I had the privilege to ask Indiana Fever assistant coach April Schilling a few questions this past week. Schilling joined Fever’s coaching staff in March. She played her college basketball at Tennessee for three seasons. Appeared in two Final Fours playing for the great Pat Summit. April Schilling also played with current Fever general manager Tamika Catchings while she was in Tennessee.
In Schilling’s final year of eligibility, she transferred to UC Santa Barbara and helped lead them to their first sweet sixteen appearances in school history. Schilling also spent some time in the WNBA playing for the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Washington Mystics.
How was it in the WNBA Bubble, and what were some of the challenges?
The Bubble was a great opportunity to really get to know the players in a short period of time. Because we never left the Bubble, we were together at meals, on the golf cart going to practice, on the bus, at games, film sessions, etc.; we got to really know each other quickly. The positive of being together basically 24/7 was also one of the challenges in that we didn’t get away from basketball, even for a day. After a loss or tough game, we didn’t have the luxury to clear our minds and recharge for the next practice or game.
Who are some of the players that stood out to you on this year’s Indiana Fever?
Julie was someone that stood out to me. I worked a lot with the guards and seeing her grow in confidence and belief that she truly belongs in the WNBA was a highlight for me. Also, our leading scorer Kelsey Mitchell had a great year statistically and made great strides as a player in growing her game in being a prolific scorer at all 3 levels.
What are your thoughts on Teaira McCowan?
Teaira has a tremendous amount of talent and is growing as a person and player. Because of her size, she has such high expectations, and it takes time for frontcourt players to develop at this level. She is on track statistically with Sylvia Fowles if you compare their second year in the league stats. The sky is the limit for Teaira as she continues to commit to being great and develop.
Sylvia Year 2: 11.3ppg, 7.8 rpg, 59.9fg%, 1.46bpg
Teaira Year 2: 11.1ppg, 7.2rpg, 53.7fg%, 1.0bpg
Sylvia Year 1: 10.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 51.3fg%
Teaira Year 1: 10.0ppg, 9.0rgg, 51.7fg%, 1.3bpg
Sylvia Year 13: 14.6ppg, 9.7rpg, 60.9fg%
What does the Fever have to do to make it to the playoffs next season?
We need to add a few pieces talent-wise, and we need a training camp! ,we needed time to implement Coach Stanley’s system, and we didn’t have that this year. We didn’t even have an exhibition game. As we add a couple of players that fit Coach’s system and actually get to teach her system, I think we have the potential to be the type of team that Tamika and the rest can expect at Indiana.
You played in the WNBA; how did you like it, and who was some of your toughest competition?
I loved the competition level. At every practice and game, you competed against the best of the best in the women’s game. That’s what was most memorable for me. My contemporaries in college and WNBA were players like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, etc.
Do you want to be a head coach in the WNBA someday?
I would love to be a head coach someday in the WNBA. Having had the opportunity to play for legendary Pat Summit in college, then coach at the D1 level at UCSB, and then train elite male and female player while at Park Tudor HS, Roncalli HS, and Champions Academy has given me a tremendous foundation for coaching. And now, working with Hall of Fame coach Marianne Stanley and also long-time veteran Coach Steve Smith I’m blessed to have incredible opportunities to continue to grow my philosophy, experience, and learning the nuances of the pro game.
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