The Cougars’ women’s Basketball team is on a hot streak in January and they don’t plan on cooling off anytime soon. In this month alone, the Cougars have won all six of their games in January.
The Cougars have not lost a game since their conference battle with then #2 Concordia University during the “Holiday Classic Tournament.” This team has battled through almost every possible game situation.
They even came back in the fourth quarter when they played Olivet Nazarene University. Those girls were rotating in and out like a hockey game.
It was one of the most intense games in the Cougar’s season. One of the leading ladies on the team heating up the court is Senior center Brittany Collins.
Collins is a double major in Marketing and Finance. She hails from Des Plaines, Illinois and comes from Maine West High School. Collins has been marking her territory at Saint Xavier.
Recently, she became the Top Blocker in Saint Xavier Women’s basketball. Speaking of the Olivet game, she had a career high of 30 points on the day.
Collins usually averages 15 points a game. This big game led her to being named the CCAC player for the week of January 22nd.
Brittany Collins is one of those seniors that the team will miss next year. But, until then Collins is focusing is on getting back to Sioux City, Iowa and she believes that this team has what it takes. Check out what this All-star senior has to say!
When did you start playing basketball and why?
I started playing basketball in first grade because my sister and all my friends were going to do it.
From first to eighth grade, I had either my dad or mom as a coach which made it alot more fun and was probably one of the reasons why I stuck with it at that age.
Growing up, who was your role model?
My parents were my role models growing up. They provided myself and my three siblings a great childhood and continue today being great parents.
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
I came to SXU because of basketball and the scholarship I received. I also liked the distance the school was from my house.
When I did my visit, I felt very welcomed and realized it would be a good fit for me. I instantly connected like some girls on the team and it made me very excited to come here.
Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
I wear the same t-shirt to every game. (always washed). It is my light blue shirt I got on vacation. Also right before we go into the locker room before the game starts, Chanel Fanter and I have a ritual we do.
I make a right handed layup and then a left. Then Chanel makes a right and left layout and we put the ball away. It’s kinda crazy but this is our second season doing it together.
You had a career high of 30 points during the Olivet Nazarene University. What kept you motivated during the game since the team was falling behind the Tigers for three quarters?
Playing Olivet is such a high speed game, that you can’t really focus on the score. Coach told us going in that we should expect runs on both teams. And not to worry about the score because there tends to be a lot of swings with the lead with this team.
Our team has high energy when we play together, I think our attitudes are contagious. That alone can keep a player motivated throughout a game.
What was the most memorable game you’ve played?
The most memorable games were the four games leading up to us playing in the National Championship last year in Sioux City. It was crazy and intense to play in a big arena like that, and just the whole environment.
Do you think this team has what it takes to make it back to Sioux City?
Absolutely, as the season goes on we are getting into our groove and working really well together.
What will you miss about playing basketball at SXU?
I am going to miss the friends I made the most. I have met my best friends through being on a team at SXU and I will always be grateful for that. Basketball brought together lifelong friendships for me.
Those friends I have made throughout my four years, I plan on having for the rest of my life.
Who’s going to win the Super Bowl: Patriots or Eagles?
EAGLES! I’m more excited for the funny commercials though.
Thanks for the great interview Brittany! Congratulations on your accomplishments here at SXU.
Find out who will be the next featured athlete on “Athlete Profile!”
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist