BY BRADLEY LINAM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ATHLETICS
Sophomore guard Sasha Goforth returns to her hometown after a short stint at Oregon State where she had a standout season her freshman year. She is excited to be back home in Fayetteville and looks to contribute heavily to Head Coach Mike Neighbors’ Arkansas Lady Razorbacks basketball team this year.
Q&A:
The Varsity Report:
What is your favorite high school basketball memory?
Goforth:
Playing as a freshman and winning that state championship game was surreal. It was the best day of my life. It’s truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. There was also a lot of pressure being so young and being an important part of the team. It helped me grow and develop more confidence in my game.
The Varsity Report:
How did Coach Rimmer and the staff at Fayetteville help you in your time there?
Goforth:
It means so much to me that Coach Rimmer and the rest of the staff believed in me at such a young age. He had this ultra confidence in me and he wanted me to be a big part of the team. He believed in me and that meant more than anything. Throughout the years, Coach Rimmer helped me with the recruiting process. He was always there for me.
The Varsity Report:
What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
Goforth:
I think there are a lot more expectations this year for us just because of how well the team did last season. With the amount of new added talent, we have high expectations. Coach Neighbors and the staff are doing a great job with recruiting. They are getting the types of players we need here.
The Varsity Report:
When you’re not playing basketball, what are some things you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Goforth:
I’m a big introvert and I enjoy my down time. School and basketball are very time consuming. I like to chill and watch Netflix. I also like to hang out with my family and my dog.
The Varsity Report:
Please tell us about being chosen as a McDonalds All American. How did you find out and who was the first person you told?
Goforth:
I found out by text and the first person I told was my dad. I was actually walking into the gym for practice and by then Coach Rimmer knew about it. It was a great feeling.
The Varsity Report:
You chose to go to Oregon State to play college basketball initially. How was that season and what were the contributing factors in returning to Fayetteville to play for the Lady Razorbacks?
Goforth:
Going to Oregon State was something I felt I needed to do. I needed to get out of Fayetteville and try a different experience. I love my teammates there to this day. I wanted to come back home to be with my family with how crazy of a year it was. I’m glad I came home because this team at Arkansas is something special. I think we can do really big things.
The Varsity Report:
How does it feel to be a student athlete right now at the University of Arkansas with the team’s successes in all sports?
Goforth:
Arkansas is being recognized as a place where there are lots of talented athletes. It’s very exciting to be a part of that culture and hopefully women’s basketball can add to it.
The Varsity Report:
What are a few characteristics that describe you as a basketball player?
Goforth:
I am very multidimensional and I like to identify myself as a defensive player. I can score on many different levels and I’m a hard worker. I try to put my all into everything. I always go out of my way to encourage everyone. Letting my teammates know I have their back is a very important part of the game.
The Varsity Report:
When did you realize that you were a great player and you could compete at the highest level with the best of the best?
Goforth:
I would say that it was the seventh grade. My trainer, Brandon Love, was constantly telling me I was going to be special. I didn’t really see it but that’s the year I got moved up to play with the junior high team. I think at that point, I did start to realize that I had a lot of potential and if I kept working I could do big things.