AUSTIN, Texas -- Summertime in Austin usually entails swimming at Barton Springs with friends, checking out local musicians at one's favorite restaurant, or enjoying the variety of outdoor activities available in the area. While the Longhorns women's basketball squad takes advantage of all that Austin has to offer, its summer has a slightly different look.
The Horns spend their summers taking classes, recharging after the long season, attending workouts and preparing for next year. Read on to hear how senior Earnesia Williams and junior Erika Arriaran have been spending their `down-time' this summer.
On their favorite thing about summertime in Austin
Arriaran: Well since I like the beach, I'd have to say the beach or the water. I usually go out to Barton [Springs] and hang out in the water.
Williams: There are a lot of things you can do but I usually just focus on school and workouts. I like to stay inside, away from the heat.
On Fourth of July
Williams: For the fourth, I just hung out with my mom. She lives in Austin so we barbequed and watched some movies and just relaxed.
On how summer classes are going
Williams: Classes are good. I just finished the first summer session. I took a sports media writing component that I think went really well, hopefully an A! I am taking two classes this summer, one during each session.
On whether summer classes are harder or easier
Arriaran: Classes are definitely harder in the summer because you have to cram everything in even faster.
Williams: It depends on the class content, but it moves quicker. This past class, I had a big paper due at the end of every week so that was harder.
On summer workouts
Williams: Workouts have been good for me. I've been taking it a little easy, trying to get some rest for my knees but really working on staying lean. I lost 15-20 pounds this year towards the end of the season and that was really good for me. I'm just trying to lean up and maintain that weight.
On being completely healthy after the last season and a half
Arriaran: It's like I never left. It's like I just got back into things and am right back where I started. I'm really eager to get back out there. I know all this stuff is hard right now but it is going to be so worth it when we get to play again
On main goal for the summer workouts
Williams: My main focus is strength and rehabbing all my body parts. The summer is the best time to really work on that. During the season you really can't train as hard as you want to and when you have time off you have to practice and games don't really let anything heal.
Arriaran: My main focus is speed and defense. Those are things I definitely need to work on.
On spending time with the team
Williams: We had a little Houston get together a few weeks ago with about half of us that could make it. We went out shopping and just had some team fun. You have to get away and do some of that stuff to bond with your teammates.
