Spartan Spotlight: Gretchen Earl

Name: Gretchen Earl

High School: Palmyra-Macedon High School

Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences: Math & Science

Career Goal: Chemical Engineer

How did you decide to go to Cayuga?

Coach Alberici recruited me to play basketball at Cayuga. Once I looked into the college and I toured the campus, I thought it would be a good fit for me, especially because of the smaller class sizes. You get to know your professors better, and they get to know you as well. Lots of my professors ask me about our games the next day in class.

How much of a difference do you see from playing basketball in high school to playing in college?

The game's a lot faster at this level. It took some time to get used to. I think in college, everyone plays up to a higher level. In high school, you have some really good players and players who haven't competed as much.

Halfway through the season you went from scoring fewer than 10 points a game to regularly putting in 15-plus points. What changed in your approach?

The first half of the season, I was injured for a while. And I had a lab at night, so I missed practice once a week, which impacted my playing time. The first half I was primarily a supporter because I wasn't playing as much. I think the second half of the season, I've tried to contribute on offense and defense. I score some, but I rebound and play defense as well. So I think I've contributed on both ends of the court.

What's the team highlight of the season so far for you?

The second half of the year, after we lost a few players, we didn't let that discourage us too much. Our home game against Herkimer, we only lost by a few points and they're one of the top teams in the country. We had the lead in the first half, and we got down by as much as nine, and we fought back to take the lead. We didn't give up when we were down. I think that showed we're not letting things discourage us.

What's the best part about being on the team and being a student-athlete at Cayuga?

I made a lot of friends through playing basketball here, that I'm not sure I would have made otherwise. I see them every day at practice, and we have a shared interest in the game.