Junior point guard Taylor Booze joins the LSU Lady Tigers after spending one season at Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College and one season at Oklahoma State. An honorable mention all-conference recipient in 2009, Booze played alongside current teammate Jasmine Nelson at Trinity Valley as the two guided the school to the national junior college tournament.

Booze, a native of Carrollton, Texas, prepped at Duncanville High School. She sat down with LSUsports.net for a question and answer segment.

Q: Why did you choose to attend LSU?
A: “For me it was all about LSU’s tradition and how the team carries themselves on and off the court. The coaching staff is really supportive. Everyone from the managers and trainers to the coaches to us is all working for one goal, and that is to win. They want to help us win, and they all want us to graduate and help us with school. That really attracted me to LSU more than anything.”

Q: Did Jasmine Nelson have an influence on your decision to come to LSU since the two of you played together at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas?
A: “She did sign first. We’re really good friends, and I enjoy playing with her. I’ve known her for a while. It played a little role in there, but ultimately LSU was really just the best choice for me.”

Q: If you could compare yourself to any former women’s basketball player that played at LSU, who would it be?
A: “Well, I wouldn’t compare myself to anyone, but if I could be any of those athletes, I’d like to take on Temeka Johnson’s role. I would love to try to fill her shoes. She’s a great role model for young athletes who are trying to make it to the next level. I think if I try to do things like she did, I think I could be just as successful as her. She’s a great inspiration.”

Q: Are you involved in any community service programs?
A: “Since I’ve been at LSU we’ve done community service projects like going to the soup kitchen and feeding the needy. That helped me realize that I’m in a better position than a lot of people, so I’m very thankful for the opportunities that I’ve been given and not to take anything for granted. We are glad to help out as a team.”

Q: Growing up, was there a specific basketball player that you modeled your game and skills after?
A: “Growing up, I looked up to Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets, but after she retired I started looking up to Kobe Bryant. I really admire him these days, and my number is 24. I definitely try to play like Cynthia.  She was a great leader and did a really good job of running her team. “

Q: What are your goals individually and for the team this season?
A: “I definitely want to help the team in any way I can. We want to win the SEC. That would give us some good confidence, but we don’t want to stop there. We want to keep going to the Final Four and make it to the national championship game.”

Taylor Booze Off The Court

Favorite Movie: Law Abiding Citizen
Favorite Pro Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite LSU Tradition: Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium
Favorite Quote: “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean
Person She Most Admires: great grandmother
At What Age Did You Start Playing Basketball: 7
Favorite Musical Artist: Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Drake
Song Most Playing In Her iPod: A little bit of everything