Leading up to the regular season, appstatesports.com will conduct a Q&A with each class on the women's basketball team. We begin the series with the team's four freshmen: Mikaya Wilson, Bayley Plummer, Armani Hampton and Brooklyn Allen.

The quartet endured a successful high school career and hope that translates to the collegiate level. In today's feature, we discuss a little bit of every from adjusting to the college and which returning Mountaineer has taken them under their wing.

How are you adjusting to life on campus and now that practice has started, adjusting school and basketball?

Allen: I'm figuring out how to manage my time. It took a little adjusting, but I am getting used to it now.

Hampton: I feel like I am doing pretty well so far. At times it can be hard to manage your time wisely, but since I have been here, I feel like I have gotten the hang of things.

Plummer: I am adjusting alright to the new environment and atmosphere here at App State. Balancing school and athletics is tough and requires excellent time management skills, but it is manageable. I have learned to put certain priorities before others to complete tasks.

Wilson: I've learned how to really use my time wisely, and my time management has been a lot better since.

How do you like Boone so far?

Allen: I love Boone. It's very similar to my hometown.

Hampton: Boone is a great place to live if you love nature and scenery. I like to walk trails and do activities outside, so Boone is feeling like home.

Plummer: I like Boone so far, but I definitely miss my family and friends back home. It has taken me time to get used to Boone and the atmosphere, but it is getting better as the school year progresses.

Wilson: I'm really enjoying myself here in Boone. I've met a lot of new people and have been getting involved in a lot of campus events.

Since stepping foot on the court with your teammates, how has the pace of the game changed for you compared to high school?

Allen: The pace of the game is very different from high school. The intensity and tempo at the collegiate level is extremely high, and you always have to be ready to give it your best effort.

Hampton: Since high school, the pace of the game has become a lot faster. It has been pretty hard to adjust, but I believe I've adapted quick enough.

Plummer: The pace of the game is a lot faster and more physically demanding. Everyone is strong and very quick, so I had to adjust and learn to stand my ground on the court to keep up with the fast-paced tempo.

Wilson: The pace of the game has changed drastically. It's a lot faster than high school.

At your respective position, how have the upperclassmen made you better since you arrived on campus in the Summer?

Allen: The upperclassmen have taught me a lot about patience. Upon arrival, I was very impatient with the ball, but since then I have learned it is okay to hold the ball and gather myself for a second or two.

Hampton: The upperclassmen do a great job of helping me out. When I don't quite understand or if I make a mistake, they aren't hesitant to pull me to the side or quickly explain what I did. Off the court, they do a good job of communicating with me and letting me know they're willing to help if I need them.

Plummer: The upper class, especially the senior forwards, have pushed me every day to be better than the day before and have challenged me to become a better player on and off of the court. They are very physical down low under the basket and encourage me to work hard to reach my fullest potential.

Wilson: They've helped me be a lot stronger with the basketball due to their good ball pressure and defense.

Is there a particular player in the WNBA/NBA that you try to emulate?

Allen: Not particularly, I don't watch much WNBA/NBA.

Hampton: I do not have a particular person I try to emulate, but I do love the way Candace Parker plays and how dominant of a player she is.

Plummer: Breanna Stewart. She played for UCONN and was an excellent outside shooter which is a part of my game I want to improve. She also is an incredible rebounder and post player who loves to get physical inside with her height.

Wilson: Moriah Jefferson. She played at UCONN and was drafted by the San Antonio Stars.

Who from the team has kind of taken you under their wing and show you the ropes since coming to App State?

Allen: I would say Madi Story is who I look up to the most. She gives her all everyday and always has a positive attitude.

Hampton: Ashley Bassett-Smith is someone that has taken me under her wing.

Plummer: Mia Marshall and Ashley Bassett-Smith have been exceptional role models for me on and off the court, and I look up to them as upperclassmen.

Wilson: Joi Jones. She's really shown me the ropes of what is required of a point guard here and has talked me through different things off the court as well.

What part of your game have you been trying to improve the most?

Allen: I have been trying to improve my 3-point shot since the beginning of the season.

Hampton: Since becoming a part of the team, I have been trying to improve all aspects of my game and focus on the little details to make them right. Effective rebounding and boxing out is a big factor.

Plummer: I want to improve my outside shooting, especially around the free throw line. I am also working to improve my post moves within the paint with an emphasis on scoring with my back to the basket.

Wilson: My defense and trying to improve my footwork.

Finally, what is your favorite part about college so far?

Allen: My favorite part about college is being done with classes at 1 p.m.

Hampton: My favorite part about college so far would be freedom. I'm not saying I don't like being home, but I was curious to see how I would handle things and so far it is going well.

Plummer: My favorite part about college is the classes and not having to go to school for seven-straight hours like in high school. I enjoy taking classes that focus directly on my major of Criminal Justice.

Wilson: So far my favorite part about college is receiving basketball gear.

Check with appstatesports.com for more coverage on App State women's basketball leading up to the season opener at DePaul on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.