Freshman Nomi Washington from Phoenixville P.a., is the newest addition to the women’s basketball team. Unlike her teammates in her class, Nomi has a little more pressure to perform.
“Amber did really well. She was in the thousand point club and she was Player of the Year. She’s definitely known well here. It’s something I hear all the time, you know, having to live up to what she did, but I like it,” Washington said. “It gives me something to look forward to and I like the pressure.”
Not all of the freshmen have a Cabrini College Alumni, who dominated the same sport that they play, as a sister.
The list of Amber Keys’ accomplishments could go on forever, starting from her freshman year and continuing to grow throughout her senior year. In all 4 years at Cabrini, Amber made her legacy known.
“It’s funny because when she comes and watches me she’s like, ‘Oh I did this and that,’ but I know that I got it,” Washington said.
The pressures of possibly living in her sister’s shadow does not overpower the stress of school and playing for a new team.
“It’s hard, but I’m getting used to it though. Our team is really helpful to me. Being a freshman is always hard because you have to learn the new plays and learn how to be around a new team but they’re so helpful that it makes the transition that much easier,” Washington said.
“The pace is faster and you have to keep up. Not even with basketball but school-wise too. It’s a bigger work load and you have to learn how to juggle everything and stay on top of everything,” Washington said. “I’m still getting used to it.”
Nomi noticed the difference between being a student-athlete in high school and college.
“Being a student-athlete is hard. You have to go to school and make sure you’re staying on top of your school work, but at the same time you have to stay on top of your basketball and remember what you have to do,” Washington said. “You have to balance your time well. Its difficult, but do-able.”
All freshmen athletes look up to players on their team, but with such a small basketball team, all of the upperclassmen (especially the 4 seniors) have to be good role models.
“Renee is always helpful. In the beginning of the year, we’ve stayed after practice and she would just help me and make sure I know all of the plays well. She wants everyone to be on the court, she wants to win, and I definitely look up to her a lot,” Washington said.
When asked what is the Lady Cav’s goal for the season, Washington’s response was straightforward.
“A big goal for all of us is to get that CSAC win,” Washington said.
