Senior spotlight: Athletic Meg Bryan has become leader for Marshfield
MARSHFIELD - Meg Bryan qualified for the WIAA state track and field meet in the long jump last June, and her athleticisim has helped her develop into one of the leaders for the Marshfield girls basketball team this season.
"You just watch her. She can definitely get up and down the court," Marshfield coach Heidi Michaelis said of Bryan, who has been on the varsity team since her freshman year. "She is a kid who has developed into a really, really good shooter with a pretty quick release. i think the one thing that people might not realize is that she is a very good passer. She will make a pass from half court — a crosscourt pass to someone and hit them in stride.
"She brings a lot of things to the team but as much as anything its her leadership," Michaelis said of the veteran guard. "Just watching her mature over the past four years has been really special to watch. She is someone who is going to be counted on to get a lot of minutes for us (this winter)."
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Bryan, who averaged 2.9 assists per game in the Wisconsin Valley Conference last season, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about her sports memories — good and bad — having her dad as an assistant coach for Marshfield and some of her future plans, among other topics.
What has been your top sports memory. Are there one or two that really stand out?
My sophomore year in basketball we had the best record in the school (history) and were one game away from going to state and (Wisconsin Valley) conference champs. For track, it was making it to state last year in long jump.
What would you say is your most embarrassing sports moment or most forgettable?
My freshman year and my first varsity game. My dad (Dean) is an assistant coach and in the locker room said (to the team) "This is the time when we don't miss any wide-open layups. We finish everything." My first shot was a wide-open layup and I missed it completely.
What is it like to have your dad as a coach? I'm guessing there are pros and cons?
It's hard, sometimes. He's tough on me which I like sometimes. But then sometimes I just try to tune him out. It's good and bad.
What do you like about this Marshfield team this season?
That we all are very close and comfortable with one another and we communicate (on the court). We need to take care of the ball better (in games) but we are working on that
What challenges does the Wisconsin Valley Conference present this year?
It's definitely a tough conference with a lot of good teams. But we hope that we will be a tough team to beat, too.
It's still early in the year but do you have an idea what your postgraduation plans are?
If I don't choose to do sports (in college) I would like to go to (the University of Wisconsin). I am thinking about studying to be a physician assistant, but that might change.
Do you have any certain pregame traditions or superstitions?
Before we run out (of the locker room) we always jump up and hit the top of (the door frame). Then before we hit the court, I always have a saying in the (team) huddle.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Dylan O'Brien.
Where is your dream vacation?
Europe.
What is your dream career?
I would want to be a professional track athlete. It might be pretty hard but that is my dream.
FAVORITES
Sport: During basketball, it's basketball. During track, it's track. I can't choose.
College or pro athlete: Candace Parker.
Movie: "Inside Out" or "Get Out." Two different kinds of movies.
Musical artist or group: Khalid or Post Malone
TV show: "This is Us" and "Friends."
Food or meal: Sushi.