June 11, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - It is already June and the Texas Tech women's basketball team is welcoming its new incoming players to campus. With summer school underway, two of Tech's four newcomers have arrived on campus to take classes the first session, while the other two will arrive in July for the second summer session. Freshmen Jordan Barncastle and Lindie Kimbro both arrived in Lubbock the end of May ready to begin their careers as Lady Raiders.

Barncastle, a two-time Class 1A Player of the Year, is a 6-2 forward who hails from Ben Wheeler, Texas, and led Martin's Mill High School to two state championships in her four-year career. She is a three-time all-state selection and averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds in her four years. Barncastle was named the Most Valuable Player of the state championship game both her sophomore and senior seasons.

The Kyle, Texas, native Kimbro is a 5-8 guard who graduated in the top five percent of her class at Jack C. Hays High School. Kimbro missed almost her entire senior season with an injury, but as a junior she averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds and was named all-state, while leading all Class 3A-5A players in points per game. She led her team in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals for two years. Kimbro was a three-time Academic All-District selection as well.

Since both Barncastle and Kimbro have enrolled in school, they can participate in the team's summer workouts. Newcomers Kierra Mallard and Tilmila Martin will be on the South Plains in July and we will catch up with them shortly after their arrival.

Q&A with Jordan Barncastle and Lindie Kimbro

Jordan: Good. It has been very different and overwhelming. The coaches and players have really helped with the transition.

Lindie: They have been great, but extremely busy. Between classes and workouts, there has not been a dull moment yet.

Why did you choose to come to Texas Tech?

Jordan: I just felt it was the perfect fit for me - the coaching staff and the way the team plays. It's my style of play. The coaching staff represents everything I look for.

Lindie: I felt the Lord was calling me to come here. Also, I wanted to be a part of setting a new foundation with theses coaches and players.

In your short time at Tech, what has been your biggest adjustment?

Jordan: Time management. Just being so busy. There is no down time. You have to find time to do homework and before you just had the time.

Lindie: The workouts have been my biggest adjustment so far. They have been very intense.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jordan: The atmosphere is going to be amazing. I'm looking forward to playing high level competition. Knowing that there is going to be someone bigger, better, faster and stronger makes you want to set the goal for yourself.

Lindie: I'm excited about running out of the tunnel prior to the game. And I'm just excited about playing a game because I haven't played in a year.

Do you have any summer plans before classes start in the fall?

Jordan: I'm going home and going on a cruise. I'm very excited. It's a girls only cruise with my family.

Lindie: I'm going to Ruidoso, N.M. - for the 19th straight year. It's a family tradition that we all go every year.

Who has been the most influential person in your basketball career?

Jordan: My dad, Doug. He has taught me everything I know about basketball. He has always been my guidance, and also the fact he was my high school coach. He has always been there.

Lindie: My dad, John. He would go up the gym with me at midnight to shoot. He has always been there to encourage and support me and calls me just to see how things are going.

What has been your biggest basketball accomplishment?

Jordan: Getting to Texas Tech and winning two state championships in high school.

Lindie: Having a better work ethic. Tearing my ACL three different times has instilled in me a greater work ethic. Just the mind set of knowing that every play could be your last and you need to cherish it.