Stefanie Dolson is in her junior year as a Center for the UConn Huskies. She grew up playing basketball because her dad was a coach so she and her sisters played.

As an experienced player Stefanie is going to help keep the freshman's energy and confidence up. "As a freshman the hardest thing to do is take what the coaches say, and remain positive and confident. I want to encourage and help them. I think the biggest thing is communicating with them."

Last year, Stefanie worked a lot on finishing plays inside around the basket. This year she's working on bringing the ball out to the foul line, and driving to the basket. "I've leaned to use what I have against my opponents, working with the ball away from the basket and shooting three pointers."

Stefanie's biggest moment so far at UConn was during her freshman year playing to win the Big East Championship. "We won and we played a really great game. I had my season high points scored, and I played a really great game.  Mia (Moore, former teammate) came up to me and told me I was her MVP (most valuable player).  Coming from Mia speaks volumes." Stefanie's best basketball memories prior to UConn were helping her Minisink Valley High School team win sections one year.  "We almost made states but for us to win sections was a big deal. My personal biggest achievement was scoring just under 2,000 points during high school."

Stefanie's experience at UConn has been everything she had hoped it would be. "I tell everyone that coming to Connecticut has definitely been the best decision I've made. Everyone, the coaches, staff, managers, and players are so warm and welcoming and I just have so much fun here." 

There were several reasons why Stefanie decided to come to UConn after narrowing her choices to UConn, Duke, Maryland and Penn State Universities. "I liked the coaches I spoke to at UConn. My conversation with Coach Auriemma felt right, it was different from conversations I had with the coaches from other schools. I love the campus, it reminds me of where I come from, and it's only two and a half hours from home so my family can come to my games, which is great because I'm a huge family person."

"Working hard and competing is what Coach Auriemma is always looking for.  Mistakes will happen but be sure it's the right mistake from trying to get someone open or getting them a pass."

When asked if the preparation for a big game is different than any other game Stefanie said, "No, I don't do anything differently for Texas A&M then I do for Towson. I look at the scouting report to know the player I'll be playing against, and what to exploit but mentally I prepare the same way, listening to music, chilling, and getting my mind right and ready."