Freshman Josephson Leads Badgers at Point
December 05, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Two-time AAU All-American, Ashley Josephson of Onalaska, Wis., is one of a handful of players in the nation who start as freshman at point guard. Earning her first start on the recent West coast trip, she is also UW's third-leading scorer averaging 8.4 points per game. She had a career-high 13 points at Washington on Monday.
With the injuries to senior shooting guard Leah Hefte, and returning sophomore point guard Shawna Nicols, Josephson has been immediately forced into the spotlight. But for Josephson, it's not only a challenge, but a `dream come true'.
How did you prepare yourself for the transition from high school to NCAA Division I collegiate basketball'
This summer and a couple of summers actually, playing AAU ball really helped me out ... playing against the best competition in the nation. Also, practicing every day and working on all the different aspects of my game.
Are there differences in how you approach each game now compared to when you were in high school'
'You really have to be mentally prepared in a college game more than you had to be in high school because the competition is so much greater. '
Have you set some personal goals that you would like to make public'
'I just want to go out there and play my best. Show people what kind of player I am. I know I can compete at this level so I just want to show people I can play.'
You are the third-leading scorer for the team. How do you feel about your offensive contributions and are you encouraged to look for your shot '
'Yes, Jane (Albright) has come up to me and said I should be aggressive on offense and be a leader. I know I can do more offensively, but right now we are just getting a feel for the offensive flow. Our post players are now producing real well so we are getting the ball into them. It's great to have a couple six-foot whatever girls to pass it to. (Q: You didn't have that in high school). No, I was pretty much the tallest player.'
You wear No. 14, which also belonged to former Badger Kelley Paulus.
"Yes, Kelley Paulus is from LaCrosse where I am from so I've been following her since I was a little girl and I've just been wearing No. 14. She's inspired me to play. (Q: Have you had a conversation with her). Yes, a couple of times, and we talked about BadgerBall and how she liked it here and all the different aspects of college life.'
How are you able to balance your studies and basketball ' Has it been more difficult, less difficult'
'It's very difficult actually, because you want to focus on and do well in basketball but also you need to get the grades to be able to participate in basketball. It's definitely tough because basketball is so time consuming with lifting and conditioning and then practices. But you just have to find time. After practices you go and study for a couple of hours. You just have to find time to do studies also.'
Are you living your dream to be the starting point guard for the University of Wisconsin'
'I definitely am. This has always been my dream to come to Wisconsin and play the point guard spot, and just be someone who lights the fire. '
Josephson and the Badgers have just their second home game of the season playing host to Ball State Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
