Dominique Washington is one of four seniors on the 2008-2009 Lady Colonel’s basketball team. Washington is a 5-foot-10-inch forward who has appeared in every game since she was a freshman. She has been named team captain for the fall season.

As a junior on the team last year, Washington finished second on the team in field goal percentage with a .422. She was also second on the team in rebounds with 4.4 per game.

Washington went to West Jefferson High School where she earned MVP honors and averaged 17.5 points per game during her senior year. She was also a member of the 1,000-point club and an all-district performer.

Q. How did you prepare for your upcoming season?

A. “We did a lot of running and conditioning during the preseason to get in shape. There is a lot of mental preparation involved.”

Q. Do you feel this year’s team has any particular strengths compared to the teams you have played with for the past three years?

A. “Our overall energy seems to be better. Also, one of the years we had a lot of guards, then the next year we had a lot of post players. This year we have a good variety of both.”

Q. What do you consider to be your role on the court?

A. “As a captain, it is my duty to be a motivator and leader. I need to keep it going no matter what.”

Q. Is there any particular area in your game that you take special pride in?

A. “I like to rebound, and I’ve worked on my shooting. The team is going to need me as more of a shooter this season.”

Q. Other than your hard work and discipline, is there anything else that has attributed to your growth as a player?

A. “My parents are always there to motivate me, and they help me to keep a steady head. They are like my co-captains.”

Q. Is basketball your favorite sport?

A. “Oh yes, it’s the only sport I play. When I was eight my older cousin Tanya got me into it. In fact, she is the head coach of Alcorn State University women’s basketball team, and we play them this year.”

Q. Are there any professional athletes that you look up to?

A. “I really like Lebron James and Chris Paul. You can see their dedication and passion for the game when they play.”

Q. What do you normally do pre-game to get fired up?

A. “I just take some time to myself, put on my iPod and run plays through my head.