MOSCOW, Idaho--GoVandals.com headed Down Under for this week's Friday Focus. We caught up with women's basketball's Brigitte O'Neill as she prepares for her second season as a Vandal. 

How has it been getting to go back home this summer/winter to Australia?
I have loved every second of being home! I had not been home since moving to Moscow last year. It was extremely exciting when I finally landed in Melbourne and my family was waiting for me at the airport.

It took me about a week to adjust back into things with my time zones being a bit out of whack and getting used to driving on the left side of the road again. Now that I've been home for a while I am completely used to it and it feels like I never left!
 
What is it like leaving Idaho in the spring and going back to winter at home?
One of the only things that did not excite me about coming home was knowing it was going to be winter. The Melbourne winters are nowhere near as cold as the Idaho winters so it hasn't been too bad. I was also lucky enough to go on a family vacation to Queensland (North of Australia) for a week so it was good to see some sun and have some warm weather.
 
How have you been practicing/training for this season?
I have been following the program my coaches gave me before I left which involves lifting, conditioning and going to the gym to work on my basketball skills. I have been working out with some of my friends that are also back from different colleges around America. My main goal is to return to preseason stronger and fitter than I was before I left and ready to play.
 
What from Idaho do you miss the most while being back in Australia?
I miss my teammates and friends the most. I made some really close friends last year. It was weird going from spending almost every second with the team to now not seeing them at all. It makes me feel like I haven't seen them in forever! I'm so excited to see them. I've also missed my favorite place to eat Red Bento :)
 
Your freshman year was pretty thrilling. What did you learn the most from last year?
I learnd a lot about the American style of basketball which is something that I had to adjust to at first. The game is played at a much faster pace. It is very physical and more structured. Now that I know what is expected, I am looking forward to contributing to the team's success this season.
 
What is it that you are looking forward to the most this season?
I am looking forward to travelling with the team, including our trip to Hawaii and making more funny memories. We had a great season last season. I am looking forward to doing it all again and repeating our success and getting another ring! 

To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho women's basketball by following the team on Twitter @IdahoWBB.