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INTERVIEW: Notre Dame commit Sam Brunelle named McDonald’s All-American

By Jordan Small

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 12: Samantha Brunelle of United States fights for the ball with Veronika Kosmach of Ukraine in the Women's Preliminary Round Pool B during day 6 of Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic at Urban Park Puerto Madero on October 12, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 12: Samantha Brunelle of United States fights for the ball with Veronika Kosmach of Ukraine in the Women's Preliminary Round Pool B during day 6 of Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic at Urban Park Puerto Madero on October 12, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) /
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As part of our ongoing series, I sat down with Notre Dame women’s basketball commit Sam Brunelle to talk about her senior year, her recent injury, and being named a McDonald’s All American.

Basketball season is well underway, and the recognition keeps rolling in for Notre Dame commit Sam Brunelle. On January 24th, the McDonald’s All-American teams were revealed and Brunelle joined her future Irish teammate Anaya Peoples on the roster. She talked with Slap the SIgn about being named to the roster and how her senior year is going.

Jordan: You picked up an injury in your basketball tournament over winter break. What happened and how are you doing?
Sam: I recently had foot surgery that was on a lingering injury that I have had for a few years now but I was able to maintain the injury with not many problems until I had an ankle roll over winter break that made the injury worse. I am now a little over two weeks past surgery and am in a walking boot doing rehab and looking forward to getting back on the court soon.

Jordan: How is senior year progressing for you?
Sam: Despite the foot injury, Senior year is going well on the court and in the classroom. I get more excited each day as I get closer to Notre Dame in June. I’m enjoying every moment that I have left in high school with my friends and family and having a blast.

Jordan: Just recently you were named a McDonald’s All American. What does that mean to you?
Sam: Being named a McDonald’s All-American is a dream come true. I have dreamt of this for a very long time and now I will actually get the chance to be apart of the games. Being a McDonald’s All-American means a lot more than just playing an all star game though, as I and the rest of the All-Americans will get the chance to go to the Ronald McDonald House while in Atlanta and get the opportunity to be with the kids and share our love of the game and much more with them. This is an opportunity that is beyond much more than basketball and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity.

Jordan: Do you envision being able to play by the All-American game on March 27th?
Sam: I will be able to play in the game as well, as I look to be back from my injury at then end of February or early March.

Jordan: You had the opportunity to see the Irish play against North Carolina last weekend. What were some observations of the team that you took away from the loss?
Sam: I was at the UNC vs. ND game recently and I know it was a tough game. Not having Jackie hurts, as she is a key player for the team on both ends of the court and UNC is one of those teams that is better than their record says they are. Every team has an off game and I know that we will bounce back from this loss and continue to grow and get better from it.

Jordan: Do you have plans to see any more Notre Dame games this season?
Sam: As of now, I may be able to see one more conference game in February, but not sure about that yet. However, I do plan on attending the Final Four in April, so hopefully I’ll be able to see them a couple more times this season.

Next. Brian Kelly's Struggles. dark

Jordan: As you start the second half of your year, what are you most looking forward to as you wrap up high school?
Sam: As I wrap up the second half of my senior year, I look forward to many things: enjoying time with my family and friends, coming back from my injury bigger and better than ever, preparing myself for Notre Dame, and of course graduation in May! I can not wait until I am officially there this June and for what’s in store after graduation in May! Go Irish!