Journal Sentinel's
Player of the Year, AP First Team All-State, WBCA Division 4 All-State and McDonald's High School All-American Game nominee as a senior after averaging 35.3 points (second in the state), 10.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 5.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per contest.
GophersSports.com: What was your recruiting process like?
Caroline Strande: "It was fun but stressful. I knew I made the right decision choosing Minnesota."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
CS: "I love the coaching staff. It's a great university academically. It's just a great fit all-around."
GS: Did you know about Coach Whalen as a WNBA player?
CS: "Yeah, I knew about her; being a WNBA all-star and how great she was. I knew I could learn a lot from her."
GS: You hold many school records. Is there one that you're most proud of?
CS: "I wouldn't say one individually, but the amount of them. There isn't just one thing I could pick out -- points, assists, rebounds -- they're all huge contributors to why we won."
GS: How would you describe your game?
CS: "I can do everything. I rebound, drive to the hoop, pull up, shoot 3-pointers, get steals; just an all-around player."
GS: What did you do to keep your game up during the offseason?
CS: "I went to outdoor courts a lot and worked on ball-handling and shooting. I kept up my strength and conditioning so I went on runs and lifted in my basement from time to time."
GS: What have been your initial impressions of spending time with your new teammates?
CS: "They're super nice and great people. It's fun to be around them."
GS: Have you noticed a step up in the level of competition from high school?
CS: "Yeah, everyone is way more serious in college than high school. The speed is different and the players are a lot bigger, stronger and faster."
GS: Have there been any new teammates that have taken you under their wing so far?
CS: "My iron sister,
Justice Ross. I can just talk to her; she's easy to talk to. And if I have any questions, she's already had her freshman year so she guide me."
GS: Is there any significance to your jersey number?
CS: "I've worn No. 21 my whole life. My birthday is on March 21; that's where I got it from."
Off the Court with Caroline
Favorite Food: Chicken tenders or burgers
Favorite TV Show: The Bachelorette
Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat/TikTok: Instagram
Favorite NBA/WNBA Player: Michael Jordan and Arike Ogunbowale
Favorite Basketball moment: Beating a rival high school in the state playoffs after losing to them the prior year and just getting over that hump
