Believe it or not, basketball season is fast approaching. It felt like it was only yesterday when the weather reached 80 degrees, and it was still acceptable to run outside.
After these last couple of weeks, winter is definitely here. Before you get too worried about the cold, I have a prediction that the forecast for the Women Cougar’s Basketball team is going to be hot.
This team is just off a successful season with even going to the NAIA Championship in Sioux City, Iowa. Although they did not win, they are hoping to be back this year. Sophomore guard, Chanel Fanter, think that this dream could be a reality.
Fanter hails from Crystal Lake South High School where she played basketball for four years. Last season, Fanter earned the SXU Student-Athlete Bronze Medal. As a freshman, she started in 36 out of the 37 games with a 48.6% shooting range from the field. She scored 328 points for the Cougars as well.
When I sat down with Chanel we talked about how she decided to play basketball and some of her experiences last year at the NAIA Championship game. See what this Cougar has to say!
When did you start playing basketball and why?
Chanel: Started playing when I was a little kid, can’t remember a time where I didn’t have a basketball in my hand.
My dad has a big influence on me playing, he played, my aunt played, my grandpa played, I guess it was something that ran in the family.
Growing up, who was your role model?
Chanel: Growing up I never idolized a famous sports player. I always looked up to my local high school basketball team. I would always go to their games in middle school and watch them.
The high school at the time had a successful program so I always looked up to the players on that team. Once summertime came around, my parents would sign me up for the high school summer camp.
Here is where I met the players; they were genuine, always having fun, and as a team they got along really well. Growing up I knew I wanted to be on a team like this, and be that kind of player myself.
Did you always know you wanted to play basketball?
Chanel: I played many different sports growing up. I really enjoyed soccer. As I got older, around middle school, is where sports seasons started to overlap.
This is when my parents told me I had to pick and choose which sport I wanted to continue. Basketball was the one sport I couldn’t see my life without (I know… kind of cheesy).
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
Chanel: When visiting the school everyone seemed so nice. It was a community where everybody knew everybody and I liked that kind of environment.
Out of all the other schools I visited, it was the one I felt most connected and welcomed to. Also, the basketball team has a successful program so that was a perk.
Any pre-game rituals you do?
Chanel: I’m not really a superstitious person. The one only ritual I do is, right before warm-ups
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist
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