Senior guard Malena Washington and the Wildcats are back from their trip to L.A. and are ready to play their first game in McKale in two weeks. In this week's edition of Mondays With Malena, Washington discusses the trip to Los Angeles, her favorite basketball shoes, and a special person in her life.

Building on the L.A. Trip
"We can always build and learn from games whether we won or lost. The most important thing that I would say is to continue to stay resilient and aggressive from the jump. Coming out and doing what we know how to do and playing to the best of our ability is huge. Everyone had a great effort this week and I am proud of my team. Charise Holloway came out against UCLA and gave us an unbelievable spark off the bench and she really started our run. She screams and yells and hypes us up and she loves when someone is doing well. JaLea Bennett came in and played great defense, Dejza James came in and gave us points when we needed them, and Lauren Evans hustles all the time. Of course there are things that we need to work on, but they are things that we can fix, so that is the good part."

On Playing in Front of her Family in Los Angeles
"Being back home is wonderful. I left California at a young age and my little cousins that I grew up with aren't so little anymore. They're grown, working and going to college. I am so proud of them and it means everything to me that they come to my games and support me. I miss all of my family from California so when I see them at my games it sort of feels like a family reunion."

It's A Family Affair
"Words can't describe how much it means that my dad has been able to come to my recent games. He came to every single one of my games in middle school and high school and when I came out here he couldn't make all of them. Having him there talking to me and supporting me means a lot. My mom too. Both of my parents support me so much and they always motivate me. Having them there along with my family is something that I will always appreciate."

Learning the Game From Her Dad
"My daddy is very important to me. As far as basketball, he has taught me everything I know about the game. He was hard on me when I was growing up and it has made me nothing but strong. I really appreciate the dedication and time that he has put in with me to help me become the basketball player that I am today, because not too many have the support that I get from my dad."

Malena's Favorite Basketball Shoes
"I would say that Kobes are my favorite shoe to play in because they are very comfortable."

Washington and the Wildcats are back in McKale Center on Friday, Feb. 3 as they take on the Oregon Ducks at 6 p.m. MST on the Pac-12 Networks.