ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Earlier this week, NavySports.com sat down with Sophie Gatzounas, captain of the Navy women's basketball team, to get her thoughts on a variety of topics surround the team, the 2020-21 season, the new coaching staff and expectations for her senior campaign.

On the New Coaching Staff …
"Things have been really great so far. I really like how the dynamics have shaken out. The coaching staff is really positive and really involved. They are super easy to form relationships with. They have our backs and have done a great job of understanding the environment that we're in. The basketball IQ they bring is top-notch. All of the coaches are really knowledgeable with everything; it's definitely starting to translate on the court."
 
On the New Staff's Practice Style …
"It's pushing everyone to reach that next level; there is no option to go slow in practice. We're going up against five practice guys at all times. They're driving us to get to that next level too. They're forcing us to play at that fast pace and to get better against some really talented guys, which will hopefully translate when we start playing in games against women. The pace is definitely pushed, but it's been extremely effective."
 
On Working With Coach Taylor …
"Coach Taylor is really, really hands-on. He's really positive too, which is something we definitely need. He is so knowledgeable about the game and sees everything so well. He has been really patient with us and really instructive. He's done a lot of teaching and breaking things down with us, which has been really helpful. He's doing a great job of helping us find that next level and uncover talent that we didn't even know we had. I know that's what I'm finding personally; I'm being pushed to a level that I didn't necessarily know existed thanks to Coach Taylor. That's exciting to me; it's my senior year. No one really knows what the season is going to look like, but every day in practice is a new opportunity to get better; I really feel the team growing and improving."
 
On the Uncertainty of the Season …
"I think we're doing a good job of rolling with the punches so far. Not knowing exactly what the season will look like yet kind of takes its toll on you, but at the same time we keep that attitude of 'control what you can and focus on what you can focus on.' We're showing up in the gym every day and looking to get better regardless of what the season may bring. Obviously, it'd be nice to know what the season will look like, but we're flexible. We all recognize that things are constantly changing by the day. We're focusing on the controllables and doing our best at practice every day."
 
On Her Role as Team Captain and Leading During This Never Before Seen Type of Preseason ...
"This season has definitely been a lot bigger than just basketball. It's focused a lot on leadership both on and off the court. We've been trying to keep all of the moving pieces together in some form. With the delay in our start and the roster scattered with different return dates; it's been a lot. Everything over the summer was virtual, which was tough, but we had trust in each other that we all put in the work and followed the workouts on our own so that when we did have the opportunity to get back together everyone was in the same spot. I think the common understanding of the uniqueness of this situation and the shared focus on doing our best is keeping everyone together. It's been interesting, but I think we've done what we've needed to do and now we can focus on being together and getting the work done on the court. I think we're in a good place."
 
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic ...
"I was expecting back in March that we would come back some time over the summer and things were going to be back to normal. I wasn't sure what the world was going to look like, but I thought we'd be playing basketball in some capacity. I had an idea that my senior year was going to be different, but at the same time you can't ever really prepare for something like this. I've just been rolling with the punches and doing my best. It's hard to keep a lot of people together and at the same time keep myself together. It's definitely been difficult, but everyone has bought in and are supporting each other; we're figuring this out together."
 
On Team and Individual Expectations for 2020-21 Season ...
"I never imagined my senior season would be during a pandemic. With everything being as crazy as it is, I'm just grateful that I get to show up to practice and be around basketball in some capacity. There are a lot of teams that aren't together and get to do this at all. I have a lot of friends that play at lower levels that have already had their seasons cancelled weeks ago. The fact that we get to show up to the gym and practice every day, have games on the schedule and have the opportunity for things to happen is enough for me right now. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity; I know there are a lot of people working to make sure that we're safe and put in situations to succeed during these uncertain times. I don't know what the future holds so I'm appreciative for what we have in front of us now.

"The team goal is to stay together and get better. Coach Taylor has been stressing for us to get 1% better every day. He's not worried as much right now about being great, but he's focused on building a strong foundation and being good before finding that next gear and being great in February and March; it's a long season. There are a lot of things that we're working on. For me, starting fresh with a whole new coaching staff in my senior year, I'm pretty much re-learning everything. I'm keeping an open mind and keeping my energy up because this is new to everyone. Learning new things every day as we go is a personal goal for me. There are a lot of things off the court that I'm focusing on to keep the team together and united. We've got to make sure that we're staying healthy and morale is high."

On the Effect of Five Plebes Joining the Program ...
"The plebes have been great. I have really got to give it to them; being a plebe at anytime at the Naval Academy is tough, but especially in times like this and being part of a varsity team is no easy feat. They've been really helpful and have shown a lot of talent. I'm really impressed with how they're handling everything so far. It'll be fun to see them in live game action."
 
On Her Excitement Level for the 2020-21 Season ...
"I'm excited! I'm definitely ready to get on the court and play some games. I think we're all eager to see how we match up with other teams and see how the work and progress we've made looks in game action."