1. You were the first four-time AP All-American in ACC History, 2015 WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year, and second ACC player in history to be named First Team All-ACC four straight years.  What are some of the goals you will be trying to accomplish next while playing within the WNBA?

Firstly, to receive any of those awards was truly an honor. The ACC has a rich history of some incredible student-athletes, so to accomplish any of those feats is really humbling. Hopefully in Atlanta, I can continue to be a big defensive presence, but also make my impact on the offensive end. There is no doubt that a championship is the ultimate goal for this team, so I will try to bring my energy and skill set to help us get there.

2. Being the fourth overall pick within the 2015 WNBA Draft to the Connecticut Sun, how would you describe your first experience within the WNBA?

My rookie year was definitely a learning experience. I think coming in initially, I wanted to take everything in and learn from the veteran players. As the year continued, I realized that obviously learning is important, but being able to play hard every possession and being willing to make some mistakes, is what really gets someone over that early hump.

3. What attributes do you feel you will bring to the Atlanta Dream team?

I feel like this season I can be an asset as a strong low-post presence. As mentioned earlier, defense is a big part of my game- specifically shot blocking. However, having played overseas, I think my confidence and consistency on offense has improved, and it will be my responsibility to show that. With this summer being only my second season in the WNBA I want to always bring energy. I enjoy learning on and off the court, so I will also try to be a student of the game.

4. You have been playing in the 2015-2016 season with Istanbul University SK in Turkey and averaging 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds. How would you describe your overseas experience?

I think this overseas experience has been really significant for me individually. Off the court, it is always important to try to understand other people and other cultures. There are so many things that we often take for granted in the United States. Istanbul is a great city and my teammates this season have also helped the overall experience. On the court, playing in a competitive league like this, every game I am playing against some of the world’s best players. As a foreign player, I have more responsibilities, and I am forced to play with an extra sense of urgency. This has been big for me as I head into my sophomore season looking to make an impact for the Atlanta Dream.

5. Are there any charitable organizations or causes that carry a special significance for you?

I don’t have any specific charitable organizations that I donate to, but as some people know, I want to pursue a career in medicine when I finish my basketball career. I  believe in the importance of serving others through medicine, and I love all that it entails. Before my senior year at Duke I completed an internship through the CAPE program (Collegiate Athlete Pre-Medical Experience) and was able to shadow different doctors of all types of specialties at the Duke hospital. The relationships that patients have with their doctors can make a lifetime impact, and I want to be a part of that.

6. Who would you say had the biggest influence on you growing up?

My biggest influencers growing up were my parents. Both of them worked so hard for me and for my siblings. They taught us the importance of education, while also supporting us outside of school. Faith was a huge part of my life growing up as well, and still is, and that has helped to create a balance in my life. They would make their best effort to be at every sporting event, band concert, piano recital- you name it. Their successes, faith, and love are a constant motivator for me.

7. What are some of your typical pregame routines that help you prepare/focus for a game?

I guess you could say my pre-game routine is pretty cliché. I usually just listen to music and then say a little prayer during the national anthem. I am not a very superstitious person when it comes to pre-game because I believe if you have prepared your best, you can control what you can control.

8. What have you been working on during the offseason to prepare for your second WNBA season?

During my time overseas, I have been working on being more consistent in the mid-range game, and free throws. I also like to continue to work on my post moves because I think it is just as important to work on strengths as it is to work on weaknesses. Off the court, I am trying to be a better cook! 🙂

9. The Atlanta Dream is an organization greatly based on families in the community, is that something that means a lot to you?

The community-based approach that the Dream organization believes in does mean a lot. As athletes, we have a platform to really make a difference on those around us. In the Atlanta community, what better way to use this platform than through our team? When we play the game, we are not only playing for ourselves and our team, but we are representing our community. I think when we give back, even in a small way, it can create a chain reaction of good things to come.

10. Outside of the court, what are some hobbies you like to participate in? What do you do within your free time?

Outside of the court, I like to watch TV shows and movies.  I am also a HUGE fan of Sudoku puzzles( and normal puzzles too). I’m a big fan of anything produced by Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, etc.) But I do watch some Netflix series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. I’ll also play a bit of FIFA and NBA 2k at home because I like video games. Also, since I have been overseas, I have found myself reading for pleasure a little bit more to kill some time!