Norah Wingfield ’25, a sophomore from Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, was vital to Swarthmore women’s basketball’s success in an away game on Sunday, Nov. 27. Wingfield scored a team-high of 15 points to lead the Garnet to victory over non-conference Washington and Lee University. In the narrow and thrilling match, the Garnet came out on top, 57-54. This victory gave Swarthmore their third straight win.
Sophia Vesely: Can you tell us about the victory over Washington and Lee University this past Sunday? How did it feel to score 15 points to help secure a win for the Garnet?
Norah Wingfield: Our game against Washington and Lee on Sunday was a great team win. Everyone who played contributed, and it felt awesome to beat a talented team so far away from Swat! We definitely want to take the momentum from this win and bring that same energy into the next conference games. I went into the game focusing mainly on defense because W&L has some strong posts, so it felt good to let the scoring come through patience and running our sets through.
SV: What are some of the team’s goals for the season?
NW: A main goal we have for this season is to make it to the Centennial Conference playoffs and win a championship. Last year, we missed the playoffs, but with this year’s talent and depth, it would be amazing to win it all and even make it to the NCAA’s. Additionally, we all look to push ourselves and each other to get better every day. I am so grateful that I am able to play with my best friends, who are all so dedicated to the team and willing to put in the work so that we can achieve our goals.
SV: What are some of your personal goals for the season?
NW: Personally, I want to become more comfortable playing outside the paint as a Stretch 4. I switched positions this offseason from a center to playing more outside. It has definitely been an adjustment, but our coaches have helped me improve and stay confident driving in and shooting the three, along with continuing to post up under the basket. Some of my short-term goals are to go into practice with great energy, be a good teammate, and play as hard as I can so that I can help the team win.
SV: What has been a highlight of the season for you thus far?
NW: I think both of the overnight trips to Vassar and Washington and Lee have been great season highlights for me so far. My hometown is only 30 minutes from Vassar, so a lot of my family and even my high school coach came to watch the games. Although we lost, it was great to see them in the stands. Washington and Lee was also definitely a highlight because I had so much fun on the long bus rides there and back with my teammates, and we were able to get our first road win against a good team.
SV: Do you have any pre or post-game rituals?
NW: Pre-game, I always make sure I have some coffee and listen to music. I have also started to have one of my teammates braid my hair before every game. Afterwards, I usually get good food with the team and then call my dad to talk about the game.
SV: What made you choose Swarthmore?
NW: I chose Swat because of the incredible education it offers, along with the academic and athletic balance that comes with Division III sports. I knew I wanted to play at a school that was smaller, emphasized academics, and was in a good location. Swarthmore checked off all those boxes, and ultimately, I’m so happy I decided to go here.
SV: What are you studying at Swat?
NW: I am planning on double majoring in Economics and Studio Art. I went into Swarthmore intending on just majoring in Econ, but after taking a couple of art classes, I decided to add an art major as well. I have always loved painting, and it definitely brings some calm to a busy in-season schedule!
SV: Favorite Dining Center bar?
NW: Definitely pasta bar!
