By Tom Rohrer
One’s time in college is a time for growth and development, both physically, and most importantly, mentally.
After averaging 15 points per game, to go along with 9.57 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.07 steals and 1.75 blocks per contest as a sophomore, Evergreen State College womens basketball player Danielle Swain is off to another solid start for the Geoducks this season.
The six foot multipurpose forward from Black Hills High School is averaging 13.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest, and has 17 blocks on the season, all of which lead the team in those categories. Swain’s 14 total assists are tied for third on the TESC roster, and 18 steals place her second among Geoduck players. Swain’s multi-dimensional skill set has always been a part of her game, and an integral part of the Geoducks success. In the team’s last two games, both victories, Swain posted a 18.7 rebound performance against Linfield, and followed it up with a 21 and 13 performance over Concordia.
While Swain’s on the court performance remains consistent and magnificent, the Rainier native made some changes in other areas that have led to both individual and team success.
“Honestly, it’s not so much skill as it is her mentality. I would say leaning towards the side of a good attitude,” said TESC head cocah Monica Heuer. “She worked a lot on that this summer and that’s the one thing that stands out to me. She listens, she responds well verbally. She made a big change coming into this year and it’s been great to work with her.”
“I just made sure that when I got put in different situations over the summer, I tried to look at it through a different perspective,” Swain said. “It opened my mind and helped me on and off the court. I didn’t look at it for specifically basketball, but just to change my perspective in general.”
Heuer says Swain’s changes have had a positive influence on her teammates.
“I think any time you have a positive change, it can only help the team. If you have a negative then that will affect you as well,” Heuer said. “She’s been able to respond better to criticism and changes offered by the coaching staff. Anything that’s positive affects the team. Teammates see she’s a great talent on the court.”
Swain has always done what’s necessary for her team to be successful. Finding a player that can score both inside and outside, block shots and swipe steals, and pass to set-up teammates and dribble to the hoop for a basket is rare at any level of basketball. The aggression and drive displayed by Swain is what drew Heuer to offer a scholarship to her amidst a successful run at Black Hills.
“(Black Hills) had a pretty good team, and Danielle was pretty aggressive physically and on the boards,” Heuer said. “In high school, if you have someone aggressive and mobile, they have a good chance of being recruited.”
Having such a vast skill set is a big responsibility for Swain, but one she relishes. For Heuer, Swain’s talents are a luxury.
“If I need to make a play, I can help my team make a play. If I need to pass to someone I know has the hot hand shooting, I’ll make an effort there,” Swain said. “You cannot win the game by yourself. “
“I think she’s a little of everything,” Heuer said. “She will get the rebounds and she will get doubled at times and has the ability to pass out of it. And of course we look at her as a primary scorer as well.”
In years past, Swain was confident in her low post scoring ability and her knack for knocking down a open jump shot. This past summer, Swain added an important dimension to her game through hard work and training with her teammates.
“Driving was a big focus for me,” Swain said. “I wasn’t really big on taking someone to the hole. I was more set on post moves or shooting. Now I feel a lot more comfortable going to the basket. I worked a lot on that in the summer.”
After losing six of their first eight games, the Geoducks have now won two Cascade Conference Games in a row to improve to 4-6 on the season. With a playoff appearance last season and a sufficient amount of returning experience from last year’s roster, Swain is confident in the team’s ability to achieve their goals.
“Top three in the conference is our goal and I definitely think we can get that. We have the talent. It’s a matter of us getting together and doing it,” Swain said. “The only people that can hold us back is our team. As far as playing, I think we can win the conference if we set our mind to it. We can do anything.”
Swain continues to be in contact with her Black Hills coaches and has enjoyed playing in the area she grew up in. With only one year of eligibility left, Swain is thankful for every opportunity she has as an athlete.
“I actually do (go back),” Swain said about visiting Black Hills High. “I love going back to the high school and seeing the team and the coaching staff.”
“It’s been great,” Swain said. “I love going into a store and people saying ‘hey, you’re from Evergreen.’ I love that. It’s a good feeling. It’s great to feel acknowledged. My family has been really supportive too throughout the whole process. Every year is different. Different girls, different team. It’s been an interesting and fun ride.”
“I look at it as just a game that you have to enjoy and have fun with. It doesn’t last forever.”
Photos courtesy Shauna Bittle, The Evergreen State College.
