North Carolina State University Athletics
Hard Work, Patience Pays off for Reaves
1/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Carolyn Steele
Media Relations Student Assistant
Raleigh, N.C. - In her time at NC State, Sasha Reaves has slowly but surely become one of the most significant contributors to the women’s basketball team.
In her first two years with the Wolfpack, Reaves played in a combined 46 games, but never started. Her patience paid off as head coach Kay Yow gave the center from Mullins, S.C., a starting position last season, and the team voted her Most Improved and Most Valuable Player.
“Even though I wasn’t getting playing time or starting, I just went into practice every day with a good attitude,” said Reaves. “I just kept working hard, trying to make myself and my other teammates better. I never got down on myself.”
Never giving up led to Reaves scoring in double figures in five games last season, including posting her first career double-double against the top-ranked UNC Tar Heels, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
“I always knew it was in me, so I was just waiting to bring it out,” said Reaves. “They were one of the top teams in the country, and for me to have a performance like that, it let me know that I can play with these people and can do what I always knew I could do.”
Whenever there was a game that Reaves felt she did not do her best, she would always bounce back, knowing she could do better.
“I know what I’m capable of, so I just keep practicing hard, and hopefully the next time I’ll just come back out and help my team any way I can,” said Reaves
Even though she stands six feet tall, Reaves is not seen as a giant in a sport where height is considered an advantage. Reaves feels her physical ability is her biggest strength on the court and brings her success in defending taller players. Reaves, however, credits a great deal of her success to the coaching staff and her teammates. The advice Yow has given her over the years has let her know she can compete in one of the top conferences in the country and has helped her to stay positive. Her teammates have been like a second family that has fun and works hard together.
“We’re there for each other day in and day out,” said Reaves. “I think that’s a big part of our success.”
The team’s success is a priority for Reaves. After being voted Best Team Supporter (non-starter) in 2005, and Best Team Supporter (starter) last season, Reaves was named a team captain for her senior year. Even with the title, she goes about her work as if nothing has changed, and keeps supporting her team as much as she can. She also feels a sense of duty to try and help the new faces on the team become adjusted to college life and the new level of play.
“I know when I was a freshman, I had help, so I want these women to have the same help that I had,” said Reaves. “I know it can be hard at times, so I just try to help them the way I was helped.”
Her humble attitude on the court transfers to her life off of the court as well.
“I care about other people, and I just want to help other people do well,” said Reaves. “I’m always trying to put others before myself.”
Reaves’ family is what instilled her supportive attitude, always serving as a support system and doing their best to help her succeed and reach her goals.
“They’ve always been there for me,” said Reaves. “Any time I need anything, I can just call home and they’ll do what they can. The support that they give me has helped me a lot.”
In her final season with the Wolfpack, Reaves is looking forward to another successful year for the team, knowing that she made the right choice in donning the red and white jersey.
“I’ve been having a good time,” said Reaves. “I couldn’t be anywhere else. I feel like it’s the best place for me.”
Media Relations Student Assistant
Raleigh, N.C. - In her time at NC State, Sasha Reaves has slowly but surely become one of the most significant contributors to the women’s basketball team.
In her first two years with the Wolfpack, Reaves played in a combined 46 games, but never started. Her patience paid off as head coach Kay Yow gave the center from Mullins, S.C., a starting position last season, and the team voted her Most Improved and Most Valuable Player.
“Even though I wasn’t getting playing time or starting, I just went into practice every day with a good attitude,” said Reaves. “I just kept working hard, trying to make myself and my other teammates better. I never got down on myself.”
Never giving up led to Reaves scoring in double figures in five games last season, including posting her first career double-double against the top-ranked UNC Tar Heels, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
“I always knew it was in me, so I was just waiting to bring it out,” said Reaves. “They were one of the top teams in the country, and for me to have a performance like that, it let me know that I can play with these people and can do what I always knew I could do.”
Whenever there was a game that Reaves felt she did not do her best, she would always bounce back, knowing she could do better.
“I know what I’m capable of, so I just keep practicing hard, and hopefully the next time I’ll just come back out and help my team any way I can,” said Reaves
Even though she stands six feet tall, Reaves is not seen as a giant in a sport where height is considered an advantage. Reaves feels her physical ability is her biggest strength on the court and brings her success in defending taller players. Reaves, however, credits a great deal of her success to the coaching staff and her teammates. The advice Yow has given her over the years has let her know she can compete in one of the top conferences in the country and has helped her to stay positive. Her teammates have been like a second family that has fun and works hard together.
“We’re there for each other day in and day out,” said Reaves. “I think that’s a big part of our success.”
The team’s success is a priority for Reaves. After being voted Best Team Supporter (non-starter) in 2005, and Best Team Supporter (starter) last season, Reaves was named a team captain for her senior year. Even with the title, she goes about her work as if nothing has changed, and keeps supporting her team as much as she can. She also feels a sense of duty to try and help the new faces on the team become adjusted to college life and the new level of play.
“I know when I was a freshman, I had help, so I want these women to have the same help that I had,” said Reaves. “I know it can be hard at times, so I just try to help them the way I was helped.”
Her humble attitude on the court transfers to her life off of the court as well.
“I care about other people, and I just want to help other people do well,” said Reaves. “I’m always trying to put others before myself.”
Reaves’ family is what instilled her supportive attitude, always serving as a support system and doing their best to help her succeed and reach her goals.
“They’ve always been there for me,” said Reaves. “Any time I need anything, I can just call home and they’ll do what they can. The support that they give me has helped me a lot.”
In her final season with the Wolfpack, Reaves is looking forward to another successful year for the team, knowing that she made the right choice in donning the red and white jersey.
“I’ve been having a good time,” said Reaves. “I couldn’t be anywhere else. I feel like it’s the best place for me.”
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