Linda Pace freshman guard

Freshman thinks Stanford's mascot is terrible and dreams of becoming a champion

Wildcat: Hi, I'm Claire from the Wildcat and you're on the spot.

Pace: OK, that's cool.

Wildcat: What do you think of Stanford's mascot, the Cardinal?

Pace: I think it's terrible. It's just a tree.

Wildcat: Walking around and pretending to be a tree would have to be the worst job in the world.

Pace: (laughing) Yeah, it would.

Wildcat: Who would you like to play against in the Pac-10 tournament's championship game?

Pace: Umm · the best team, whatever team wins. We wanna play the best because in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Wildcat: What's the worst dream you think you've ever had?

Pace: Dreams are always good for me · so I wouldn't say I have a worst one.

Wildcat: Do you have a best one?

Pace: The best dream I have is winning the championship (yesterday).

Wildcat: How do you see yourself helping the team?

Pace: In whatever way I can, whether I'm playing or cheering on the team.

Wildcat: Who's your favorite female athlete?

Pace: Tamika Catchings. She's an aggressive player just all-around. She's got game.

Wildcat: So, if Nike gave you your own shoe, what would you want them to call it?

Pace: They'd call it Ace Pace.

Wildcat: Is that your nickname?

Pace: Yeah, since I was younger, from playing sports.

Wildcat: Do you have any superstitions or game rituals?

Pace: I always do the same thing, like wearing the same socks or whatever from when we won before.

Wildcat: Does that mean you've been wearing the same socks for a while?

Pace: (laughing) No, I washed them.

Wildcat: Was everyone in the locker room starting to complain about the stench?

Pace: No! I don't wear the same and keep them dirty. I just wear the same pair!

Wildcat: That's good. I'm glad you have good hygiene, and I'm sure the rest of the team does, too.

÷ Interview by Claire C. Laurence, via Women's Pac-10 tournament in San Jose, Calif.