Senior Molly Ediger returns to the court for her final season as a Baker Wildcat with the most experience on her team, which means responsibility.
“I feel it is almost like I have more responsibility because I know the most and have experienced the most of coach (Susan) Decker’s program,” Ediger said.
Ediger said the team has had to break things down and work on the little things, as well as work on being patient with each other. Ediger said she and other experienced players have had to teach the younger players and set good examples.
“We’ve had to let them know in words, as well as by example, that this is a different game compared to high school and have tried to help prepare them,” Ediger said.
Along with teaching and setting good examples for her teammates, Ediger holds other noticeable leadership qualities. Decker said Ediger’s experience with the program has helped develop her as a leader.
“Since she’s been here for four years, she knows our system, what I expect and does a good job of conveying them on the floor,” Decker said.
Freshman Carrie Lister said Ediger has all the right leadership qualities needed for the team this season.
“She’s always encouraging and talks a lot,” Lister said. “We can depend on her to help us out when someone doesn’t know where to go or what to do.”
Decker said she is a strong player on both sides.
“Molly’s got to be a person who defends for us on a nightly basis,” Decker said. “We need her leadership and have to have her be a scorer from the perimeter.”
Ediger said she has set a few personal and team goals for this season. She said she would like for the team to be in the top three in the conference and for each player to understand her own role on the team. Ediger emphasized the importance of defensive improvement for the year.
“Because we’re so young, we don’t really focus on the defense as much, and I think it’s one of the most important parts of college basketball and coach Decker’s program,” Ediger said.
Despite her experience, Ediger said she still has room to improve.
“Personally, I want to be able to play to the best of my ability and have no regrets,” Ediger said.