Last weekend the Stony Brook women’s team had a 4-PT win over Maine in the America East tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Seawolves were 5-4 in mid-January but won 10 of their past 11 to get into the NCAA tourney for the 1st time at the D-1 level. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Hailey Zeise about her athletic family and making the NCAA tourney.
You were born/raised in Pennsylvania: what made you choose Stony Brook? I have a connection to Coach Caroline McCombs: she used to coach at the University of Pittsburgh back when my dad was a reporter for the women’s team! When she began recruiting me I just felt that Stony Brook had the potential to feel like home for me. I also loved their defensive philosophy and saw the opportunity for growth in the program so I really wanted to be a part of that.
What makes Coach McCombs such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? I think she is a great coach because of how much she cares for us as players. I have never met a coach more dedicated to her job. She works tirelessly to ensure that she is putting the team as well as us as individuals in the best position to succeed. She also holds us accountable to a high standard, which has contributed to our success for sure. The most important thing Coach has taught me is: “Your value comes from who you are, not what you do.” You are going to make mistakes (especially in college) but that does not make you a bad person. She has taught me how to know my self-worth.
You are 1 of the best 3-PT shooters in school history: what is the secret to making shots from behind the arc? Just putting in the extra work: getting into the gym outside of practice is probably the biggest thing.
You are a sociology major and business minor (and graduated in 3 years!): what made you choose those subjects, and what is your post-college plan? I chose sociology because I was interested in how people and society relate to one another. I came in as a business major so I was able just to drop down to a minor when I switched to sociology. Currently I am getting my master’s in higher education administration. I hope to work in student-athlete development in college athletics after graduation.
What is it like to be a college basketball player during a pandemic? It is difficult at times to play during the pandemic. There are so many rules to follow and sacrifices we have had to make: not seeing our families, less socialization, etc. However, I am extremely grateful to everyone who has made it possible for us to be able to compete. When I am on the court doing what I love with the people I love, it all feels worth it.
This year you were named to the America East All-Defensive team: what is the key to being a good defender? The biggest key to being a good defender is effort: giving your very best and hustling to get rebounds/loose balls/steals.
You were also name to the America East All-Academic team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Time management is a skill that I had to learn very quickly once I arrived at college. You just have to compartmentalize each aspect: when I am at practice I focus on practice, and when I am doing schoolwork I am focused on school. I would also say to not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. College athletics provides so many resources to help us succeed so I have used those to my advantage over the years.
Last weekend in the America East tourney title game you scored 3 PTS in a 4-PT win over Maine and were named to the conference All-Championship team: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It was just pure joy: it honestly felt like a dream. We had worked so hard and to finally see it all pay off was extremely rewarding. We were just really excited in the locker room. Winning is always fun but to do it with your best friends by your side is even better.
Your brother Isaiah played college basketball and your brother Elijah plays football at Pitt: who is the best athlete in the family? Haha! I could make an argument for any of us really. We have good genetics and each of us have our own strengths. I think we would make a really great 3-on-3 team: it would be hard to find three other people who could beat us.
How do you feel about being a #14-seed, and what do you know about Arizona? I think we expected a #15-seed but are happy with anything and ready to play anyone.