Rene Haynes: The Game-Stealer

Feb. 23, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The buzzer sounds. The referee hands the ball over. The crowd grows louder.

The waning minutes of a close game show the true character of a basketball player. Some, like Michael Jordan, thrive in the situation. Rene Haynes, during her four years at Michigan State, has proven to be one of those players.

As a sophomore, the 5-10 Columbus, Ohio, native made the biggest play in State's run to the national championship game, scooping up a loose ball and racing down the court to hit a layup with 2.9 seconds left to defeat Southern California, 61-59, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Haynes has become known for her hustle -- her 236 career steals are second in school history -- but it's her steadiness that has led the Spartans to 100 wins in the last four years.

"That's the one thing I'll always take from having coached her, is that she's a positive spirit," MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "It's so frustrating, the ups and downs of these kids. And to have somebody like Rene, just steady and positive, is key."

It's no wonder then that Haynes will leave Michigan State as the all-time leader in appearances. She's been the steady force, a fourth captain as a junior and a tri-captain this year, that has taken the team to three NCAA Tournaments and a 20-win season in each of her years in the Green and White.

She's won games with key plays this season -- a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime at Indiana, three steals and five points in the last 5:17 against Illinois and a huge steal followed by two free throws to put MSU up by three points at Ohio State.

"That's vintage Rene," McCallie said. "She makes those plays all the time. Gosh, she made plays at Purdue. She's very quick. She's very confident and Rene is also very experienced. There's nothing she's going to see that she hasn't seen. She's seen a lot as a player. She's been through a lot of different circumstances. The player made the play."

Earlier this week, Haynes sat down to talk about her time in the Green and White as time winds down toward her final regular-season home game on Sunday against Minnesota.

Q: What is the impact of this senior class, having the most wins ever at MSU?
A: Victoria, Katrina, Myisha and I all came in together as freshman and we all wanted to stay together. The leadership and encouragement we bring really fuels the team. Our chemistry is great.

Q: What is your favorite memory as a Spartan?
A: My favorite memory was the Final Four. It was a great run. I don't think any game was easy. It was all a hard fight. We played Spartan basketball all the way through and made it to the big dance. It is every college team's goal to make it to the championship game and that's what we did.

Q: What made the Final Four so special?
A: It was our energy and intensity. We played 40 minutes of basketball. It was a goal and we wanted to pursue it.

Q: How good did it feel to get a steal late in the game on Sunday at Ohio State?
A: It felt good. Our intensity was high and we just played Spartan basketball. There was a couple seconds left but we just never gave up.

Q: Has the transition to point guard been difficult?
A: It has been an adjustment but it fits me. I like getting my teammates involved. They have really encouraged me so I am more confident.

Q: What can you say about Victoria Lucas-Perry?
A: There is so much to say. Victoria is a great person and player. She is a spark. She is funny. She can sing and dance. Victoria is just an all around good person.

Q: What is your favorite memory with Victoria?
A: She is my sister. I don't have just one favorite memory of Victoria. She is my best friend. I can't just think of one, there are just so many.

On Saturday, MSUSpartans.com will bring you a Q&A with senior Victoria Lucas-Perry.

- Compiled by Sports Information Staff Joe Guistina, Ryan McMillian and Ben Phlegar.