IRON MOUNTAIN SENIOR Macy Linsenbigler (24) outraces North Central’s Natalie Willa (42) on a fast break for a layup during a game in December. (Terry Raiche photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain’s Macy Linsenbigler is a paradox.

During her recently completed basketball career that ended with her selection to the UPSSA All-U.P. Division 1-3 first team, Linsenbigler was a terror on the backboards. Yet she was deeply concerned about hurting anyone.

Despite her thin stature, the 5-foot-9 Linsenbigler is “as strong as a bull,” according to her coach Chad Lindeman.

Additionally, the 18-year-old’s performance in her senior season spoke loudly as she averaged 21.9 points per game and 13 rebounds per outing. Yet Linsenbigler speaks so softly while talking to those she doesn’t know that she can barely be heard.

What is straightforward is that Linsenbigler was one of the top girls basketball players in the U.P. this season.

The Iron Mountain resident recently spoke to the Daily News about her basketball career and how she dealt with her anxieties and nervousness while on the court.

Q: What was your reaction to being selected to the all-U.P. D1-3 first team?

A: I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was a shock. I was taking a nap, and I woke up and I was getting my phone spammed. And some of my coaches and players said congratulations and I didn’t know. And my mom said, “Good job Macy, why didn’t you tell me?”

Q: Do you think you deserved it?

A: I think I had a pretty good season, thanks to my team.

Q: Did you have an specific individual goals heading into the season?

A: I wanted to average around 15 rebounds a game and I wanted to average 18 points a game.

Q: Because of graduation losses, you were the only big for your team that played heavy minutes. Did you feel other teams guarded you differently this year than they did in previous years?

A: Yes, for sure. A lot harder, sometimes two people were guarding me.

Q: Where they more physical with you?

A: Oh, way more physical.

Q: Did you respond with your own physicality?

A: It depended on the girls, but some of those girls were nasty.

Q: Is it in your nature to respond like that?

A: No, I’m never mean or anything at practice.

I would feel so bad if I hurt someone.

Q: Did you feel leadership responsibility this season?

A: Oh yeah. I had to show the underclassmen an example of keep trying, don’t get stressed out and just love everyone. And it’s fine if you mess up.

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Q: You were promoted to the varsity squad during your sophomore season. How did you feel about that?

A: I was very nervous. I didn’t want to mess up. I was so scared every practice. I wanted them to like me and I also wanted them to think that I was a good player and I should stay on varsity.

Q: Did you ever feel comfortable?

A: I felt more comfortable because I had my friend Bella (Pickett) with me (on the team).

Q: Could you describe how to be become a good rebounder?

A: You’ve got to jump at the right time and you have to get a body on them. Back them up a little bit and you can get right up there.

Q: Have you always been a good rebounder?

A: I would say yes. That’s where I got most of my points last year was from rebounding.

Q: Did you get tired expending all that energy?

A: Oh yeah, there were a lot of games when they kept on shoving me.

Q: There was a coaching change this season for your team before the season. How did that go?

A: I think it turned out really good. Everyone always has a good connection to Chad.

Q: What would you say in a scouting report about your game?

A: Um, I’m very fast up the court, I can jump pretty high. Some games I can shoot really good free throws.

Q: Anything you struggled with or was a limitation?

A: I would always get nervous trying to shoot three-pointers. I was always scared to air ball.

Q: Did you want to shoot them?

A: I did. All the time. I was open a lot on the three (point line) but I just wouldn’t do it.

Q: Did you take any this season?

A: No, too scared.

Q: Do you regret that now?

A: I do because I practice them a lot.

Q: Do you make them?

A: I do, all the time.

Q: How did your coaches respond to your reluctance?

A: They told me to shoot them.

Q: How would you describe your personality?

A: I’m pretty funny. I’m very kind. I don’t like being mean, it makes me feel bad. I like laughing a lot.

Q: Are you the “life of the party” then?

A: Oh yeah.

Q: But you seem so quiet. Why?

A: I’m usually shy. I get nervous when I talk to people (I don’t know).

Q: What will you miss about Iron Mountain girls basketball?

A: The team. I love everyone. They’re so nice.

Q: Are you going to do anything athletically in college?

A: Yes, I’m going to Gogebic (Community College) to play volleyball and basketball.

Q: Why there?

A: They have a really good nursing program and that’s what I want to do.

Q: Where would like to live after you’re done with college?

A: I like the Marquette area. So, it will either be here or Marquette.

Q: What would you say to the young girl who wants to end up on the all-U.P. first team like you?

A: You’ve got to believe and have confidence. And just never give up. You’ve got to keep going.