Fresno State Athletics

Bulldogs 5-on-5: Megan Nilsson
9/28/2016 5:29:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Catching up with freshman forward Megan Nilsson.
FRESNO, Calif. - GoBulldogs.com caught up with freshman forward Megan Nilsson for our web series, "Bulldogs 5-On-5". During the days leading up to the start of fall practice, the series will feature the women's basketball team's six newcomers.
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Q: What was your first memory of playing basketball?
A: My first coach was also the defensive coach for the Whitworth University football team. He was very direct and a little bit scary as a kindergartener. I remember that we worked really hard and learned a lot. The next year my dad helped coach and having fun became more of the primary focus.
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Q: Why did you choose to play basketball over soccer?
A: As a goalkeeper, I spent a lot of time practicing separate from the field players and was entirely a defensive player. The best I could contribute was to shutout our opponent and we could still end up with a draw. I like playing on both sides of the ball on the basketball court and having the potential to provide a bigger influence in the game. I also love the closer team environment that basketball provides.
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Q: How did your time playing soccer help your develop your abilities on the basketball court?
A: Soccer and basketball are similar in a lot of ways. I think one of the skills that I really improved on was how to communicate and be more vocal to direct the defense so we would work as a unit instead of individuals. Seeing the field or court, body positioning, understanding passing lanes and recognizing offensive formations and plays are also alike between the two sports.
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Q:Â What part of your game have you been working on most during the offseason?
A: I have been working on my shooting, repetition and range, as well as learning the style of play from the returners.
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Q:Â What are you looking forward to most about competing Fresno State?
A: An instant family. My teammates and coaches have quickly become a second family that have welcomed me. We share common interests and goals that we can work towards together. It also provides me with an education from a great university and an opportunity to compete at a very high level for the next four years.
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California quick shots:
Beach or mountains? Beach
Big city or small town? Big city
Clippers, Kings, Lakers or Warriors? Warriors
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"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram:Â fresnostwbb
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Â
Q: What was your first memory of playing basketball?
A: My first coach was also the defensive coach for the Whitworth University football team. He was very direct and a little bit scary as a kindergartener. I remember that we worked really hard and learned a lot. The next year my dad helped coach and having fun became more of the primary focus.
Â
Q: Why did you choose to play basketball over soccer?
A: As a goalkeeper, I spent a lot of time practicing separate from the field players and was entirely a defensive player. The best I could contribute was to shutout our opponent and we could still end up with a draw. I like playing on both sides of the ball on the basketball court and having the potential to provide a bigger influence in the game. I also love the closer team environment that basketball provides.
Â
Q: How did your time playing soccer help your develop your abilities on the basketball court?
A: Soccer and basketball are similar in a lot of ways. I think one of the skills that I really improved on was how to communicate and be more vocal to direct the defense so we would work as a unit instead of individuals. Seeing the field or court, body positioning, understanding passing lanes and recognizing offensive formations and plays are also alike between the two sports.
Â
Q:Â What part of your game have you been working on most during the offseason?
A: I have been working on my shooting, repetition and range, as well as learning the style of play from the returners.
Â
Q:Â What are you looking forward to most about competing Fresno State?
A: An instant family. My teammates and coaches have quickly become a second family that have welcomed me. We share common interests and goals that we can work towards together. It also provides me with an education from a great university and an opportunity to compete at a very high level for the next four years.
Â
California quick shots:
Beach or mountains? Beach
Big city or small town? Big city
Clippers, Kings, Lakers or Warriors? Warriors
Â
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWBB
Instagram:Â fresnostwbb
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Players Mentioned
WBB Media Availability [12/5]
Saturday, December 06
WBB head coach Ryan McCarthy Introductory Press Conference [4/21/25]
Monday, April 21
WBB Media Availability [9/23]
Monday, September 23
The Game Changers: Coaches Corner - Jazmine Redmon
Wednesday, February 21




