When Marissa Kastanek, a first year forward, came to N.C. State’s basketball camp during her high school tenure, she caught the eye of several of her future teammates, including senior guard Nikitta Gartrell.
“I expected great things from her when I got the chance to see her play at camp. I thought, ‘Wow, if she comes here, we’re going to be something to reckon with because she can play,'” Gartrell said. “At camp, people come to have fun. But Marissa was always the first one in and the last one out.”
Kastanek did not disappoint in her first season with the Wolfpack. On Tuesday afternoon, she was named 2010 ACC Freshman of the Year. She becomes the third member of the Pack to do so and the first since 1997. She automatically earned a spot on the 2010 ACC All-Freshman Team, along with four other ACC rookies. Kastanek, though honored by the award, remained humble in the spotlight.
“It’s just another milestone in my career, showing that hard work really does pay off,” Kastanek said. “I feel like anybody can do things if they put their mind to it.”
But she said that she felt so many emotions when she heard the news and rushed to call her mom, little sister and other friends.
“There were so many people I wanted to tell, I didn’t know what to do,” Kastanek said. “Coach Harper called and made sure I knew and congratulated me. This just made my day.”
Kastanek quickly took her place as a formidable force on the court. She started all but one of the 29 regular-season games and was one of only two players to be named ACC Rookie of the Week three times. She tallied an average of 10.7 points per game, which puts her at second on the season among all ACC rookies. She is ninth-best of all ACC players in scoring from beyond the arc.
As evidenced by her many accolades she has earned since arriving in Raleigh, Kastanek set her sights on goals far loftier than fitting in on the team or testing the waters. Head coach Kellie Harper has consistently said that Kastanek does not play like a freshman and told the Associated Press earlier this week that her peers had to pressure the rookie into wear knee pads because her knees were constantly “bruised, scarred and skinned up.” Her teammates are quick to agree.
“Marissa brings energy and hard work at every single practice and game. She plays just as good as any upperclassman” Gartrell said. “I wish I had more years to play with her, but my time has passed.”
Gartrell, whose eligibility is up in May, said she is comfortable with leaving the team in the hands of Kastanek and her teammates and that the Rookie of the Year clearly has the ability to be a leader, regardless of the occasional freshman mistake.
“I see Marissa taking on a big role next year, along with Amber, Tia and the upcoming seniors,” Gartrell said. “She’s always going to be in that role just based on the ways she plays and dedication she gives to this team.”
Kastanek attributes her chance to thrive to Harper’s system she has molded the Pack under. She said the style of play Harper preaches is the same play she enjoys most. Harper’s mentality of fairness and tough love has opened the door for Kastanek to shine.
“She doesn’t see anybody in seniority – it’s not how old you are, its what you can bring to the team,” Kastanek said. “That’s a really positive thing, because she doesn’t hold anyone back or give anyone too much.”
The Nebraska native referred to her mom as natural born leader and said she passed her leadership abilities onto Kastanek and her siblings at a young age.
“I don’t know if it just comes to me or if I adapt to the situation, but I’ve always had the role of a leader. I’ve never forced myself into leading,” Kastanek said.
On a team where, theoretically, every player was new again, Kastanek received the opportunity to, once again, step up and lead, though she continues to learn from her elders and coaches.
“I saw an opportunity. The situation is different, because when our coach is saying something that’s new, we’re all new to it,” Kastanek said. “So if I understand it, I’m not going to sit back. If one of my teammates is confused, maybe I can explain it in a different way than coach can.”
The Wolfpack heads into the ACC tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum tonight as the No. 6 seed and will face No. 11 Clemson at 8 p.m. The winner will advance to play Virginia in the quarterfinals on Friday at 8 p.m. While the team’s success has surpassed many expectations, Kastanek had faith in her teammates all along.
“I’m glad for how far we’ve come this season, I always expect the best for any team I play on. We have the talent, its obviously there” Kastanek said. “Things were a little shaky in the beginning, like when the seniors had to set aside what they’ve been taught for three years and learn new strategies, that was nerve-wracking. But we kept fighting and pushed through and have come this far.”
But the small town girl with the smile on her face isn’t all work all of the time. She has a good amount of play in her too, according to Gartrell.
“Silly, that’s the best word I can use for her,” Gartrell said. “Most of the time, its her and I joking around. She’s a goofball.”
Kastanek doesn’t deny that claim and boasts of her dancing skills, something that she said some of her teammates may slightly disagree with.
“Well, I’m the best dancer, but I’m not the best dancer,” Kastanek said with a laugh. “I have a move, the Robot, and I don’t think anyone can do it like I can. I even do it before every game.”
While her teammates can always get a kick out of Kastanek’s antics off the court, they also appreciate the balance that she brings with her tenacity during competition.
“She’s kindhearted and loves to have fun. It’s wonderful to get to know her,” Gartrell said. “But when it comes time to make it count, that’s Marissa.”
