Hometown: Springfield, MA
Class: Sophomore
High School: Saint Andrews High School
Major: Sociology
Favorite Musical Group/Artist: The Temptations
Three Things I Can’t Live Without:
1. Basketball ? When I was younger I was having trouble in school and it was basketball that helped me through all of that. Basketball was my retreat and it gave me a place to escape the frustrations of school. 2. Family and Friends ? The support that I get from my family and friends is very important to me. There are always there to cheer in all of my celebrations and to help console me in my disappointments. 3. My Northface parka ? At this time of year it is cold up here in Burlington and my parka keeps me warm through it all.
Q. Why I Chose University of Vermont:
A- I chose UVM because when I made my visits I realized what a great town Burlington is and how great it would be to live up here. The town and the school is full of fun and excitement. I was also excited about the academic challenge because it is such a good school. I was also very impressed with the basketball program. The guys on the team were great, the coaching staff was nice and the support from the community is awesome. It is great to play in a packed gym for our home games.
Q. Favorite class and why:
A- I like my physical education classes especially my tennis class. The instructor is really great and has helped me with all aspects of the game. I also enjoy my sociology classes because those classes relate to what I want to do as a career when I’m finished with basketball.
Q. One thing I have learned at UVM that I will carry with me for the rest of my life is:
A- I have learned how to persevere in the face of difficulties. When you encounter a situation that seems insurmountable, you can’t stop trying...you have to focus on the goals you have set for yourself and keep going. I have learned never to give up.
Q. My Dream Job, other than the NBA/WNBA, is:
A- I would love to be a State Trooper. I have a desire to make a difference in my community and help people. Also I think that this job would be very interesting in that you are dealing with new and different things everyday.
Q. The person, other than my parents, who has had the most influence on me is, and why:
A- My high school coach, Mike Hart, had a great impact on me. He is a great person and a served as great role model for me. Mr. Hart is an outstanding basketball coach and has helped me tremendously in maximizing my basketball potential.
Q. The best thing about being a Vermont Catamount is:
A- The thing that is most humbling to me is how our team is truly a part of our community. We get so much support from the people of Burlington. It really makes it an honor for me to where the green and gold of UVM.
Q. Most memorable moment as an athlete:
A- When I was in high school we won the state championship in both my junior and senior year. The guys on those teams were a great group of guys and it was really fun going through those two seasons with them.
Q. What I did this week as a student (classes, tests, projects, study hall):
A- Most of my classes this semester involve a lot of reading so I spent most of my time reading all of my assignments. In addition, we are supposed to use what we learn form those readings to prepare for class so that we can participate in class discussions. I have study hall that I attend each day because that is a great place to get my readings done. I have two Sociology tests next week so I’m starting to prepare for those now.
Q. What I did this week as an athlete (practice, games):
A- We had games on Saturday, Monday and Thursday so there was a lot of work getting ready for them. We watch films of our past games to learn and improve. In practice we go over all the offenses and defenses that we are likely to see from our opponents. We go to strength and conditioning to make sure that we stay in shape so we don’t get injured throughout the season. We have team meetings where we talk about what we need to do to become a better team.
Q. Based upon my experiences growing up, my advice for young kids about school and athletics is:
A- Without school there is no basketball. So it is important to work twice at hard in your school work because this is what makes basketball possible. Also, there is a time where competitive basketball will come to an end and you have to prepare for that and this is where your education plays a big role.
Q. Why I am looking forward to the America East Basketball Championship:
A- There are several teams that we have lost to during the regular season and the America East Championship will give us a chance to play those teams again. If we can play well as a team and maintain our intensity from the beginning to end of each game, we will win the championship and have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.