Michael Kaspro is a 6-foot-5-inch sophomore at the University of Georgia. Originally from Buford, Kaspro was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and running track and field.

Last year, Kaspro was recruited to be on the women’s basketball practice team, and he now practices with the team multiple times a week.

Q: What led you to joining the practice squad?

A: One of the biggest motivators for me to join was to continue to play the sport that I love, as well as having the opportunity to make connections at the school and to indulge in something outside of my comfort zone.

Q: Was it something you were eyeing ahead of college, or did it simply just happen?

A: I was playing basketball at Ramsey one day, and Jaray (Davis), the graduate manager, pulled me aside to ask if I was interested in playing for the practice team. I gave him my information for a tryout and eventually they called to let me know I had made the team.

Q: When did you start playing basketball competitively?

A: I got into basketball in middle school, but didn’t start playing competitively until my junior year of high school. I was randomly recruited to start playing for an AAU team while at a clothing store, because of my height.

Q: Were you looking to play in college? If not, did you ponder joining a club or an IM team?

A: I definitely was, and I had a couple of offers, but ultimately I decided to continue my education at UGA because of the opportunity to be at one of the top public schools in the nation. I was interested in playing for the club volleyball team actually, but found it more fun to play in IM basketball leagues with my best friends.

Q: You interact with these players a lot; how is your relationship with the players on the team?

A: It’s a very fun environment. They all have nicknames for us and each other, but it is definitely a very competitive environment as well. They remind us to continue to play harder in order to make them better, and to be more physical constantly.

Q: Can it get awkward playing against a different gender? How is the physicality at practice?

A: At first, I didn’t know what to expect having never played against women in my career. But I soon realized that the competitiveness and physicality is just the same if not better, and I definitely walk out of practice with a lot more bruises and cuts than when I play with guys. Coach Abe constantly pushes a competitive environment for all players on the team, practice squad or not.

Q: What is your favorite part about being on the practice squad?

A: My favorite part is to be a part of a culture at UGA, and also doing something I love while making others better.

Q: What is your main purpose at their practices? What are you used for most?

A: They put me in for physicality drills such as rebounding, boxing out and defensive maneuvers. My height and strength help prepare them for games against teams with players that are around my stature and strength. My endurance from track and field can also help push the girls to another level.

Q: Who is your favorite player to match up with on this year’s team?

A: Fatima (Diakhate). Being with her last year as a true freshman and being able to watch her progress has been really awesome. She helps me develop my skills, and I help encourage her to be her best version of herself as well.

Q: How has this experience made you a better/worse player?

A: Throughout my time on the team, I have learned so many different ways to be a big man, in large part to the coaching staff who, while helping the girls, also give me tips and advice. Being around a Power (Four Conference) program, I have a new perspective on what it takes to reach that level.

Carter Braun is a sophomore majoring in finance and pursuing the sports media certificate.