Oct. 16, 2008

With two days before the start of practice and nearly a month before the start of the 2008-2009 season, DaytonFlyers.com will sit down with the newest members of the University of Dayton women's basketball team to get to know the Flyer freshmen a little better. The series, called Full Court Press, will introduce each of the seven freshmen. In today's edition, DaytonFlyers.com features Patrice Lalor.

Patrice Lalor led Toledo's Notre Dame High School to a 9-0 record by averaging 13.1 ppg, 6.6 apg, 4.4 spg, and 4.2 rpg before becoming injured during her senior season. Despite missing the last 11 games of the season Lalor was still an Honorable Mention All-State selection.

The Flyer rookie was also named a Toledo City League All-Academic Team selection and was First Team All-Toledo City and All-District VII.

Why did you decide to play basketball at UD?
I decided to play basketball at UD because of the beautiful campus, top notch facilities, and great academic program. I also loved the coaches when I first came to visit and the idea of being not just a team but a family.

What is your first ever basketball memory?
Playing in my backyard with my brother and dad on our little plastic basketball hoop.

What is your major? Why?
Electrical Engineering. I really enjoy math and science so I thought engineering would be a good way to go. I also chose electrical engineering because of the great opportunities it has to offer for me in the future.

What are your career goals?
To become a successful electrical engineer and eventually own my own business one day.

What has been your most memorable moment in life? at UD? on the court?
Graduating high school. Getting a scholarship to play basketball at UD. Coming back from being down 20 points in the city league semifinals to beat a rival team to play for the championship.

What motivates you to get up in the morning? on the court?
Living life and making the most of it motivates me to get up in the morning. The desire to get better each day and simply play basketball .

Who is your role model? Why?
My parents because they taught me to be the person that I am today. They make sure that I constantly work hard to succeed and motivate me every step of the way. They are great examples of leaders and have taught me to be a leader myself.

What athletes do you admire? Why?
Deanna Nolan because she is a great athlete who gives 100% at all times and is very humble about her talent and achievements.

What is your dream job? (not career goal but cool thing to do)
Reality TV star.

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world (living or deceased) who would they be?
Chris Brown and my dad's parents (deceased).

Tell us something about yourself that your roommate does not even know about you: I know how to solve a Rubik's cube.

Favorite part of your game: Making assists and handling the ball.

Favorite place to shoot on the court: 15ft and beyond.

My favorite part of being a Flyer: Being able to represent Dayton in one of the top facilities in the nation, in front of all the fans, and to do it with 13 other people is my favorite part of being a Flyer.

Teammate I hate guarding in practice: Kayla Moses.

If I could change one basketball rule: I would change the two 20 minute halves to four 10 minute quarters in college.

Favorite food(s): Macaroni and cheese.

Favorite restaurant(s): Don Pablo's.

Favorite pizza topping(s) : Cheese.

Favorite ice cream: Cookies and Cream.

Favorite movie(s): Glory Road and Enough.

Favorite Holiday: Christmas.

Favorite sports team(s) : Detroit Pistons and Shock, New England Patriots.

Hobbies: Using the computer and listening to music.

Actress who would play yourself: Gabrielle Union.

Your dorm/apt. is on fire...what three things would you save: IPod, phone, and computer.

The best meal I can cook is: Spaghetti and Lasagna.

My favorite professor is: Professor Anastasio - Philosophy.

My favorite piece of clothing is: My black senior sweats from high school.

When no one is looking, I like to: Sing.

My signature : Anything comfortable.

Give the position you play and why you think it is better than the other positions on the court: Point guard and it's better than other positions because we control the game. We are the extended coach out on the court.

Who are you most likely to talk to well after college: Kayla Moses and Brittany Wilson.

If I was Jim Jabir for a day, I would: Take everyone on vacation.

My pregame ritual: Listen to music and pray during the Star Spangled Banner.