In her own words: Muffet McGraw eyes the big prize in this wide open year

Is this the year? Is this the team? Can Notre Dame win Muffet McGraw her second NCAA championship?

Of course we will not know until April, but it sure looks like it could be.

This team is loaded, top to bottom, with talented players.

Pre-season All-American Brianna Turner and senior point guard Lindsey Allen received the early press, but now it is sophomore guard Arike Ogunbowale that is leading the team, earning ESPNw Player of the Week honors today for her performance in the Preseason WNIT.

Ogunbowale's 19.5 points per game has been a revelation, and her 67 percent from three shooting and 56 percent overall phenomenal.

As mentioned above, though, top to bottom this team has the talent to keep its grasp on the number one spot it has in both polls.

Ogunbowale, Allen, and Marina Mabrey are the shooters. Turner, Kathryn Westbeld, and Kristina Nelson the rebounders. Youthful exuberance comes from freshmen Erin Boley and Jackie Young.

Then there's the coaching staff. McGraw and her team of associates are some of the very best minds in the game, and push their team to greatness like few other staffs can.

If everyone stays healthy, especially Turner, it will be a great season for the Irish.

We caught up with coach McGraw when they were announced as AP number one team to start the season and discussed what the year could be.

Here is the interview and thoughts of McGraw, in her own words.