Why did you choose to attend Williams?
I chose to attend Williams College because I knew it would be able to give me the perfect balance of being a competitive athlete and student.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete because I wanted to be in an environment where my development was viewed holistically. I think Division III is special because you can grow in so many different facets of your life. Not only am I both a student and an athlete at Williams, but I am also a tour guide, a peer tutor, and a member of various clubs. I am grateful for all the opportunities that have been made available to me.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
I think the best part of being in the NESCAC is the energy surrounding each game. The NESCAC is an incredibly competitive conference. Every team comes into a game with a lot of school pride. Specifically for Williams, nothing is more exciting than playing and beating Amherst.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
Aside from basketball, I am also a tour guide at Williams, a peer tutor, and part of the Purple Mountain Partners investment club. I decided to apply to be a tour guide purely because of my love for Williams. I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible community and I was really excited at the idea of showing prospective students all that Williams has to offer. I have been tutoring since my sophomore year in high school and it has always been something I have been proud of. A professor reached out to me about the opportunity to tutor in mathematics, statistics, and economics (my favorite subjects) and I accepted right away. Purple Mountain Partners is a student-run investment club that has weekly stock pitches, where members vote on what decision they think is best for the club. I knew a couple of upperclassmen who helped run the club and thought it sounded very interesting.
Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the way in which I have grown in all aspects of my life. I came into Williams with basketball at the forefront of my mind. I was so excited to be a collegiate athlete. Basketball at Williams has given me some of my greatest accomplishments, but there has been so much more enrichment that has taken place in my four years. I feel I have grown as a learner, thinker, friend, family member, and person. At Williams, I have been challenged and pushed to grow not only on the basketball court, but everywhere else as well.
Is there anything special about your uniform number?
I got to keep my lucky high school number - 34!
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
My favorite class outside of my major is a class I am taking this semester called Hollywood Film. On Sundays the class shows influential Hollywood films from each decade at the local theater in Williamstown. Our lectures focus on the way in which Hollywood operates, has changed over the years, and signals broader themes in America. I have always loved movies and grew up watching older ones with my family. This class has been exceptionally thought provoking and forced me to think outside of my normal comfort level. The class has also introduced me to what are now some of my favorite movies.
Who is your favorite professor?
My favorite professor is Professor Olney who teaches Economics. Professor Olney is a great professor because he can communicate the material in a way that is easy to understand and at the same time can also make it incredibly interesting. He tends to show why topics are important and how they affect the world we live in. I think his ability to do this has made my classes with him especially rewarding. Williams has a special tradition where three students can take a professor to a free three-course meal at the college. Two friends and I took Professor Olney!
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
This past summer I interned at Citi in the Investment Banking division. This was an incredible opportunity and learning experience. The internship offered me education and growth in financial literacy. In addition, it helped me strengthen soft skills such as work ethic, discipline, and teamwork.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
The most interesting part of my Mathematics major has been the way in which problem solving helps me in my daily life. Throughout my four years, this major has forced me to become a better critical thinker and problem solver. For any given math problem, it is important and necessary to look at it in a variety of different ways. This process allows a deeper understanding of what the question is truly asking and makes it easier to solve. This aspect is applicable to life outside of Mathematics. It helps me as a player, captain, friend, and person. This ability to think in different ways and see the problem from many angles is incredibly interesting.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I think the greatest lesson I have learned from being a student athlete is how to work with others to achieve a goal. Being part of the basketball team at Williams has shown me how important each individual’s role is to the team. Success comes from trust and communication with teammates. This is something I have used outside of basketball and Williams as a whole.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
Chandler Gym! This is the main gym at Williams and is my absolute favorite spot. It holds a special place in my heart because of all the memories and emotions that have occurred during my time on the court.
Who has been the most influential person to you during your time in college?
The most influential person during my time in college has been my boyfriend, Brandon Roughley, a senior on the men’s basketball team. Throughout my time at Williams, Brandon has shaped the way I have viewed life for the better. He is the total embodiment of success as a function of hard work, dedication, and mental toughness. This, combined with a true love of winning and a team first attitude, has made him one of the most inspiring people in my life.
What is something interesting about you that others might not know?
Something interesting about me is that each of my two sisters also attend a NESCAC school. Shoutout Middlebury and Tufts!
