I came to 51²è¹İapp because though I was looking for schools far away from home, I wanted to be around people who made me feel just as comfortable as I am around my family.
Since my prospective student visit, I have felt so loved and welcomed by every 51²è¹İappian I've met, and I'd choose 51²è¹İapp again if I had the chance!
Finding My Basketball Family
51²è¹İapp first got on my radar because of basketball, and even before I arrived on campus, I felt welcomed into the team's community of strong, supportive women. Throughout my four years, from studying together, to practices, games, wins and losses, these teammates have become some of my closest friends.
Sky-Owa
People have always asked me why I would leave beautiful, sunny Florida to come to school in Iowa. The truth is that the prairie is beautiful, too! I've always been a fan of the East Coast, and I wanted to experience a totally new and different place for these four years of my life.
In addition to the natural beauty of the campus, going to school in a small town has provided me with a unique community experience. The best part about it has been becoming a Sunday regular at Frontier Cafe!
GCWBB is the true definition of chaotic good. We love to have fun together on the court and off the court, too!
Our bench is known as one of the most energetic in the Midwest Conference, as you can see here! Getting rowdy in celebration of one another is one of the things we do best.
Off the court, we spend a lot of time together as well. Whether it be studying in a Humanities and Social Studies Center classroom or spending a lazy Saturday bingeing Harry Potter, GCWBB is truly a band of sisters.
Since many players live far away and our season is in full swing by late November, Coach Harrold always has the team over for Thanksgiving dinner. Spending time with her family and having a home cooked meal always makes the holidays feel a little bit more like home.
The connections we've built through GCWBB transcend not only class year, but distance as well. This photo was taken during a trip with my teammate, Stephany, to visit our alumna friend Daria ’19 in Chicago.
The Sound of GCWBB
Listen to the playlist that powered our road trip to Chicago!
Artist and Athlete
As a studio art major, I have had plenty of time to explore my style through different mediums. Though much of my work now is photography and digital, I loved the work I was able to do in my printmaking and painting classes. I've always been inspired by pop culture — especially sports, TV, and movies — when making my art.
Family and Basketball
Basketball has always been a family affair for me. My sister and I played together in high school, and my dad was our assistant coach. Playing so far away from home was tough, but I always knew that my family supported me. It always made me so happy when they came to visit!
As an added bonus, I always play better when my family comes to town. Case in point: this clip from a home game against Lake Forest College!
Internships and Beyond
During the 2020 WNBA season, I was able to work with the Chicago Sky (thanks to a GCWBB connection). Working as part of the creative services team was the perfect way to unify my passions for art and athletics.
