In preparation for the Georgia Lady Bulldogs’ 2017-18 campaign, senior guard Simone Costa sat down with her teammates to recap their summers and look ahead to the upcoming season.

 
Recently, Costa talked with freshman point guard Gabby Connally, who arrives in Athens as a five-star prospect from San Antonio. Connally spoke with Costa about her attributes on the court, her interest in becoming a federal agent one day and her off-the-court passions.
 
 
What has the transition from high school to college been like for you?
 

“It’s been very different and it’s definitely been a challenge. Things are much more competitive and the workouts are much more intense, so I’ve been enjoying the process and enjoying getting better with my teammates each and every day.”

 
 
What do you bring to the table as a player?
 

“I think I bring energy and hustle. I’ll always dive for loose balls and try to bring my team up as much as possible. Even though I’m just a freshman, I’ll try to bring leadership to the team and positivity.”

 
 
You were a highly recruited player. Why did you choose Georgia?
 

“First of all, I just really liked when I was being recruited by the coaching staff. I loved talking to the coaches on the team and then when I came for my visit, I really fell in love with the team. They all seemed really close-knit and like it was a family atmosphere. Everything seemed real. Then, they also had my specific major [Criminal Justice] while other schools just had a path to where I wanted to get to.”

 
 
In your short time with this coaching staff, what is it like to play for Joni Taylor?
 

“It’s been great. It’s been a  whole new learning experience. I’ve already learned a lot just from our team workouts and individuals. She’s very encouraging and says what needs to be said. It’s just great, I love it here.”

 
 
Is it a tight group among the incoming freshmen?
 

“Yes, I would say we’re very close and very tight. We’re with each other literally 24/7 and it’s always a good time, never a dull moment, whether we’re together in a practice, eating or just back in our dorms after our day’s done.”

 
 
What is something no one knows about you?
 

“That’s a tough one. I guess something no one knows about me is I like to sketch. I’m not very good at it, but I do like to draw when I have free time.”

 
 
I heard you want to work for the FBI or DEA. What inspired you to want to do that?
 

“Really from T.V. shows like Criminal Minds, Law & Order, things like that, I just became interested in it. When I looked into it even more, it was just very interesting and cool, so that is something I would like to pursue when I’m older.”

 
 
What was it like growing up in a military family?
 

“It was cool. At times when I was younger, we would move every two years, and so I got a chance to make new friends everywhere I went. I basically got to start over each place I moved. It’s just different from most kids. Sometimes I talk to people and they’ve lived in one place their whole ife, but I get to say that I’ve travelled a lot, been to different places, met new people and tried new things. It’s pretty cool.”

 
 
Who is your biggest inspiration?
 

“I would say my parents for sure. Everything that they do day in and day out to provide for my brother and I, they always tell us that they want to make things better for us than they had, and I would definitely say they’ve been doing that.”