Detroit assistant coach Carrie Banks, who played for the Titans from 1996-200, is featured in this week's women's basketball Q&A.

What is it like coaching at your alma mater?
It's been a great experience. The opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much is very rewarding and extremely fulfilling.

Was it always a goal of yours to coach at the Division I level?
I always knew I wanted to coach and doing it at the high school, as well as the AAU level really piqued my desire to coach in college.

What was going through your mind your first game as an assistant coach for the Titans?
Let's get a win!!! Being in the moment, I didn't really think about the significance of it. I was really just focused on trying to get a win and establish a standard for the rest of the season.

What has been your favorite experience thus far as an assistant coach for UDM?
Beating a nationally-ranked team in my first year was really great. Our team's attention to doing the little things well; the fight, leadership and poise our players displayed during that win was awesome. We've been able to duplicate that type of play at times, but now the challenge is to get our team to compete like that every night out.

What are your duties as an assistant coach?
I work primarily with developing our guards. I do a lot with recruiting future Titans and overseeing the academic progress of our current players. I also do anything else our head coach may need done!!!

What was your favorite memory as a player?
It came during the 1998-99 season. I broke my hand in the first exhibition game and sat out during non-conference play. We started off 1-10 and ended up finishing second in the conference and playing in the Horizon League championship game. Our ability to unite as a team and change the fate of our season after such a dismal start really spoke to the heart and character of the individuals I played with that year.

What were you the first-ever Titan to accomplish as a player?
I recorded a triple-double and did so three times.

Did you have any pregame superstitions when you played at UDM?
Nope. Occasionally, I would jump in my shorts instead of putting them on one leg at a time…inside joke I had with a former coach.

Was there any significance to the #10 you wore as a player?
I was # 20 in high school and they (UDM) didn't have #20 so I chose #10.

What was the experience like for you to play overseas in Portugal after you graduated in 2000?
It was something that I will always treasure and have fond memories of. Playing basketball for a living allows you to completely focus on getting better as a player. It also illuminates your habits and dedication as a player because at that point you can be sent home at any time. The culture and the people I met really increased my perspective and respect for life across the world.

Where did you go to graduate school? What did you major in?
Kent State University and I majored in Journalism & Mass Communication.

Outside of coaching, what have been some other jobs that you have held?
Writer, Assistant Account Executive (advertising) and broadcaster.

What does it mean to you to be a Titan?
On the court to be a Titan means to be a part of a group of individuals that are characterized by tenaciousness, dedication and hard work. Additionally, Titans are responsible and respectful citizens that represent themselves and the university in a positive way.