There is no question about it. Brianti Saunders is a competitor. The Stetson University junior wants to succeed at a high level at everything that she does.
So when an injury limited Saunders' ability to participate in practice this fall, she did not just sit on the sidelines as a passive observer. Instead, she became an extra coach on the floor, taking the newcomers under wing and helping them get acclimated to the nuances of practice and the different systems being taught.
"It comes easy," Saunders said. "I love helping people, and I want to win, so I will do whatever it takes. Whether it is somebody helping me, or me helping somebody else, it doesn't matter."
Saunders said her time on the sideline gave a valuable big-picture perspective on how the team was functioning as a unit.
"I learned more sitting out than I have being in because when you are out, you have to look and understand what your teammates are doing," Saunders said. "That way when I go out there, I know how to play with them."
Stetson head coach Lynn Bria says Saunders has always been a leader by example, but she is looking for her to be a vocal leader on the court this season as well.
"That's one thing that I love about her; I think she commands the respect of our other players," Bria said. "Our freshmen already look up to her. We all have a lot of respect for her."
Saunders has had a brilliant first two seasons with the program. In 66 career games, she is averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. She is a three-time Atlantic Sun Player of the Week and she earned preseason all-conference honors this season. She also averages over 30 minutes a game, and she makes free throw shooting look like a stroll in the park.
"She's consistent because she's consistent with her work ethic," Bria said. "She's in the gym every day. It's not rocket science as far as where her consistency comes from. She's done that ever since I recruited her out of high school, that's one of the reasons I really wanted her here.
"We will rely heavily upon her," Bria added. "She's the backbone to our team."
Saunders has since returned to practice and is ready to get the season started with her teammates this weekend. The Hatters will host Trinity Baptist at 10:15 a.m. Saturday before visiting the University of Georgia at 2 p.m. Sunday.
As the leading returning scorer on a team that returns just four players from a year ago, Saunders knows she will have to carry a lot of the workload offensively. However, she also has faith that her teammates will contribute to the scoring effort as well.
"I definitely believe it is a team effort," Saunders said. "I don't just think of myself as a leading scorer and I have to do it all. I know that it is a big role for me. I have to produce the same or more than last year, but it going to take help from the team in order for me to do that. And I have to help them improve their numbers as well."
A native of Hilliard, Fla., Saunders says the team's work ethic and speed are two of the strengths of this year's squad. However, with so many new pieces to the puzzle, it will be the team's ability to gel as a unit that will be a key to the Hatters' overall success.
"I think the biggest thing is playing together," Saunders said. "If we do not have chemistry, we will not be able to go far. It is important that we stay together no matter what."
Tickets for Saturday's season opener against Trinity Baptist are on sale and start at just $8. Season tickets for men's and women's basketball are also on sale and start at just $75. Visit the Hatter Ticket Office web page or call (386) 738-HATS for more information.
Coming Friday: Coach Bria's take on the upcoming season
