Note: This will be the first part of a two-part series catching up with IUPUI Women's Basketball Head Coach Shann Hart. The next series of questions and answers will take place next week.
INDIANAPOLIS -- After leading the IUPUI women's basketball team to The Summit League Tournament semifinals for the fourth consecutive season, IUPUIJags.com took some time at the end of the summer to catch up with coach Shann Hart.
Question #1: Where did you go to college?
I attended Norfolk State University in Hampton, Virginia, where I graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and Marketing.
Question #2: Where was your first job?
My first job came when I worked at Busch Gardens when I was in college. Once I graduated, I was a teacher and girls varsity basketball coach at Denbigh High School.
Question #3: Who was/is your mentor?
My mentor is Charlene Curtis, who was the former head coach at Wake Forest.
Question #4: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a teacher. And in many ways, I still am.
Question #5: What book have you learned the most from?
The Carolina Way, by Dean Smith, influenced me.
Question #6: What is your philosophy for life?
I try to lead by example.
Question #7: What would you be doing if you didn't have your current job?
I would like to own a health spa.
Question #8: Who are some of the people you admire but have not had a chance to meet?
Among the people I would like to meet whom I look up to are Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton.
Question #9: What do you consider your greatest strength?
I consider my leadership and communication skills to be my strongest asset.
Question #10: And what do you consider your greatest weakness?
My patience, or lack there of.
Question #11: Are you introverted or extroverted?
I'm an extrovert. People generally know what I'm thinking.
Question #12: What comprises a good day for you?
When our players come in just to say hello and hang out.
Question #13: And what comprises a bad day?
Lots of meetings and a bad practice.