Nov. 21, 2001

By Liz Harper
MU Media Relations Office

As the days and nights get colder in Columbia, one Missouri freshman might not complain about the weather.

That freshman, Lauren Podratz, hails from Osseo, Minnesota, where temperatures often dip below zero. Podratz plans on keeping the temperature in the Hearnes Center well above freezing for Tiger women's basketball this season, as she aims to keep her play hot and to be a contributing player in another successful season.

"I'll be a player coming off the bench this season, but I will be a consistent bench player," Podratz said. "I'm going to be looking to score, pass and help the team in any way I can."

Podratz is familiar with success on the basketball court. As a junior, she led her team to the 1999-2000 Minnesota 4A state title. In the same year this two-time all-state selection averaged 11 points, six assists and two rebounds per game, while shooting an incredible 42 percent from the 3-point arc. After a successful high school career, Podratz wants to continue her success at the next level.

"I really want our team to get as far in the NCAA (tournament) as we are capable," Podratz said. "That means winning in the Big 12 and doing well in the tournament."

Podratz, and classmate Angie Carter often joke that they "met in the middle" to attend MU as Podratz's native state borders Canada while Carter's, Texas, borders Mexico. Living in a small dorm room in Gardner-Hyde might not be luxurious, but Podratz attests that the two get along well.

"When we first met we didn't think we'd get along," said Podratz. "But now we have a great time together. It has really worked out well. I knew when I visited that I liked the team, the girls are great."

Dorm life is just one adjustment Podratz has had to make during her stay at MU. Like most players new to the NCAA game, Podratz has been forced to modify her play to fit the Tiger game plan.

"It's different, not being the go-to player like in high school," the 5-foot-10 guard said. "You really get to start all over from scratch and earn your spot and your time on the floor. I've realized that you have to work very hard to be successful."

Sounds like Podratz is up to the challenge.