WAUPUN — Cale Petersen was upfront when thinking about the possibility of playing for the Virginia Tech women's basketball team.
“I wasn't at their level yet,” Petersen said.
But after stepping onto the campus of the reigning Atlantic Coast Conference regular season champion and 2023 national semifinalist and speaking with coach Megan Duffy, there was no doubt in Petersen's mind. Ta.
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The Waupun senior, rated No. 68 nationally in the 2024 class by ESPN, committed to Duffy and the Hokies on April 29, following the first coach to sign on the market.
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“With all the hard work and Coach Duffy believing in me, this is like a dream come true,” Petersen said.
The 6-foot-1 small forward visited Blacksburg, Virginia, on April 26 and 27, three weeks after Duffy offered him a job at Virginia Tech. Petersen said his only visit since recruiting resumed was to meet with new Marquette coach Carla Consuegra, but much of what the two schools offer is similar.
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She could have majored in athletic training or physical therapy at both schools, but Virginia Tech's fan base weighed heavily on her.
“They eat, sleep and breathe Virginia Tech. That's pretty much all they do, and that's very exciting to watch,” Petersen said.
When Petersen went out to dinner on the first night of his visit, Duffy had to rush around and greet other patrons, but the conversation about the Hokies' new coach didn't stop there. said.
“Just hearing everyone talk about her, how excited they are for this season, how great of a coach she is, and coming to a school like this solidified my feelings. ” Petersen said.
Virginia Tech fans don't just talk. They showed up at Cassell Coliseum, which held 8,925 fans, sold out the final four games of the regular season and the first two rounds of the postseason, and also hosted ESPN's “College GameDay.”
The numbers were surprising to Petersen, who is from Waupun, where a good portion of the population of 11,344, according to the 2020 census, attended her games.
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“Now I can continue to do it at a higher level. That's one thing I'm really excited about,” she said.
The difference in the support system surrounding Petersen is a major factor. Similar facilities and amenities are separated by people, and for Petersen, that choice was the Hokies.
“I feel like I'm definitely surrounded by the right people to take me to the next level, whether it's coaching, furthering my career and playing, or getting a degree and going to the next level. ” she said.
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Petersen has worked diligently to replenish one of the nation's largest programs over the past five years. Virginia Tech finished 25-8 last season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year.
The Hokies only return six players from that group, but lost All-American point guard Georgia Amoore and coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky. Elizabeth Kitley, a three-time ACC Player of the Year, graduated to become her second-round pick in the WNBA Draft.
“It's a big challenge, but everyone says it's more of a reload than a rebuild for Coach Duffy,” Petersen said. Only six players remained. ”
Petersen's 6-1 frame is perfect for a stretch four in Duffy's scheme, which is slightly different than Consuegra's more positionless offense. She also knows that her playing time is determined by her own effort, not just size.
“It all depends on how great of a summer I had,” Petersen said. “Of course, I will work hard to get the playing time that I deserve, but from zero minutes at the beginning of the summer to playing 20 to 30 minutes in a game is possible depending on how hard I work.'' I go to work. I mean, but I really want it. ”
Petersen said she's excited for the challenge, although her high school success says otherwise. Petersen, who was named to the State Journal/Whisk News All-Area First Team during his senior season, averaged 17.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.3 blocks and two steals per game. The three-time East Central Conference Player of the Year also helped lead the Warriors to their first WIAA Division 3 state championship in 2022.
“It's definitely going to be a different path, but it's going to be an exciting one,” Petersen said. “To be the best, you have to beat the best. It's going to be a difficult match every night. It's exciting and it's always fun.”