March 7, 2008
Despite making the transition from high school to the college game look easy, it was anything but for Alex Ross. She came into Lehigh as a wide-eyed freshman last year, not expecting to see much playing time. However, after a season ending injury in the pre-season to starting point guard Claire Sullivan, Ross was expected to take over the starting role, in a position she had not played before, and in a hurry.
Ross was one of just nine freshmen point guards in the country to be named opening day starter, and she made the transition look smooth. She guided the team to their 11th straight 10-plus win season and earned Patriot League All-Rookie team honors along the way.
"I think coming into college every freshman is scared and naturally a little hesitant about how they will adjust to the level of play," said Ross. "The players are bigger, faster, and stronger. I just feel lucky to have had such a supportive coaching staff and players that made the transition easier for me then maybe it would have been for other freshman around the leagues."
Now as a sophomore, Ross will have to make the transition to a new position again, this time moving to shooting guard. Even though she played the position in high school, she will have to re-learn it again at the college level, while also trying to get out of the point guard mindset.
"The transition from point guard to shooting guard has been a little difficult for me and I am still trying to get into the full swing of things," added Ross. "I definitely find myself looking to get the ball to the open player, when maybe I should have taken the shot myself. It is a different mentality that I have to take into the game, but I feel like I am adjusting as best as I can."
Maybe she should be taking that shot more often, as Ross is on pace to be one of the most accomplished three-point shooters in school history. With only a season and a half under her belt, she currently ranks seventh in school history with 83 career three-pointers. However, three-point shooting was not something that always came easy to her.
"Believe it or not, I used to never shoot the ball at all," said Ross. "It wasn't until around my sophomore year of high school that I started shooting and even then threes were not really in my range. So during the year I began working on my three-point game. I would stay after practice with my dad or coach and try and develop my three-point shot. Ever since then, it has become the main focal point of my game that I am continually working on and striving to make it better."
Ross is still working on making the complete transition back to shooting guard, and in the process she is doing everything she can to make sure her team comes out on top.
"Every game I try and do my best and not worry about anything other than winning the game," said Ross. "This year is a new year with me being in a new role, and performing well for my team is the only thing I am focused on."
