T-Bird, Alli Gloyd, provides solid defense for basketball
Matt Schaeffer
Mesa Thunderbird’s Women’s Basketball has experienced its ups and downs during the season. They are currently 15-11 on the season as of Feb. 15. One thing that’s been consistent for them is the play of freshman forward Alli Gloyd. Gloyd, justice studies major from South Mountain high school, has now won ACCAC player of the week twice in January and doesn’t show any sign of letting up as she attempts to help her team make a run in the playoffs.
She is tied with teammate Amber Bond for eighth in the conference in field goal percentage and is fourteenth in rebounds with almost seven per game. She has also taken the lead in team scoring with 11.1 points per game as of Feb. 13.
Gloyd took the time before practice to meet with the Mesa Legend to give a little insight on who she is.
“I’ve been playing since the third grade,” Gloyd said.
She included her favorite players as, “Kobe, I love Lebron right now, Candace Parker, and Ivory Latta.”
When asked about her improvements from last year, Gloyd said that her confidence has improved the most and credited some of that to coach Stephenson’s war cry of “tiger eye.”
“Tiger eye is like this look in your eye like you want it. Every possession you want it, whether it’s defense or offense.”
Gloyd says her best asset is defense and that she’s, “always taken pride in that . that’s always been my best game.”
Stephenson also gets credit from Gloyd for making the team close knit, “We bond very well. We’re all close. When we came here coach Kori said we’re all gonna be a family and that’s what we are.”
Her pregame rituals are about being prepared. Gloyd gets her gear together the previous night, making sure she has her socks, shoes, headphones, and charger ready to go.
“The day of (I) eat a little something and just have the focus and mindset that I’m ready for the game,” Gloyd said.
Gloyd is shooting a respectable 73 percent from the free throw line this year and is second on the team in free throw attempts.
One thing with basketball players is they all have a little ritual when they approach the line to shoot free throws. Gloyd described hers as, “I get there, look at the basket, focus on one spot, make sure I get the basketball over that spot, usually the front of the rim, four dribbles and put it in there.”
Outside of basketball, law school is the ultimate goal for Gloyd. “I don’t even know if I want to be a lawyer. But maybe someday eventually teaching.” she said.
Gloyd was hesitant to talk about her future basketball plans. Asked about if she was returning next year “I don’t know,” was her response.
When asked about any offers Gloyd said, “I think there’s some people looking at me but I’m not sure.”
Whether she returns to MCC or moves on to another school, basketball is definitely in the future for Alli Gloyd.
Coach Stephenson’s Thunderbirds look to make a push for the playoffs with two more conference games Feb. 22 And 25 against Phoenix College and South Mountain respectively.
Region 1 playoffs begin March 1.
