Feb. 5, 2008
By Stephanie Libes, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Sometimes basketball just runs through your veins.
Plagued with injuries in the past, this German born all-star has managed to dribble her way onto the Penn State court.
Freshman guard Julia Trogele tore both her left and right ACL while playing basketball for Villa Maria Academy; however, as a senior, Trogele was named third team Class AAA by the Associated Press after 16.8 points and nine rebounds per game.
"Basketball is my passion. I enjoy being on the court with my team and having a good time winning," said Trogele. "I play all year round unless I am injured, then I train to recover."
The guard's hard work has paid off. In her first season as a Lady Lion, Trogele is averaging 2.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. The 6-2 rookie recently made her return to the court after missing 11 games with mononucleosis.
The coaches see her as a big guard who is versatile. They are very proud of the improvement in her game thus far.
"Julia is progressing very nicely for a freshman," says assistant coach Maren Walseth. "She is making great strides in understanding the offense and defensive philosophies and what college basketball is all about."
"Julia has a good knack for driving into the lane and is crafty in finishing around the basket. She also has a great body for rebounding. She is a tough kid who will only get better with experience," Walseth added.
Trogele has a strong support system at home, which helped her become the player she is today.
Trogele's father Ulrich and mother Uta are also former basketball stars.
Ulrich played basketball at Wichita State University. He was then drafted for the NBA, but decided to play overseas instead and moved back to Germany to play on the German National Team and the German Olympic Team in 1980 (boycotted) and 1984.
Uta played basketball for the University of Washington and later the German National Team.
Both of Trogele's parents found basketball to be evolving into a very rough sport and the chances of succeeding decreasing due to the growing number of players. Nevertheless, Trogele, who grew up in Ireland and Germany, started playing basketball at age five for all boys' teams whose members were usually three or four years older than her.
In sixth grade, Trogele came to America and continued to play basketball even while struggling to learn a new language.
Now at Penn State her basketball life seem to be falling into place and her hard work is paying off.
"The best parts of playing basketball at Penn State are my teammates, my coaches and the support from the fans and University. The tradition of the program and the honor and pride it takes to represent the Lady Lions."
Her parents are always there to cheer her on as well.
"My parents love coming to Penn State games! My mom is up on the big-screen more than I am."
Uta enjoys dancing and cheering and the camera loves her. Julia had to tell her a couple of times to simmer down and take it easy.
Ulrich is also a huge fan, but is a little less animated than his wife.
In the end, the advice of Trogele's parents is what makes her the basketball player she is.
"They say to stay positive and to follow my dreams. Work hard and let God lead the way."