By JARROD POTTER
STUDENT-ATHLETES often get a bad rap in the American college system.
The common complaints are they’re not interested in studying, they’re only at the school to play and only care about the athletic side of campus life.
But one woman shattering those notions – and more – is Dandenong Rangers alumnus Kiara Phillips.
Phillips, 21, from Narre Warren South, is the ultimate student-athlete; excelling in her academic and athletic life at Norfolk State University, in Virginia, USA.
Her numbers don’t lie on either side of the student-athlete divide, especially for the just completed 2015/16 campus year.
As a student she has a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) studying sociology – effectively a perfect year in American education standards.
Add to that her on-court averages – 7.4 points and nearly two assists and a steal per game as a junior – and it’s clear she’s not just excellent with a basketball or pen in her hand, but also extremely well organised.
“It hasn’t been easy for sure,” Phillips said. “I am a very organised person who keeps a daily calendar on my phone, in my hand and on my MacBook.
“I spend quality time with my other half Jonathan Wade a lot and we usually study together, but definitely staying organised and maintaining a high level of work ethic is on the top of my list to ensure I maintain a great GPA.”
Shifting from Australian basketball to the college arena has been equally as challenging, but Phillips – a three-time national champion as a Dandenong junior – wants those tough tasks and difficult prospects.
It makes her better after all – that’s her number one aim, not the stats.
“Most definitely, the style is very different,” Phillips said. “The college atmosphere there is no comparison and the school rivalry is impeccable.
“I thrive in environments like that and it actually makes me play better and I would definitely tell anyone person that is looking to play at the college level and excel in the classroom it is an amazing experience that you will never forget.
“Basketball is something I have played almost my entire life and I thank God for giving me the talents both on and off the court.”
Her on-court highlight this season was nailing 21 points against Howard University to give Norfolk a 110-108 double over-time triumph – which she dedicated to her team mate Amber Brown, who is currently battling illness.
“It has been a very challenging season with Amber Brown, my former team mate, fighting for her life, a brand new coaching staff with 10 games left in the season to go, but I never lost faith,” Phillips said.
Phillips wants to finish her college basketball on a strong note – same as her studies – achieving accolades and proving to everyone around her that she belongs in the top echelon on and off the court.
“I want to walk away and prove to people that ever doubted me and my ability that I did it, I made it and made a huge difference,” Phillips said. “Going into my senior year I want to be MEAC player of the year, make all conference first team and just get the most out of the year with minimal injuries as possible.
“I love my haters – that is why I am over here excelling at the highest level both on and off the floor.
“It was probably the best decision I ever made honestly and I have zero regrets leaving Australia but the only thing is I wish my family was here too.”
She wanted to thank her boyfriend Jonathan, her family, Monica Wright and God for always believing in her and helping her reach the place she is today.
