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Ryan Hemesath "Inside the Lines": Rachel Madrigal's success at Decorah High School carries over to UNI women's basketball team

She led the Decorah Vikings to an undefeated regular season, a trip to State last year, became Decorah's all time leading score and was named first team all State in 2007. Rachel Madrigal is arguably one of the most prolific girl's basketball players to play at Decorah High School. Now she is in her freshman year at the University of Northern Iowa. She is contributing around 12 minutes a game. Madrigal explains the journey that has made her where she is today and possibly a couple more years to come.

How has the transition been from high school to college basketball?
College basketball is all-together a completely different game. I would say there are at least three major transitions: defense, ball handling, and the amount of intensity put into everything you do. However, hard work and great teammates have made for a smoother transition.

What are some lessons you learned from Steve Angell to prepare you for college?
He taught me to be prepared and be on time!

There has been a new basketball arena built at UNI. How have you enjoyed that and the atmosphere for Division I college basketball?
The McLeod Center is amazing! Every time I step onto the floor, I get this "big time" feeling and that's a great feeling.

What has it been like to meet new friends on the team?
The girls on the team are better than anything I could have dreamed of. I was a little nervous coming in because I was afraid that no one would laugh at my jokes but I was totally wrong. My friends have turned into my family. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.

Could you explain what first year head coach Tanya Warren is like?
Well, she may be about the size of my right leg (she’s tiny!) but she is fiery! She is probably the most positive and honest person I’ve ever met and those are two great qualities to have in a coach. The coaching staff in general is phenomenal. They’re tough but we always have a lot of fun.

What are some things you really enjoy about basketball and college life?
I love college life! It's like a nonstop sleepover with my friends and the party doesn't stop. When I get to basketball, my teammates are my best friends. My favorite part is the road trips. We always have a blast!

What has been your motivation to always be a better basketball player and teammate?
I have always been super competitive. As a little kid, no one wanted to play with me because nothing was ever "just a game." I was in it to win it. So everyday our coaches tell us to go into practice with the mentality to kick each other's butts and by doing that we make ourselves better, we make our teammates better, and therefore make the team better. Great teammates has always been my motivation and will continue to make me a better basketball player.

Did feel any pressure or nervousness debuting in your first couple game as a Northern Iowa Panther?
I’m not going to lie. It was really scary putting on that jersey for the first time but after that first tip off, you realize it's just ball playing something you have been doing since you were five years old. I still get nervous but it's a good nervous.

During a game, what are some things that are hard to do oppose to high school ball?
Defense has been the biggest change from high school ball to college ball. Last year, I played what the team called "Rachel Defense," where I just kind of hung out under the basket and tried to block shots (probably the reason why I ended up in foul trouble in half the games) but believe it or not this year I actually have to move a little.

Could you explain what type of injury you have and how long you might sit out?
I have a stress fracture on my second metatarsal in my foot. I can finally get rid of my crutches on January 17th and start working my way back into things from there. I am definitely counting down the days. Crutches might be the worst thing ever invented!

Finally, what would be some future goals in your mind as a Northern Iowa Panther?
The team is always talking about being the first women’s team in UNI history to win a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and make it to the NCAA Tournament and by the time I'm done here I want to have both of those under my belt. It was be awesome to be a part of a team that special. I would like to give a little shout out to the Decorah Girl’s Basketball Team. It was so great to see you all at the UNI/Iowa game! I miss you and love you all! Good luck with the rest of the season. Keep up the good work!

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