Larsen: 1. Kingman, 2. Washington, 3. Prairie Central.
Is there a fact about you that might surprise people who only know you through sports?
Larsen: I love to travel.
Do you still have plans to go to university? If so, does it relate to sports?
Larsen: A nursing home somewhere. I want to play basketball.
