March 31, 2005

BEAR FACTS Archive

Melanie Hammerly
Basketball
Senior, Post

When did you start playing your sport?I was in first grade, it was little dribbler's.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career? Definitely my mother, she was my junior high coach so I've always been around her.

What is the best part of being a college athlete? Being a big university like we are here at Baylor we get to travel to so many places and stay in nice hotels. All the little things about seeing places and going places you would never be able to go to.

If you weren't playing the sport you are now, which sport would you want to play? Volleyball

What is your nickname on the team and why? Hammer. I actually got that from volleyball in high school. I smacked this girl in the forehead and it just kind of stayed with me. I think for the fans they just call me Hammer because my last name is Hammerly.

After meeting coach Mulkey-Robertson, what was you first thought? Very intense. She's going to demand everything out of you but when you're not on the court she'll be your best friend. She'll be there to care for you and have fun with.

What position would you like to play other than your own? I don't think I would play any. I would want to stay center and be a post player. Those point guards have to run a lot more than we do.

What is the craziest pre-game ritual your or a teammate has used? I'm pretty normal. I just listen to a little music and watch ESPN or ESPN2 and just relax.

What is the most unique item in your locker? I don't have anything really unique. Just the basic things deodorant, soap, perfume, towel, pen and pencil.

Who are your favorite sports heroes? I always liked Michael Jordan. He's just a great all-around player. I like to watch Teresa Weatherspoon, Lisa Leslie, you know the main players everyone watches. I'd rather watch college sports though so Tarrazzi, anyone, any sports.

Where is your favorite place to go after a game/event? My apartment, I live by myself so after a hard day's work with basketball and being with the team all day I like to go back to my apartment and chill and relax.

What is the best venue you have ever played in? Ours is pretty nice but Texas Tech has really nice facilities.

What is the highlight of your sports career? Beating Texas Tech up there this year and winning the conference title and the championship.

What is your most embarrassing sports moment? Has to be in high school when I got a fast break and was dribbling down the court and I tripped on nothing, I just fell down around the free throw line.

What opposing school do you most look forward to competing against? Texas Tech

Why did you choose to attend Baylor? When I came up here on my visit I loved the coaching staff and the girls were really friendly. It was just a great Christian atmosphere that I wanted to be a part of.

What has been your favorite class at Baylor? I really enjoy my British Literature classes. I love poetry.

What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave? Besides the wonderful fans we have I think I will miss putting on my jersey with the rest of my teammates.

Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete? Teri Black I would have to say.

What CD is in your player right now? Rascal Flatts

What is the last movie you watched? When we were in Seattle we went to see The Ring 2.

Name one television series you won't miss. Nashville Star and American Idol

What is one thing you must pack when traveling? I have a card that my mom and dad and brother gave me about following your heart and your dreams and I can't go anywhere without it when we have away games.

Who is your favorite Sports announcer? Lori and Rick do a pretty good job for us.

As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give? Always have fun. I know you need to focus and be serious but don't take it to the extreme. Have fun and follow your dreams.

What is your favorite fast food? I like the chicken nuggets at Wendy's.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? Learning to be a role player on this team. Coming from high school, I was a big girl and having to play 40 minutes a game and now at Baylor everyone on our team is great. We all have our strengths and I think the greatest thing I've had to accomplish is being a role player and knowing that whenever I'm in the game it might be 30 seconds or five minutes but I need to take advantage of it and play to the best of my ability.

Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you. I am a two-time national clogger.

Name one thing you can't go a week without. Talking to my mom.

If you had to perform karaoke, what song would you sing? Gretchen Wilson's Red Neck Woman song.

What is your dream job? Once I graduate Baylor I would love to coach alongside my mother at the junior high where I went to school.

What's your most valued possession? A family ring that was passed down to me after my grandmother passed away in eighth grade.

What do you consider the all-time greatest moment in sports? I'd have to say how successful the Chicago Bulls were with Michael Jordan. They had so many championships in a row.

Playstation 2 or Xbox? Neither, I am terrible. The only games I can play are Tetris and Duck Hunt.

Movies or TV? Movies

MTV or ESPN? ESPN

Apprentice or Fear Factor? Fear Factor

Inflatable Judge or Bruiser? Bruiser

Burger or Pizza? Pizza

Penland or Memorial? Penland

Sandals or Shoes? Barefoot, but I guess tennis shoes

compiled by Tami Becton, Athletic Media Relations student assistant