Michael Rezin/The Ram Charlotte is averaging over 21 minutes per game.
Charlotte Stoddart has a unique story. Originally from Manchester, England, Stoddart had quite the resume before even arriving in the Bronx. She competed as a part of Great Britain’s Under-18 and Under-20 teams. The forward averaged seven points and four rebounds representing her country. Coming to Fordham in 2009, Stoddart appeared in 16 games, starting 14 of them. Her playing time only increased in her time at Fordham. Last year, Stoddart started every game for the Rams and led the team in rebounding, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game. This year, Stoddart has taken on a new role: sixth man. Coming off the bench, Stoddart is still averaging over 20 minutes per game and has appeared in 21 of the team’s 23 games to date. Charlotte is a communications and media studies major.
The Fordham Ram: You have a lot of experience playing for national teams overseas; what was that like?
Charlotte Stoddart: It was really good. I felt proud to represent my country. I got to see different styles of play from different countries, and in my last year we finally won the European Championships.
TFR: Is there any difference in the style of play here as opposed to overseas?
CS: Yes, I had a lot of problems my freshman year with my footwork. I got called for traveling a lot, and then I gradually adapted to it. There are certain moves that are considered travels over here that aren’t back home. The other thing I would say is the physicality. You get away with a lot more stuff, you can be more physical and it is much more fast-paced [in the US].
TFR: What made you decide to come to Fordham all the way from England?
CS: To be honest, once you reach a certain age over there, there is not much opportunity. I realized that I want to take basketball to another level. Also, I just wanted to experience a different country, a different culture and a different environment, so I chose America.
TFR: Is it hard being over here in America, so far away from your family?
CS: Freshman and sophomore year, it was hard. But then it got to a point where this became my home. It wasn’t like I’m over here [at Fordham] and I miss home, it was more if I’m having a bad day, I want to go back to my dorm room as opposed to back home [to England]
TFR: The women’s basketball team is having one of the best years in recent history, what do you think you can attribute that to?
CS: I think everybody has just bought into their role on the team and know what they have to do in order to win. Everyone gets along so well with each other; we’re a really close unit, which I think adds to our success.
TFR: Last year you started every game. This year, you are still getting big minutes, but it is off the bench. How are you adjusting to that role change?
CS: I realized that it’s best for the team, and with the position I play, I’m not really comfortable at the five spot, so coming off the bench I can better fulfill my role, coming in as a sub for the three or four.
TFR: What’s your favorite thing about Fordham?
CS: Probably the fact that it’s in New York City. I don’t really like the fast pace, but I like the idea that there is always something to do or somewhere to go.
TFR: Do you have any plans after graduation yet?
CS: I’m undecided. I would like to stay here and work in the city, but I’d also like to go home. I’d actually also like to try out another country and see what they have to offer.
