Tatum Neubert couldn’t have landed at Oregon at a better time.
As a freshman, Neubert joins the Oregon women’s basketball team, which has started rebuilding from the ground up. The Elizabeth, Colorado, native started three non-conference games for the Ducks this season and has averaged 2.5 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game so far.
She chatted with the Emerald after practice on Thursday before the team traveled to Pullman for a rematch with Washington State.
How has the transition from high school to college been? What’s been the most challenging part?
The transition has been amazing. I’m so grateful to be a part of something so much bigger. In high school, I had the opportunity to come here and play DI, which is amazing. The biggest transition has been that it’s a job. You’re here all the time. You’re trying to get extra work in, but it’s great—I love everything about it.
How has the family environment of the team helped you as a freshman?
When I went on my visit, the first thing I really felt connected to was the team. The team is already—they’re my sisters. I haven’t even had a chance to feel homesick because everyone’s so welcoming. You always have stuff to do with the team and we’re always going to dinners, doing things together.
How close are you to fellow freshman Lexi Bando?
We’ve been best friends since the moment we met. We’re roommates and we are together all the time. We had classes together all year and everything.
Is it exciting to be with the program in its early years, knowing what you’re building today could be the foundation of success in the future?
It’s definitely a really cool thing to say, “I went to Oregon at the start of the good years.” I know that the future is going to be really bright for us and that we’ll have a winning program.
What has it been like adjusting to the physicality of the Pac-12?
It’s definitely different, but it makes you a better player. Every time you go up against someone tougher than you, it makes you want to be tougher and better. I think it’s a great thing going up against people who are better than you.
What are some of your dorm food favorites?
I love the cheesy griller at LLC (Living Learning Center). It’s the best thing ever. It’s just a grilled cheese, but it’s so good. That’s my favorite thing. I eat a lot of Fire ‘n’ Spice, that’s the best. I try to stay away from junk food as much as possible.
What’s it like adjusting to college life, having so much extra freedom?
I definitely feel like I’ve got it figured out. We took classes (over the summer), so I was here before everybody was really here. I got to know the way around campus and everything. I think I’ve got it down. I have my priorities sorted out straight. It’s just been a really fun experience overall so far.
What’s something that fans don’t know about you?
I am from a super small town in Colorado, I don’t know if many people know that about me. It’s called Elizabeth. We have horses and everything. My dad played in the NFL, which is something I think is really cool and special.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne