Erica Baran is our women's basketball player of the week. We sat down to chat about this season's highlights and lowlights, as well as her love of music.

Erica Baran: I grew up in Hammond

EB: Probably like first grade.

What kept you playing basketball?

I really like being part of a team. Basketball is kind of a work out. I love shooting. It's just fun.

I wanted to stay close to home. I wasn't sure that I wanted to play basketball when I came here but when I met the coach and the other girls I decided I wanted to do it.

It's amazing. I don't want to say it's surprising that all of these girls from different school get along so well together, but we really do. We're all close friends.

Playing Judson is always big. They've become our rival. All the close games are so exciting for me.

There was a point where we were losing a lot of games in a row. It was getting kind of frustrating for everybody, but we bounced back.

I don't know. I think everyone decided that it's time, we're not going to lose anymore.

Nursing.

I consider myself a very caring person. Someday I'd like to care for people and make things better.

Besides basketball, I really like music.

I don't. I want to play an instrument. I'd love to play piano someday.

All kinds: rap, hip-hip, country, alternative.

I don't have a lot of time for movies lately, so I really don't know.

We'd probably just watch movies and eat dinner.

Yeah, don't give up. Keep trying. Never feel like you can't do something because you can if you try.