Meet the Newcomers: Rachel Sheffer
10/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 9, 2009
Rachel Sheffer joins the University of Michigan women's basketball team from Watervliet High School in Watervliet, Mich., after an outstanding prep career. Sheffer was a four-year letterwinner and posted 1,490 career points and 1,074 rebounds. She led her squad to three district championships, two conference and two divisional championships.
Sheffer was a three-time team MVP at Watervliet and an Associated Press All-State first team selection as a junior. She was also named to the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan first team and was named one of the Top 100 Players in the State of Michigan (No.14)
In addition, she was a finalist for the 2009 Miss Basketball Award. She joins teammate Nya Jordan as a finalist while teammate Jenny Ryan was Michigan's 2009 Miss Basketball. Sheffer also was a Sporting News Preseason honorable mention All-American her senior year.
In the fourth of a six-part question-and-answer series with the newcomers from the University of Michigan women's basketball team, Rachel sat down with MGoBlue.com to give us a little more insight into one of Michigan's newest center/forwards.
Where is your hometown?
I'm from Watervliet, Michigan.
Do you have any siblings?
I have an older brother named Kyle and an older sister named Sarah. Sarah is 21 and Kyle is 19.
You guys just arrived on campus this summer. How are adjusting to being a college student so far and what has been the biggest challenge?
The first few weeks on campus took a little bit to adjust with knowing my way around and finding things, but the biggest challenge would be managing my time with everything going on.
You visited a few schools in the recruiting process, what made you want to come to Michigan?
I came to Michigan because of the women's basketball coaching staff and being a part of the huge student body.
What are you thinking about majoring in and what is your dream job?
I am enrolled in the School of Kinesiology and majoring in sports management. My dream job would be to coach at the Division I level or work for a professional sports team.
What most impresses you about Coach Borseth and his staff?
I am most impressed by how when I met all of the coaches, that on the car ride back home after my first visit, I could remember each coach and point out different positive things about them and knowing that I just met them was crazy to feel all of the positive energy coming from each of them. I have never got that feeling from a coaching staff before.
How has it been meeting your new teammates?
It feels like I have known them for years!! I love the fact that even though six freshmen are new to the team, we feel like we are already a part of their family!
What are your thoughts about playing in the Big Ten?
I am really going to be on TV!??! I am super stoked about being in the Big Ten Conference!
When you think of Crisler Arena what first comes to mind?
The lights are REALLY bright!
You come in with five other freshmen; how have you guys bonded since being on campus together?
We stayed in touch through Facebook and texting and now that we are here, we are exploring campus together and loving it!!
You were named a finalist for Michigan's Miss Basketball; can you talk about that honor?
To come in third for Miss Basketball is unbelievable. To know that out of the whole state of Michigan, I was named third is an awesome feeling and something I will never forget.
You're from Michigan, talk about how it feels to be able to play in your home state in front of friends and family?
I love the fact that if my friends and family want to come and support the Michigan team; they can come support us!!
What are you most looking forward to being a member of the Michigan Women's basketball team?
I am looking forward to being able to get coached by some of the best coaches around and being able to become a part of the University of Michigan women's basketball family.
Name one team in the Big Ten that you are really looking forward to playing against?
Michigan State...of course!!!
