Spartan Spotlight: Tori Mandel

Name: Tori Mandel

High School: Oakfield-Alabama High School

Major: Health Sciences, Concentration in Medical Imaging and Radiography

Career Goal: Career related to ultrasound technology

What was the determining factor in you deciding to attend Cayuga?

Coach Alberici approached me at my high school sectional final game, and asked me to consider attending Cayuga. I visited the campus with my mom, and decided I wanted to attend.

What are the best and most challenging parts of being a student-athlete at Cayuga?

The best part is meeting new people, and the memories you make on the team. The most challenging part is balancing two sports — soccer and basketball — and all my schoolwork.

What part of your game has improved the most during the season?

Probably my confidence in my shot. In the beginning I was more of a passer and rebounder, but I've decided to shoot more. I started seeing them go in the net more, and I was shooting well in practice, so it carried over.

How have you seen the team improve over the course of the season?

We've all gotten closer over the season. We work more as a team than individually. We pick each other up during games and practice. That's helped us get some wins over the course of the season.

If you had to give a message to high school basketball players who were interested in attending Cayuga, what would it be?

I would say that your coaches and teammates know what they're doing, and everyone is very welcoming. You'll feel like you're at home.