By Adam Spears, SAC Media Relations Office

This is the eleventh in a series of articles for 2005-06 that will periodically feature student-athletes from the league's member institutions who have distinguished themselves.

Tusculum College's Brooke Underwood, a junior from Knoxville, Tenn., currently leads NCAA Division II women’s basketball in assists per game. Brooke spoke with SAC intern Adam Spears recently about her accomplishments, as well as why she believes the Pioneers are experiencing more success this season.

Q: You currently lead Division II in assists averaging 9.2 assists per game. What is the main key to finding your teammates?

Brooke Underwood has a very positive outlook on the Tusculum women's basketball program, and she likes the up-tempo style of play. Photo courtesy Tusculum College

A: I mostly give credit to the coaches and the system they run. They allow me to play my game, which is comforting to know that I will have more opportunities to create more shots for my teammates.

Q: Tusculum is currently 12-6 and 3-4 in the SAC where last year you all finished 8-21 and last place in the league with two wins. What do you consider the main reason for the improvement?

A: I believe it has been the coaching and the younger players stepping up. The system that Coach (Missy) Tiber has brought to our program has helped us become more aggressive on the offensive end. We also have about three or four players who returned from last season which gives us experience.

Q: Describe the transition going from Coach McBride’s to Coach Tiber’s style of play.

A: Coach Tiber is a great coach and gives players confidence. Everybody has a chance to contribute and get the ball in their hands. We are more of an up-tempo, exciting team with her. With Coach McBride, it was more of a half-court, slower-tempo game, where we tried to get the ball to only three or four players.

Q: What do you like most about Coach Tiber’s style of play?

A: It’s great. Her attitude is at a whole different level. The chemistry is awesome and the freshmen on the team have adapted well to her, along with the rest of us. We all have great respect for the coaches and work hard. Even though we have not had much success since I have been here, I look at this season as a whole new ball game. We want to get the respect we deserve and we want people to know that we are no joke. Coach Tiber’s system has helped us to accomplish that so far.

Q: What parts of your game do you feel the most confident in?

A: I have confidence in penetrating and dishing the ball out to my teammates. I am not so much concerned about shooting. I am just happy when I am able to create shots and help my teammates score.

Q: What parts of your game you feel you need to improve?

A: I feel I need to have fewer turnovers. Coach tells me I can take chances and she has confidence in me to do that. I want to be able to handle the ball the best that I can.

Q: What do you enjoy most about competing in the South Atlantic Conference?

A: The environment of all the schools from around the conference during away games. We get a great turnout at our games and many fans are behind us.

Q: What made you choose Tusculum?

A: I felt the staff and the administration was great. I had a chance to play basketball here and get an education which appealed to me.

Q: What has been your favorite moment of the season so far?

A: I do not have one in particular. This whole season has been a highlight. I am just happy with the season we are having right now and that everybody is playing well.