For the last two years, there has been one constant in the Wolfpack’s backcourt–Shayla Fields. The senior from Salisbury has been the Wolfpack’s starting point guard since her sophomore year. Last season, Fields was a co-captain and one of only two upperclassmen on State’s roster. She averaged an ACC-leading 36.0 minutes per game and the team voted her the best offensive player and most outstanding leader. Technician Staff Writer Candice Kasischke sat down with Fields to discuss the 2008-09 season. Technician: What are you looking forward to this season?Fields: I’m really looking forward to a successful season with the team and giving best for my fans and coaches.Technician: Which game are you looking forward to?Fields: Of course our rival game, Carolina, is going to be a big [game]. I can’t wait for Clemson either since it’s senior night.Technician: Favorite feeling when you’re on the court:Fields: I love stepping onto the floor and hearing my name called. It’s rewarding to hear the fans cheer. I just love being with my team and having that chemistry–that camaraderie when we play together. We spend a lot of time together and know each other on and off the court–it’s going to be great.Technician: Do you feel working in the off-season prepared you and the team?Fields: [The] off-season prepared us a lot. We only had seven or eight bodies able to play due to injuries. It was best at the time because he had to work harder with what we had. It gave us an idea of what we would have going into the season. We had to have a confident mentality and that’s going to carry over to the season.Technician: How is the team different from last year?Fields: This team is going to battle more. We are not quitters and will fight through the thick and thin. We will also play more like a team, not one person doing this or that.Technician: How have you personally improved since last year?Fields: I have become a better leader. My stamina and conditioning has really improved over the years. Also my work ethic has really changed–it comes with experience, confidence, and age. Technician: What are your goals and the goals of the team heading into the new season?Fields: We are focusing on going out and giving 100%. Yow won’t accept anything less than our best. Even with the numbers we have, we are going to go out and fight. Our opponents look us over, but they’re in for a surprise.My personal goals would be improving my game and making my teammates better. I want to be more of a vocal leader, that’s key for me since I’m the only senior. I am focusing on improving statistics from last year. I would consider all these to be a success for me.The team is a defensively-oriented team–we are going to get down and we’re going to grind. It’s our safe-hold because we play defense to get buckets.  Coach Yow emphasizes rebounding and boxing out so we can set ourselves up to be offensively effective. She also wants me to work on taking care of the ball.Technician: Reflect on your past years at state as you enter your last season.Fields: It’s very emotional. It’s been a long road — we have been through a lot. It’s very exciting, but it’s going to be a bittersweet moment when it’s time for me to go. I have learned so much from the coaching staff and academically since I have been here. I mean, it’s been a long road and I am going to hate to see it end.Technician: What is the importance of fan support to you”Fields: This year will be more of a team atmosphere. We want the student body to come support us and cheer us on. It gives us extra push and more adrenaline. Coach Yow is battling every day and we want to show that we are battling for her and our fans. We aren’t going to hold back, just going to leave everything on the floor.