Strength and conditioning workouts are usually the most difficult adjustments high school athletes face upon entering the NCAA circuit.

For six recruits in the SIU women’s basketball program, those adjustments must be made quickly.

2008 recruits including guards Brenna Saline, Natalie Taylor, Ellen Young and Tanaeya Worden, forward Katrina Swingler and center Paris Campbell are all on campus and working with conditioning coaches in order to compete at the collegiate level.

Head women’s basketball coach Dana Eikenberg said the transition could be a challenging feat for anyone but credits her upperclassmen with bringing the rookies along.

Strength and conditioning coach Becky Kimball said the recruits are doing as well as could be expected and are getting an academic edge by taking summer courses.

“We have a pretty athletic bunch, they catch on quickly,” Kimball said.

Sophomore guard Erica Smith said many of the upperclassmen, herself included, are helping their new teammates get accustomed to the workouts by drawing on their own experiences.

“We’re showing them the things we learned as freshmen to help them move along as smoothly as possible,” Smith said.

Eikenberg said while assessing new recruits, basketball skills could be among the least important desirable traits.

“You must recognize discipline and be willing to adapt as life is ever changing for student athletes during their four years, as well as be able to understand commitment, amongst other things,” Eikenberg said via email.

The ability to adjust to a new team and form a trusting relationship between players and coaches is also important, Eikenberg said.

For some recruits, the attitude already exists. Campbell said one of the reasons she chose SIU over other schools, including Valparaiso University, is due to the player-coach relationship.

“Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m talking to a coach,” Campbell said. “All the coaches seem like you can talk to them.”

Daily Egyptian writer Jakina Hill can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 249 or [email protected].