Woman on the Rise: Keisha Brown
8/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Aug. 5, 2005
With the summer winding down and the start of the fall semester looming, NC State women's basketball players are already looking forward to individual workouts. Another year has gone by, another year stronger, wiser and more experienced. The Wolfpack players have never ventured far from one another during the summer months, returning to meet several times a week to play pick-up games and take part in strength and conditioning workouts. So GoPack.com decided to catch up with each of the players to find out what the summer has been like, find out some interesting things others may not know and also to discover what the future holds. For the next month, each player will sit down to answer these questions. Next Up: Junior Keisha Brown.
She was once the quiet one, silently working hard to do whatever she could to contribute to NC State basketball. Today, Keisha Brown is still letting her actions speak louder than words, but her teammates are definitely hearing her more in both ways.
What were your goals when you first arrived on campus?
Just to contribute any way that I could. Help the team as best I could.
How have your goals changed?
I hope to be out on the court more this season and get an opportunity to help them not just from the sidelines during games. I would like to see more playing time, but I will do whatever I can to help the team win.
How have you evolved as a player, as a person after being at NC State for two years?
As a player I am a lot smarter. When I first got here I was trying to find my place. But now that I know the system I can step out and try different things. As a person I am a lot more vocal, I was a bit shy in my first year. I have grown up a lot. I've learned to grow up without parents and family.
What's been keeping you busy this summer?
Working out with Charles our strength coach, lifting weights, playing ball with my girls and going to summer school. I've taken research and study methods, an online stats course, which carried over to second session and also political science and PE - Fitness and Wellness. In summer school there is more time to focus on class work. During the season there is more time spent on the court at times. You learn how to use your time better. I also try to go home to Charlotte as much as I can.
What drives you to work as hard as you do?
I like lifting weights, period. I have always been the type to enjoy lifting. My mom was in the military and she enjoys lifting weights. She is still very committed and I think about her.
What do you miss most about your hometown, Charlotte?
I just miss my family. They are the joy of my life. They bring a lot of happiness. I treasure each moment I am with them. I always look forward to going back. They are always so excited to have me there and that makes me excited as well.
What are you looking forward to personally and as a player, any road trips appeal to you?
The opportunity to show how my hard work has paid off. I have family in Philadelphia that I am excited to see when we travel there. I just enjoy going out of state to play and seeing new places.
What advice do you have for the newcomers this season?
Don't be afraid to step out on a limb. Have fun with what you are doing. Play the game, play your game and it will be fun.
NC State made its 18th trip to the NCAA Tournament last season, what does it mean to be a part of such tradition and success?
It's great. As long as I have been here the teams have been close, which I think helps us with success on and off the court. Being as close as we are off the court, transfers to the court. It is really special. If we do the same thing this year we will put ourselves in a position to advance further in the tournament.
What would you like to say to the NC State fans who are looking forward to a 19th appearance this season?
Just keep supporting us. Our fans bring us energy and with them we get more pumped up. Seeing them cheering hypes us up.