Mallory Ramage, the all-time girls basketball scoring leader at Mattoon High, is set to begin her second season playing for Loyola. Ramage appeared in 29 games as a freshman, making six starts. She averaged 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals per game and shot 29.2 percent from the field, 23.7 percent from 3-point line and. 87.5 percent from the line. Ramage score a season-high 14 points against Fordham in early February. She recently spoke with Jeff Owens.

COLES COUNTY SPORTS: Take us through the recruiting process that led you to attending Loyola.
Mallory Ramage: I committed to Loyola University Chicago when I was 16 years old. I committed because I loved the area and I knew I would be coming to a place that has so many new opportunities for me. Before I came in as a freshmen, there was a head coaching change. Coach (Allison) Guth became the new head coach. Before I arrived on campus, I talked to her on the phone and she reassured me that I was wanted and she was very kind and an overall great person. So after I talked to her, I for sure knew I still wanted to come to Loyola.

CCS: What is it like being a Division I athlete?
Ramage: My journey being a division I athlete has been very challenging, but also one of the greatest blessings in my life. I’ve had to overcome new challenges every day. It is very hard to juggle school and basketball while also having to take care of yourself. At times, it’s gotten so tough where I start to question my worth. But I remember I am here for a reason, and I have worked so hard to get to where I am now. Although there have been so many challenges I have faced, I’ve also had some of the greatest opportunities and made some of the best memories. I’ve become friends with people I’d never thought I would meet or have things in common with. I’ve also seen so many new parts of the world that I would have never seen without basketball. Being a DI athlete is hard, at times, but it has made me stronger and I have learned so much.

CCS: Please assess your first year at Loyola from a basketball point of view?
Ramage: Coming in as a freshman was challenging because in high school we weren’t taught a lot about playing at the next level. This game is ten times faster than high school, and it’s hard to adjust to the new style of play. Defense is emphasized way more and all the girls are really good. Last summer was definitely the most challenging because I had to adjust to everything. Being a freshman is hard. You’re also playing with girls that are older than you, and more experienced. After having a year under my belt and looking back at last summer compared to this summer, I am very proud of myself. I have come a long way in my basketball journey and I’m looking forward to getting better.

CCS: How do you think your sophomore year will be different?
Ramage: I am looking forward to this year and improving on some of the things I struggled with last year. Now that I have gotten a year of experience, I know more of what to expect.

CCS: Take us through expectations of being a student-athlete.
Ramage: They are very high. The coaches hold us to a high standard because they know that we are capable of doing amazing things. Academics is the most important; it comes before anything. We have access to so many resources like tutors, our academic advisor, and even teammates, if we need help in a class they have already taken. Outside of school, we are also expected to protect our brand and make sure we are representing our school in a good way.

CCS: What advice do you have for those playing basketball for Mattoon?
Ramage: If you want to play at the next level and if you love it, work for it. Get in the gym even when no one is watching because I promise the hard work will not go unnoticed. Even if people think you are crazy for wanting to play at the next level, don’t let it stop you.

CCS: What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?

Ramage: I am looking forward to playing with this amazing team and getting better every day with
them.

CCS: What do people not know about being a Division I basketball player?
Ramage: The game is way tougher physically, but also mentally. It is extremely hard when you have conditioning, practice, lift, class, and then find time to do homework throughout the day and you also have to think about things like dinner, laundry, etc.

CCS: What are you studying at Loyola?
Ramage: I am currently in the School of Social Work.

CCS: Do you have any goals for the upcoming season?
Ramage: Have a lot of fun with my team and win an Atlantic 10 championship.

CCS: Who is your all-time favorite basketball player?
Ramage: Kobe Bryant. He was an outstanding player and I love how confident he was. I also admire the way he supported women’s basketball.