Whitney Duncan, general studies junior, came to IU Southeast from Moore High School in Louisville, where she played basketball for four years.
Today, Duncan can be seen clad in crimson and cream, shooting hoops for the Grenadiers, although she still has fond memories of high school basketball.
“My favorite memory was just my team,” Duncan said. “We always had fun.”
After four years at the high school level, and now beginning her third at the college level, Duncan said she has noticed one major difference between college and high school.
“The competition is harder and you’re up against more athletic players,” Duncan said.
Playing college basketball has also added pressure to Duncan.
“The hardest part is balancing school, ball and work,” she said.
Duncan is employed in a work-study position at the Athletics Building.
She works approximately eight hours a week.
Another challenge with being a college athlete is schedule clashes. So far, Duncan has found herself scheduling most of her classes to fit around her basketball practices, which are usually at 4 p.m.
“The classes I really need are at night,” Duncan said. “I am holding off on those so I don’t miss practice.”
Classes aside, Duncan has high expectations for her team this season.
“I want to win conference and make it past the first game of the national tournament,” Duncan said.
Duncan said she has also set goals both on and off the court that she intends to stick with.
“I want to decrease my number of turnovers and take better, more set shots,” Duncan said. “I want to pass all my classes and bring up my G.P.A.,”
Duncan predicts a positive season for the team.
“We’re going to be winners.” she said. “We’re a young team this year, so I see us developing well because of that. As long as we run the ball more this year, it will better our chances at winning.”
For younger girls aspiring to be college athletes, Duncan offers a piece of advice.
“Study,” she said. “Stay ahead and don’t fail any classes because that will get you behind. I’ve learned from that.”
By DESIREE SMITH
Staff Writer
demismit@ius.edu