Q&A-Coroplast Student-Athlete Feature Story
- Are there any short-term goals you would like to accomplish in the next few months or even in the next few years?
- My main goal is to graduate from college because there was a point where I thought I wouldn't.
- Do you find it difficult to have a social life outside of basketball and how do you manage your athletic responsibilities and other outside recreational and non-recreational activities?
- It can be hard at times to fit in social activities being an athlete but basketball responsibilities come first and that kind of comes with the job so it is expected. We get a good amount of time for other things though.
- How does being an athlete make you a better person?
- It makes me grateful to be in the position that I am in to play my sport. I know a lot of people who could have played in college but had to give it up because they had real world things come up and I am just grateful I get to continue to play.
- What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?
- I believe most athletes are struggling with the mental side of college athletics. With how it is all run now, it can be hard to be in the right head space and many athletes think it makes them look weak if they ask for help. There is a lot that comes with playing college sports and it is important that you are in the right place mentally.
- What have you learned about teamwork from your experiences on your teams?
- I have learned that everyone has to know their role and do it to the best of their ability. When teams have people that do not know their role it can ruin a team. Even if one thing is out of place it can completely ruin something special.
- What is the best piece of advice you have gained from your coaches?
- The best piece of advice I have gotten from a coach is don't be too cool. We say that as a team right now, but I also heard it in high school. There are things you have to do to win that make you uncomfortable but you can't be too cool and not do those things because those are the things that affect winning the most.
- What was it about Winthrop that attracted you?
- Winthrop was the only place that would give me a chance to continue playing.
- What convinced you to almost quit playing basketball?
- I had a really good job at the time and was making good money. I was going to get moved up and since my experience at my last school did not go the way I wanted it to my confidence was very low and I thought it might be time to move on from basketball.
- How and why did Winthrop take a chance on you to get back into the game?
- My high school coaches were really close with Coach Rack and when a spot opened up they mentioned me to him and they told him how my experience at my old school went but they also said I will do anything to get back to playing and give it my all every day. It was a risk that Coach Rack and the staff took on bringing me in and it is something I am forever grateful for.
- What did you ultimately take out of the recruiting experience by the Eagle coaching staff?
- They made me feel like they really believed in me and made me feel like they really wanted me to come to Winthrop. They put confidence in me from the first phone call and that's when I knew Winthrop was a place I wanted to be at.
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