Q-and-A with Brenna Nolan, Mother McAuley basketball

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Brenna Nolan, Mother McAuley basketball. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 18, 2012 8:07AM

Brenna Nolan, 17, of Lemont, is in her third season as a forward on the Mighty Macs varsity for Mother McAuley basketball.

Describe yourself as a basketball player.

I think I’m very motivated, hard-working and know when we need a leader and when to step up.

Does Mother McAuley’s volleyball reputation make you as a basketball player just a little bit jealous?

Ha, just a little, because we know how hard we have to work to be as successful. But we know we can do it and are just as worthy.

Which school do you consider your biggest rival?

I think Marist is obviously our biggest rival. When we’re playing Marist, everyone has the sense that we have to play harder and better than in any other game.

What’s the funniest story you’ll tell about coach (Karen) Ade in 10 years?

When somebody on the team makes a funny comment, we just look at coach Ade. She usually just laughs and rolls her eyes at it.

What teammate has a hidden talent that we just need to know about?

Oh, gosh, Kristen Kleist can sing really well. She’ll belt out a few tunes for us every now and then.

What player from another school would you love to have as a teammate?

Kara Pietrowski from Stagg. We’ve played together (in club) since fourth grade.

If you could look like anyone in the world, who would it be?

I really like Emma Stone, because she’s a really good actress and she’s pretty.

Are you a spender or a saver?

Oh, a saver. Right now I’m saving for concert tickets for the summer.

Was Santa good to you?

Yes. My favorite present was a Wes Welker Patriots jersey.

Do you have, or would you get, a tattoo?

I don’t, and I wouldn’t. I don’t think my parents would be very fond of it.

What irritates you more than anything else?

People walking slowly in the hallways and not noticing that they’re holding everyone up.

Your prom dream date. Who is it?

One of the Plumlee brothers from Duke. It doesn’t matter which one, really. I’d take any.

Would you rather go to prom with one of them, or play in a state title game?

I would definitely play in the state title game. Duke is one my choices for college, so I can always figure out a way to meet them a different way.

What does your mirror tell you about yourself?

That I’m willing to work as hard as possible to accomplish all of my goals.

— As told to Tony Baranek