Aug. 3, 2009

Brittany Eley, a guard on the George Mason women's basketball team, is entering her third season as a member of the Patriots. GoMason.com recently had a chance to catch up with the Waldorf, Md., native.

GoMason: How is your summer going?
Brittany Eley: My summer is going very well. I'm here on campus taking one class and playing basketball. We are lifting, conditioning, and playing at open gyms.

GM: Have you traveled anywhere on vacation?
BE: Unfortunately, no I have not been anywhere. The furthest I have gone is to NJ and PA, but they weren't vacations.

GM: Describe your daily routine during the summer.
BE: I usually try to sleep in as long as I can because I know once the season starts my day will be starting at 7 a.m. almost every morning. Then, I go to the weight room. After that usually go back to my room to work on homework. Go play at open gym. Then maybe try to get a quick nap before I have class at 7 p.m.

GM: What's your favorite song this summer? Favorite movie?
BE: Favorite song: Break Up by Gucci Mane, Mario, and Sean Garrett. Favorite Movie: Orphan

GM: What's your favorite memory of the 2008-09 season?
BE: My favorite memory of course was when we finally beat ODU!!!

GM: What are you looking forward to most about this upcoming season?
BE: I'm just looking forward to seeing how many teams we can upset. We have so much new talent on the team, and I think we have players who want to work hard.

GM: How much do you see your teammates during the summer?
BE: I live with almost all of my teammates now so I see them from when I wake up until I go to sleep.

GM: Looking forward to next season as an upperclassman, how do you think your role on the team will change?
BE: I think I will have to become more of a vocal leader especially with a lot of freshmen coming in. Other than that I do not believe my role will change too much.

GM: What do you think is going to be your biggest improvement this next season?
BE: I think our drive and willingness to work hard to get better is the biggest thing that is going to change this year.

GM: With six new players suiting up in 2009-10, what are your expectations for the team?
BE: My expectations are no different from the coaches' expectations. They already have the right mindset so motivating them and getting them to work will not be hard at all.

GM: What's the best part of summer for you?
BE: The best part of the summer is chillin' with my friends and just relaxing.