May 4, 2004

TarHeelBlue: Congratulations on being named Coach of the Year! Last season's team finished 11-12 overall, 3-5 in the ACC and graduated two starters. Did you expect to have such increased success this year, going into the ACC Tournament with a 21-3 record and a No. 1 seed?

Coach Sam Paul: I try not to put any team in a box. Obviously, I've been pleased with our season and how hard the guys have worked. I have to give a lot of credit to our senior leaders. Nick Monroe, Ben Aiken and Andy Metzler have done a tremendous job leading the team this year.

THB: Does the fact that your team's success is somewhat unexpected make your Coach of the Year honors more fulfilling?

SP: I would definitely trade Coach of the Year for our team to do better and claim the conference championship. The award truly reflects the hard work of all our players and my Assistant Coach Don Johnson throughout the season.

THB: Your teams are usually known to have one of the nation's most challenging schedules. How important do you think it is to face this caliber of competition throughout the regular season?

SP: It is extremely important in getting us ready for the ACC and the NCAA Tournament. Our conference is becoming so tough that every game is against an ITA nationally ranked team. Also, when people look at your record they look at who you're playing. Beating Georgia in Athens when they were No. 14 and Virginia in Charlottesville when they were No. 12 was great for our team this year.

THB: What has been the main contributor to this season's success?

SP: I think the senior leaders - the dedication of those guys and the hard work of the entire team. Also, Coach Don Johnson is indeed a major contributor to our success.

THB: Did the team set any goals at the beginning of the season?

SP: I think we've always wanted to win the ACC and do the best we possibly can in the NCAA. We'd certainly love to get to the Round of 16 and go from there.

THB: Can you describe the team's attitude and the practice atmosphere throughout the season?

SP: Again, the seniors have set the tone for the whole team. Nick Monroe has been the hardest worker on the team and his work ethic is contagious to everyone else.

THB: What is the team doing to prepare for the NCAA Tournament?

SP: One thing I'm glad of this year is where the Tournament will fall for us. A lot of times the tournament comes at the end of exams and it can be tough on the guys. One year we literally had to make flight schedules around guys finishing exams. This year we have about ten days to prepare, which makes it like a new season. It would be nice to have a few matches, because there's nothing like match play. But, our guys finished hungry after our loss in the ACC Tournament and we haven't taken many days off. The guys are coming and practicing twice a day. They just continue to work hard and show dedication.