Jan. 31, 2001
By Kelly Homan
Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
As Coach Cindy Stein continues to develop the women's basketball program, Amy Loftus makes apparently clear her first goal as a Tiger is to contribute to the team whether its during varsity minutes or practice.
"As a freshmen, I might not see as much playing time as some of the older girls, but I know my practicing habits will directly influence the strength of the team," said Loftus.
Loftus, a 6-4 center from Maryville, Ill., demonstrates the maturity of a senior when talking basketball.
"Champions are made during practice," said Loftus. "If you don't practice hard, then chances are you won't play as hard in game situations either."
Loftus gives credit to her parents for developing such a strong work ethic. As her biggest fans, neither her mom nor dad missed a game in high school. Walking off the floor, Loftus always knew where they sat. She also knew, regardless of the outcome, that if she gave 110 percent, they would be proud.
She carries their philosophy into the 2000 season as she begins her collegiate career at Mizzou.
"I want my coaches and teammates to know that regardless of the circumstance, they will always get 110 percent from me," said Loftus.
As the season quickly approaches Loftus can feel the team chemistry building into something special.
While looking at schools as a senior in high school, team unity was essential. After watching the Tiger's WNIT match-up with Evansville, she made the decision to go to Missouri.
"I could see the closeness between the players and knew I would fit in there," she said.
Mizzou's decision to recruit Loftus was a calculated need to get some strength in the paint and at six-foot-four, the freshman is looked upon to add some power in the center. As a senior at Collinsville High School (Ill.), Loftus used her size to lead the team in scoring averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and four blocks per game. She also boasts a 72 percent average from the penalty line and was honored as Collinsville's Most Valuable Player last season. She was also named first team all-state, all-conference, all-metro and all-area.
Stepping onto the MU hardwood however, the freshman is quickly learning what is needed to step up her game to the NCAA Division I level. Adjusting to college life and basketball has been a challenge for Loftus. But, she credits the team's upper classmen as well as the coaches with helping her to put it all into perspective. In her opinion, the attention to detail and overwhelming amount of plays has been the biggest adjustment to make during her transition to college.
"It's been amazing to me the amount of concentration and thought that go into competing at this level," said Loftus.
But despite all of the changes, she remains positive through this learning process, and finds it exciting to be advancing her skills at such rapid pace.
"Each day I can see improvement in my game," said Loftus. "And that makes all my hard work pay off."
Although just a freshmen, her approach to the game couldn't be more correct. She knows the importance of team unity, self-confidence, and most importantly hard work. With the keys to success already in her hand, Loftus continues on the fast track to a bright future as a Tiger.