Boston College Athletics
Q & A with Ella Awobajo
July 28, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Chestnut Hill, Mass. -
It's a big year for red-shirt freshman Ella Awobajo. A native of Nigeria, Awobajo is excited to show the BC women's basketball fans that she can play Division 1 basketball. Awobajo, who will wear No. 10, is ready to take the court and help the Eagles push towards the next level. So here's a chance to meet BC guard/forward Ella Awobajo:
This is the start of your second year at Boston College, how did you spend your summer?
I spent the summer enjoying the beautiful transition from the cold winter. I took classes and volunteered to work the Reunion Weekend, which was a great experience for me because I always love to help people on campus.
What did you work on during team workouts?
I have been working on being a great teammate. I have to figure out what my team lacks and what I have in me to add. So I have been really working on my defense, rebounding skills and talking more on defense, offense or the side line.
Explain your game to those BC fans that have not seen you on the court:
I am a great competitor who will play in the moment at 100 percent. When I'm on the court, I want to figure things out quickly and compete at the highest level.
After watching last season, what will you add to the team this season on the court?
I think I can bring toughness, energy, a strong defensive help to the team and a spirit of togetherness.
Did you focus on improving one area of your game while you sat last season?
I worked on my dribbling skills after every shoot around with Coach Faulkner. She made me do different drills with my eyes open and closed. I also worked on my mid-range jumper, driving to the basket and being able to complete a jump stop and make a pass. We also worked on being more poised on offense. Last year was a successful learning experience.
What is your mindset going into this season?
My one prayer to God is to always be a positive change to wherever I go. That is my mindset going into this season to do everything in my power to change how people react when they hear or talk about the Boston College Women's Basketball Team.
What attracted you to Boston College?
I was attracted to Boston College because of the conference we play in. I have always wanted to play against the best. On my visit I fell in love with the school's environment and high academic standards.
Though you lived in Pennsylvania as a high school student, how have you made the adjustment from the lifestyle of Nigeria to the East Coast?
I will say I'm still adjusting to the life, because it's a lot harder than I thought. The food and the people have been great but the weather is still a struggle for me.
Is anyone else in your family an athlete, and if yes, give me a name and what sport they play?
My three younger brothers; David (19), William (18), and Richard (16) have followed in my footsteps. They are all back in Nigeria and they play at the basketball court where I learned to play. The resources to learn are not out there, so if you are not determined you can give up easily. My brothers are still learning the game and have come to realize you can achieve great things by playing basketball.
Who introduced the game of basketball to you and when? Where you the only girl playing?
I was introduced to the game of basketball by a girl named Nancy Jonathan around 2009. She lived down my street. I started playing volleyball and she saw me and asked why I didn't play basketball. She told me I had good height and should be playing basketball. She invited me to practice with her. That is how I officially started playing at a stadium called Murtala Square in Kaduna, Nigeria.
Do you recall if you scored in your first basketball game? Where and when was it?
It was at my inter-school competition, I scored but it was a horrible but funny story. I was sitting on the sideline trying to cheer on the team. The coach asked me why I wasn't playing. I told him because I didn't know the game.
The coach told me that I am tall enough, and promised it was easy. He told me to take the ball from our side of the basket and put it in the other basket.
So when someone missed a shot, I got the rebound and sprinted down to the other side of the basket and scored without dribbling. I was so excited but apparently the referee blew his whistle and everyone was laughing at me. I was so upset with myself that after that game I wanted to learn everything about the game. That was how I started playing the game of basketball.
What is your favorite thing about being on the BC basketball team?
It challenges me to communicate and work with people with different personalities. Working with people from different backgrounds allows for people with different skills to come together to work towards the common goal.
What are you hobbies?
I love watching Criminal Minds and I love to shop.
