This is the third and final of our “Meet the Jays” segments, featuring a few of the 2009-2010 Creighton Bluejays women’s basketball players. Jim Flanery’s team plays its only exhibition game Thursday night, November 5, against Nebraska-Omaha.
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Megan Neuvirth heads into her senior season with the Creighton women’s basketball team with a lot on her shoulders. At MVC Media Day last week in St. Louis, Neuvirth found out that not only did conference pundits project the Bluejays to win the Valley, but they projected Neuvirth would win the Player of the Year award. The lofty expectations and honors are nothing new to the senior.
Neuvirth was last season’s MVC Defensive Player of the Year and named to the first-team All-MVC and All-Defensive teams after grabbing a league leading 325 rebounds and 83 steals. Her rebounding efforts garnered her a school record, shattering the previous single season mark. In addition to all of those accolades, she also lead the team in assists, blocked shots, and double-doubles. She is on pace to be at the top on the statsheet of several other Creighton career records before leaving the Hilltop.
Even with all of those standout statisitical efforts and honors, Neuvirth has not shied away from the challenge of improving as a team to make it to the next level after last season’s disappointing ending.
“It is definitely motivation for us that we know that every little thing matters; every little play, every little detail matters. For a lot of us, we know that is hopefully going to be a big year for us.”
Neuvirth says it has been difficult waiting for the season to start, but that she and the other Bluejays know exactly what is expected of them.
“This season more than others, maybe because it is my last year, I am definitely excited about it. It’s a little nerve-racking because there is a lot of pressure to do well. For the team, there are a lot of expectations, but it will be good.”
Neuvirth has improved as a player each year, especially in her outside shooting. Her first two seasons she shot 6-32 from the 3-point line, but last season connected on 52-143. She was in the top 10 in the Valley in scoring, rebounds, steals, 3-pointers per game, 3-point field goal percentage, blocked shots, and minutes played. But as much as Neuvirth brings to the table, she acknowledges the importance of every single player improving so the team can reach its goals.
“We just know that everyone helps each other every day and that it is not just certain players doing certain things. Everyone in practice can push each other, and being in shape is a big thing this year for all of us.”
Neuvirth sees this team as having a lot of different leaders. Having those qualities can really help the Bluejays as they head into the season.
“Kelsey [Woodard] and [Kelsey] Crites are vocal leaders, and then we have some good example leaders that are going to try and do the right thing and show effort every play. I think everyone in their own way steps up.”
It is this combination of veteran leadership that sets up the Creighton women’s hoops team to have a great season. Fans can catch their first look at the Bluejays Thursday, November 5, against the UNO Mavericks at Sokol Arena.
