Abi Scheid had a standout season during her senior year, as she led the nation in three point shooting to help the ’Cats clinch the B1G title. I had the chance to sit down with Scheid and reflect on her memorable season, the implications of COVID-19, and her thoughts on the future of Wildcat basketball.
Northwestern women’s basketball is coming off of a remarkable season, which saw them clinch the Big 10 title for the first time in over 30 years. What was it like to be a part of such a special team?
Abi Scheid: It’s hard to put into words how special this team was; being a part of it was something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was so amazing to play with this group of girls. We worked for this from the bottom up, which makes it all the more rewarding. When I was a freshman on the team, upperclassmen dominated the team, and when they graduated, they needed a new identity. Working with these girls in and out and experiencing losing seasons created the motivation that we needed.
How did you feel when the NCAA canceled the men’s and women’s March Madness?
Scheid: Initially, I was in disbelief. I guess I didn’t really know how to react, but what helped me was knowing that everyone involved was going through the same thing at the same time. We are one big family, and it doesn’t take away from anything we did and what we could’ve achieved. We were a record-breaking Northwestern women’s basketball team.
What was your favorite memory of this season (her senior year)?
Scheid: Easily winning the B1G title and senior night. It was so awesome to have both of those on the same night. It was also so special to do it with my best friends too.
What have you been doing to keep busy during quarantine?
Scheid: Well, I’ve been working out and staying in shape because I’m deciding whether I want to play professionally. With COVID-19, there is uncertainty for me about playing overseas but we’ll see. I’m doing the basics – I have a hoop in the driveway, a gym – I’m doing everything I can.
Is there anything you will miss at Northwestern next year?
Scheid: Just physically being here and being in this community is something I’ll definitely miss. I’m already missing it. But, once you graduate from Northwestern, you’re still a part of it and that will never change. I was part of the reason the 2019-20 Northwestern women’s basketball team was so successful; knowing that will help get me through.
What was it like for the team to lose in the first round?
Scheid: It sucked. I didn’t know the NCAA tournament would be cancelled, so it sucks even more in retrospect. We were better than that, and ultimately we used it as a motivator to bring us through the next few weeks.
Do you think the team has a bright future ahead? What is your take on the team as you move on?
Scheid: I think the team will do what it always has. With four, five seniors graduating, the team will continue to work hard and to do everything they can to win. They have so much firepower, and there are such talented incoming freshman that can bring this team to new levels. There are so many people who could step up. I think they will be successful because the girls all know how to play which each other. We know the B1G title is not enough, and I think this team is capable of not only making an appearance in the tournament, but making a statement. Northwestern is not just a school for smart people; we are here to fight.
**Interview has been edited for clarity