LamarCardinals.com was delighted to have the chance to share some moments with budding "superstar" Trashanna Smith and the New Orleans native, who transferred to Alief Hastings High School, did not disappoint. Smith, a very agile & mobile power forward, has tons of talent. When she becomes consistent in her work ethic, look out Southland Conference!!

LC: When watching conditioning drills at the Montagne Center, Head Coach Larry Tidwell consistently preached to you about "change of direction", what does that mean?

TS: It means to "plant and go" -coach Tidwell loves speed and wants the best with the correct change of direction it can make our team 2 steps quicker than others.

LC: Another survivor of Hurricane Katrina, what thoughts do you still carry with you from that horrific storm?

TS: The love and support you got from the neighbors and my friends and family who surrounded me on a daily basis whom I might see only once every 6 months.

LC: Playing for Alief Hastings, you had the chance to play for an outstanding coach in Bob Wall - what lessons were learned in that experience?

TS: He taught me how to be strong and tough, not only mentally and physically, but on the academic side as well.

LC: After watching you shoot the 3 from beyond the arc, your shot is as "smooth as silk". Who gets the credit for that?

TS: My family for the encouragement to shoot from anywhere on the court no matter what my position. My coaches who worked with me and let me shoot them with confidence.

LC: One of the things that certainly got the attention of the Lamar coaching staff is your ability to rebound. You broke the Alief Hastings rebound record, who held it and what WNBA team does she play for?

TS: Ugo Oha who played for the Silver Stars.

LC: What is the best advice that you would give an incoming freshman student athlete?

TS: Stay mentally tough; don't put a limit to your expectations. Don't settle for less and BELIVE you can do all things.

LC: Your roommate is Brittney Williams, has she shared any secrets on how to handle the game at the next level?

TS: Yes, we talk a bunch! I enjoy conversation, but the secrets are OURS for keeps.

LC: What does it take to be a great rebounder?

TS: Dedication, heart and soul, a go getter and plenty of energy

LC: If you could play a game in any arena in the world, where would it be?

TS: The United Center because that's where MJ played and he is known as one of the greatest NBA players.

LC: What is your favorite food from New Orleans and who cooks it for you? TS: Crawfish, Sales Seafood Restaurant or the spaghetti my aunt Brenda cooks.