Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Taybra Teeters, MSU-N Women's Basketball

Often times, college basketball isn’t easy. In fact, it’s very hard.

And it can be really hard when you come from one school, where you were a star player and the focal point of the team, to a new team, where finding your place and role is never easy.

But, Montana State University-Northern senior forward Taybra Teeters has done just that. Teeters was a star post player at Lower Columbia College in Washington, before transferring to Northern for the 2013-14 season.

And at the outset, things weren’t always easy for Teeters, who posted big numbers while at Columbia. But, a year later, she’s found her role as a hard-nosed and gritty post player on a powerful Skylights’ front line.

Teeters also has another role, and that’s one of leadership. After one year at Northern, a year in which she helped the Skylights go all the way to the NAIA Sweet 16, Teeters is now a veteran player, and her leadership, as well as her toughness on the court, will be critical to the Skylights’ success this season.

“Taybra gave us very good minutes last season,” Northern head coach Chris Mouat said. “She has the ability to knock down the high-post shot, can finish with her back to the basket, and is an excellent passer out of the post. She is an important part of our leadership core, and her experience in the Frontier Conference and at the National Tournament are huge assets to our team.”

Indeed. Teeters is a huge part of the Skylights, and the community leadership major from Longview, Washington, who’s favorite athlete is NBA star Brandon Roy, is excited about the season ahead, and the Skylights’ first two home games, which are set for Thursday and Sunday night at the Armory Gymnasium.

Here are five questions with the hard-nosed Teeters as Northern opens its home schedule Thursday at the Armory Gymnasium.

HDN: Last year was a great season, especially the finish. How excited are you guys for this season?

Teeters: “I’m very excited. The whole team is excited. Last year we did some great things. And right now there’s nothing but positive thoughts with the whole team. Going back to nationals is what we expect. That’s our goal.”

HDN: What areas of your game have you seen the most improvement?

Teeters: “This year, my main focus is defense. I need to stay out of foul trouble. I need to do a better job of keeping my feet under me. That’s my main focus. I want to do a better job on defense, and do all the little things right. That’s the best way for me to help the team.”

HDN: Life in the state of Washington is different from Havre. What do you miss the most about home?

Teeters: “It’s funny, I just got a care package from my mom today. It had a bunch of Halloween stuff to decorate my apartment. So I would say that’s what I miss the most, just my mom, and my family. But I’ve adapted to Havre, and I have really embraced it here. I miss my family a lot, but I really like Havre.”

HDN: What are you listening to before a game?

Teeters: “I pretty much just listen to whatever A’Jha (Edwards) is listening to. She’s also got some pretty good music. But, in the team room, we all listen to a lot of Katie Perry.”

HDN: The Skylights are about to play their first home games of the season. How exciting is that?

Teeters: “We’re really excited to play at home. We’ve been talking about it a lot. Playing at home is the best. So we’re looking forward to these two games at home.”