FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University senior guard Mieke Elkington|Hamilton, New Zealand has been named this week’s Longwood Female Athlete of the week. The veteran leader averaged 6.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals last week to help lead the Lancers to a pair of Big South Conference victories at home. She notched a season-high 10 rebounds, in addition to a tying a career high with five steals, against Coastal Carolina on Jan. 19. She also logged five points, four boards and three steals against Campbell on Jan. 17. This season, Elkington is shooting 29% (40-139) from the field, 28% (21-74) from three-point territory and 56% (14-25) from the foul line.
Question and Answer Session with Mieke Elkington ad Bethany Drury
BD: Why did you choose to play basketball?
ME: When I was younger I loved all sports. I tried to play everything and basketball just stuck. My dad used to play as well.
BD: Why did you choose Longwood?
ME: I just wanted to challenge myself by coming to a Division I school and by trying something new. I was on the west coast before and I thought I’d try the east coast out.
BD: What is your favorite thing about Longwood?
ME: I like that it is a small campus. It’s very homey and everyone is family.
BD: Do you have any role models?
ME: My dad and my mom are my role models, but my mom is my hero. She is so strong and is always supportive of me and works so hard so I can succeed.
BD: Who is your favorite athlete?
ME: Rugby is my favorite sport, but my favorite American athlete is Chris Paul. He plays for the Clippers.
BD: What is your favorite food?
ME: I really love potato chips.
BD: What is your favorite American food?
ME: Hot dogs and junk food. The food here is really cheap and you can get all you can drink drinks at the restaurants. At home, you have to pay for every refill.
BD: What is your favorite movie?
ME: 10 Things I Hate About You
BD: What is your favorite song?
ME: Right now, I’ve been listening to Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake.
BD: What is your favorite book?
ME: Anything by Nicolas Sparks
BD: Are there any interesting facts about you?
ME: I really love music. I like to play guitar and piano.
BD: Do you have any teammates you admire or look up to?
ME: One of my teammates back in high school played back in the days when no one (from New Zealand) really came over to (play in) America. She got a scholarship and played in New York at LIU. She always gave me advice and told me to believe in myself. She helped me a lot and made me a better player.
BD: What is it like being a senior leader on the team?
ME: It’s good and it’s hard. You have to be an example and I don’t like to say a lot. I like to lead by example. Some days when you’re not feeling well or you’re just not feeling like being a leader, you just have to, but it helps and you force yourself to because the freshman are looking up to you, so it’s good.
BD: How do you feel about the team’s performance so far?
ME: Awesome, I’m loving it. Winning is fun. Working hard will always help us do well.
BD: Do you have any pregame rituals?
ME: Usually I’ll go home and if I have the time and energy, I’ll straighten my hair. Then I’ll listen to R&B and Reggae.
BD: How does it feel to be stepping up and doing well guarding players much bigger than you?
ME: It’s really hard and a constant battle, but I just try to do my best.
BD: What is your favorite thing about American basketball?
ME: I think it’s great to see how intense and how into sports Americans are. At home, it’s recreation, but here it’s a lifestyle. It’s pretty cool. The crowd gets into it and it’s so crazy. Everyone celebrates after their school wins and you wouldn’t do that at home. It’s really different, but I like how everyone is so into the game.
BD: What’s your favorite thing about the team?
ME: I like that we’re all pretty close. Everyone gets along pretty well and it’s easier to play with teammates you get along with and you like. Since the freshmen are all together, it’s easier for them to support each other and the seniors have all been here together, so it’s easier for everyone to support each other.
