Ann Simonet and Brooke Olson breakdown the Bulldogs starting five in their own words.
~ #11 Ann Simonet (5th Year; G; 5–7; Brooklyn Park, MN)
… BO: “Ann is clutch. She steps up in big moments and lives for big games. She’s a winner at heart and we always can count on her. … She is so bubbly, always smiling and laughing, and always knows how to lighten the mood. She has great sarcastic comments, which is humor I really admire. That’s actually a unique thing about our friendship. We’re not gushy people. We use humor, often pretty sarcastic, to say I appreciate you, love you and love being your friend.”
~ #21 Payton Kahl (5th Year; G/F; 6–0; Stoughton, WI)
… AS: "What stands out with Payton is defense. Her long arms go to floor, always getting a hand on the ball and being there for help-side defense. She’s a great communicator and that keeps our team in line, because at times as a team we could be louder on the court. … Payton is one of the most normal on the team, but I don’t know how, because she is still weird! She brings everyone together and makes sure nobody’s left out. We’ve been roommates all four/five years – she’s my best friend on the team.”
… BO: “Payton is out silent weapon, a sniper who does all the little things. She has intensity and yet a calm to her, which is a great combination as a leader. She is that middle ground that pulls others into things. She’s the glue that holds us together. … Payton is so fun and cares about every single person. She’s always the first to reach out, very thoughtful and genuine.”
~ #24 Brooke Olson (Sr.; F; 6–2; Rice Lake, WI)
… AS: “Brooke just has a fighter’s mentality on and off the court. She is going to dominate at anything. She’s so talented but brings the team with her, and also knows she needs the team. If people try to double- or triple-team her, she kicks it out. She can shoot the 3 and drive to the basket. Some opponents are tall like her but not quick like her. She can do it all. If you try to take away her shot, she’s just going to drive. There can be games when we don’t even realize she has 30 points. … You would never guess how goofy she can be. It’s like she has a switch and can turn it on and off. A very humble star.”
~ #32 Maesyn Thiesen (Sr.; PG; 5–7; Sauk Centre, MN)
… AS: “Maesyn has the ball the majority of the time and is somebody I want to have the ball at the end of the game. You can trust her and she’s a great leader. She leads without her voice really well. She’s probably the toughest person I’ve ever played with. If she makes a mistake, she’s the first one back trying to get the ball back. Just fearless and never gives up. … You would think Maesyn’s the quietest person and then you get to know her and she’s really goofy and fun. Freshman year Maesyn is totally different to Maesyn now!”
… BO: “She is so level-headed and very consistent. She’s going to do what it takes to win and never gets too high or too low. She’s always got your back and you always know she’s there. … Maesyn is the sweetest person ever. She barely says a bad thing about anyone, just very genuine and down-to-earth.”
~ #42 Sarah Grow (5th-Year; F; 6–2; Circle Pines, MN)
… AS: “I used to play versus Sarah in high school. For some reason we would guard each other – she blocked me a lot! She’s a great leader and very mature, kind of our mom, which is important for the younger players. Her presence gives us balance. Players can go to her with questions and she always knows what’s going on. She’s a smart player with a great short-corner shot. … Sarah is super smart and always running to class or practice to be on time. What I love about our team is everyone is different in their own special way. Sarah is someone you can really talk to, just very genuine.”
… BO: “Sarah has an amazing left hook shot and is a calming presence. We started off as very similar players with our backs to the basket but I have worked on my outside game so I can be more complementary playing with Sarah. I can stretch the floor and we have great high-low action. Most teams usually can only try to stop one of at once, so I’m excited to see our chemistry continue getting better. … Sarah will do anything for anyone and is always learning from different situations. She’s never reacted to someone in a negative way. Probably the kindest person on the team.”
