Cardinal Player Profile of the Month

Senior, Carolyn Moos

1. If there is a basketball player out there that you would most like to "be like" who is it and why is she your choice?

The players I have most enjoyed watching and learning from are Lisa Leslie and Natalie Williams. These players possess a combination of power/strength, athleticism and finesse, which are the best traits to watch in a basketball player. These talents enable a player to be versatile–so your opponent does not know what to expect, while also being able to adjust to the defense.

2. Who has had the greatest influence on your life and in what way did they influence you?

Family is the foundation for the way one acts and interacts in life. My older brother has been an incredible role model for me and my parents provide unconditional support. My closest friends, including Misty [Hyman] further influence my decisions and are there for me. Finally, my coaches here at Stanford have been a tremendous influence in the most positive way; providing me with skills that are useful on and off the court — making me the strongest person I can be while striving to fulfill my potential.

3. When did you first realize that you had a special basketball talent?

I hit 6’ by 6^thgrade and that is when a coach approached me to play the game. I had played all sports except basketball. In the beginning, what I had was a strong athletic foundation for my lanky body, but I would not say that I had "special" basketball talent. After endless, albeit ENJOYABLE hours on the court, I came to have a love for the game which might be manifest as special talent.

4. If you could change three things about the world what would those changes be?

- I would improve humanity’s social knowledge. It is one thing to be intellectually knowledgeable and completely another to be socially aware of people–their differences and similarities, and to develop an appreciation and tolerance of others.
- I would increase the time that people have to "give back"
- I would increase cooperation/cohesion through international exchange: sport, media coverage, exposure.

5. Who has motivated you most as a scholar?

Although numerous teachers have helped direct my passions, I had three special English teachers in middle school and high school who fostered my interest in creative writing. Here at Stanford, I enjoyed the open ended assignments that my writing professor provided. My Spanish professors have been especially effective in exposing me to knowledge beyond traditional textbook knowledge.

6. What character traits do you think are most important for a truly special basketball player? Do you think you possess these traits? What basketball skills are most important for a Division I basketball player?

- Tenacity, passion, dedication, fierce, competitive, hungry, consistent, supportive, mentally and physically strong, positive. If you can find something you truly love to do and can’t imagine your day without it–then you will possess these traits.
- Because this is how I feel about the game, I hope this shows in the expression of the aforementioned traits in my character .
- The most important skills include the ability and will to rebound, play good defense, finish on open shots, running the court, passing, ball-handling and making others better.

7. What was the most unexpected thing about Stanford?

The only thing I can think of that I did not expect was living in a quad with three roommates my freshman year–but it turned out great because they all had wonderful personalities and were fun to hang out with. We figured out how to share the space–which was a necessary thing–and we always felt that we "had each others’ back."

8. When you thinking about the teams that we have played against, what player(s) challenge you to be your best?

A player challenges you to be your best when they have scouted you well, know your game, and try to take away your "favorite moves." This pushes me to respond to counter the defense, show all my cards and play my best game.

9. Comment on your Stanford team/teammates.

My Stanford team and teammates are incredibly well-rounded individuals. They are fun to hang out with off the court. Although each person gives our team something different, I have an appreciation for every one of them. On the court, I know I can depend on them to believe in what we are out to accomplish and to work on what we need in order to win.

10. Do you see yourself as a role model, and if so, how does that inform your acts?

Yes, clearly youth look to older student-athletes for direction. They aspire to excel and need some guidance in the choices they make and how they are made. Understanding this dictates the way I want to come across to young audiences. With all my acts, I bear in mind that who I am and what I do may be emulated by the kids I touch.

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