FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University women’s basketball sophomore forward Khalilah Ali/Suffolk has been named the Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. In the Lancers first game last week at George Mason on Nov. 26, she paced the squad with 10 boards, while adding a season-high three steals and career-high two assists. Later in the week at home in a game against Richmond, the sophomore set a personal best with six made free throws, en route to tying a career-high with 12 points. Ali currently leads the team with 7.7 rebounds per game, while sitting fifth with 8.2 points per game.
Question and Answer Session with Khalilah Ali and Ashley Robbins
AR: Talk about stepping up in a much bigger role this season.
KA: I felt I needed to step up this year because we are a young team and some people are hurt. I know I play a big part in some of the games with rebounding and whatever else the team needs. Coming from last year, I started at the beginning, so I felt like I had helpful experience and needed to keep that role as a starter this season. I need to show everyone I could do it, even if I’m hurt, I need to step up and fight through it. I know I have my team behind me, so it feels good to be a leader some games and carry them on my back when I can, but I know that if I need, they have my back too.
AR: Did you do anything different to prepare this offseason?
KA: I just worked on my shot and handling the ball more because I knew that’s what coach needed from me this year. I worked on post moves because I’m a post player. I worked on getting in better shape too.
AR: What is the team looking to do heading into conference play this week?
KA: We’re looking to make it as far as we did last year. We are young, but we have a lot of talent. I think if we all come together and play as a team, we’re going to make it far. That’s how we’re preparing for our first game. Everyone is confident and we’re getting more focused as it gets closer to game time.
AR: Who do you consider to be a role model?
KA: My dad because he’s always been there for me. I’m a daddy’s girl. He played basketball, so I learned a lot from him. He always gives me the best advice, even if I don’t want to hear it. He’s played a big role in why I play basketball and why I’m so focused in everything.
AR: What is one of the best pieces of advice you’ve ever gotten?
KA: The best piece of advice I’ve gotten came from Coach Crawford. She told me to forget about what just happened and keep playing on the next play. Even if something is stuck on my mind, I need to find a way to let it go and get back into the game. That advice really helps me because I do mess up and it sits on my mind, so when she told me that I knew I had to let it go and keep playing.
AR: What would you say to a young athlete aspiring to play Division I?
KA: Keep pushing and keep working. Listen to your coaches, even if they tell you something you don’t want to hear, it’ll help you in the long run. Just keep practicing and keep working, and you’ll do great.
AR: Which teammate would you trade places with for a day?
KA: Heather (Tobeck) so I can be tall.
AR: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
KA: I pray before every game and listen to music. I even talk to my dad just to hear what he has to say. I call him first, then I go pray and listen to music.
AR: Favorite movie?
KA: The Color Purple. That’s my favorite movie. I watch it all the time.
AR: Favorite artist?
KA: Keisha Cole
AR: Favorite class?
KA: History. I like to learn about things that happened a long time ago. It’s always been my favorite subject.
AR: What do you hope to pursue after graduation?
KA: I want to work with children and make sure they’re in a safe environment.
AR: Why did you choose Longwood?
KA: I liked that it was close to home and I liked the environment. The coaches made me feel like I was going to be in a good place and that they were going to help better my game, so if I wanted to pursue something after college I could. As far as the education, I felt like it was a great school for my field. And being close to home, if I ever needed anything, my dad is never too far away.
