REDHAWK CHAT: Maria Fantanarosa

For this week's RedHawk chat, the head coach of Miami women's basketball, Maria Fantanarosa stopped by Thursday to answer questions.

Coach Fantanarosa is in her 12th season at Miami and currently holds a 182-163 record at her alma mater. She recently became the first Miami women's basketball coach to earn 100 MAC wins. The RedHawks are coming off a impressive 96-51 victory over Northern Illinois on Wednesday and will be traveling to Central Michigan for a game on Saturday.

Here is a transcript of today's chat.

MURedHawks.com:

MURedHawks.com: We'd like to welcome everyone to this week's chat. Coach Fantanarosa is here and is ready to answer your questions.

Oxford: Just out of curiosity what are your recent stars Amanda Jackson and Jenna Schone doing now?

Maria Fantanarosa: AJ started the year playing in Spain professionally. Her contract was dropped, but picked up by another team in Armenia. Jenna just completed her student teaching at Pickerington North High School and is coaching their freshmen girls' team.

Bruce (St. Louis): Is your recruiting class filled? If not, what position(s) are you still trying to fill?

Maria Fantanarosa: We signed four players to NLIs last November and still could sign one more in the 2010 recruiting class. We are actively recruiting the 2011 and 2012 classes as well at this time. Kristin Judson is going to redshirt and will have four years of eligibility starting next season.

Fairfield: The team seems to have improved its rebounding as of late. What has been the turnaround factor? Is it just we are usually taller than the opponent?

Maria Fantanarosa: It is a combination of two things. The first is that we are consistently going to the offensive glass and the second is that are matchup zone has been positioning our players next to the opponent when the shot goes up. Height and athleticism has been a positive in some games but not in others.

Jessica (Oxford): That was an incredible game from Rachael Hencke last night! What has been the key to her improved performance this year?

Maria Fantanarosa: Rachael is a hard worker and a true student of the game. She does extra shooting several times a week. Rachael continues to ask questions about our offensive philosophies to better contribute to our team success. Her transition from forward to guard is still at its infancy, but she is gaining confidence and is enjoying the mismatches that she creates.

Bill (Loveland): What's the biggest challenge in carrying a big win (NIU game) over to the next game in a tough road environment (CMU Saturday), especially with a young team?

Maria Fantanarosa: CMU is a very strong team at home. They press and change defenses for 40 minutes. The confidence that we gained attacking NIU's pressure last night will need to continue. Our team reversed the ball and continued to attack the basket. This led to high percentage shots in the paint, as well as kicks to 3-point shooters. Our scout will continue to focus on our strengths in order to keep our turnovers low and our young team confident and focused.

Matt (Richmond): You played everyone last night. Does the team function better when you are able to get everyone some playing time, or is it better when your star players like Osborn, Hencke and Boyer are on the floor the majority of the time?

Maria Fantanarosa: Ideally it would be nice to rotate 10 players. Our philosophy has always been to play the five most consistent players the majority of the game. Being consistent on both ends of the court during each practice is also very important. Fouls and injuries this season has affected our rotation. With a young team, being consistent is a challenge. We have been fortunate to rotate seven every game this year. Factors that also affect the rotation are the tempo of the game and the strength of the opponent.

MURedHawks.com: We would like to thank Coach Fantanarosa for stopping by. Be sure to check our next chat next Thursday when our guest will be a representative of the hockey team.

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