Year: Sophomore
Major: HES major, most likely to minor in Spanish
Home: Prince George, Virginia
As the Deacs near the end of their season, we’re catching up with Ariel Stephenson to hear about her season so far and post-season hopes.
Her Campus (HC): When did you start playing basketball?
Ariel Stephenson (AS): I was five when I first played but then I stopped for a while. In 6th grade I started to become serious again.
HC: What is your position?
AS: When I was younger I was taller than everybody so I played in the post. But over the years I ended up being an average height and therefore started playing guard. I have been in this position since 8th grade and I love it!
HC: How do you like the team and coaches at Wake?
AS: The coaches are very personable, they care about my well-being on and off the court. My teammates are amazing and we all get along so well. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
HC: Why Wake?
AS: I got an offer my freshman year and after sophomore year I finally came to visit. I just fell in love with it and knew this was the place for me.
HC: Coming here, did everything meet your expectation?
AS: I didn’t really know what to expect coming in – neither in regards to college nor basketball. When I was younger, I didn’t think I was good enough to play college basketball. So coming here, I told myself I would just stick to what I know what worked. So I kept working hard and I got to where I am now!
HC: Do you know what you want to do after college?
AS: Maybe PA school but obviously I’d love to play professionally if I get the chance to.
HC: Is it very hard to get to play professionally?
AS: In the U.S. yeah for sure, but overseas not so much. There is always a chance.
HC: Would you go overseas?
AS: Yeah, I think that would be a cool experience. Being able to get to see the world for a couple years and experience different places. I know a few people who have done it and it sounds really cool. If that doesn’t work out, I would want to coach.
HC: Why coaching?
AS: I love the game so much and I can’t imagine myself being away from it. So coaching would be a great way to take my love for the game and give it to others.
HC: Would you try to be a college coach?
AS: Yeah I want to be around people who have the same passion as me.
HC: What do you like the best about basketball?
AS: I love how basketball is so competitive. There is no for sure winner or loser. Everyone has a chance to win. It is about who competes and works the hardest.
HC: So, how is the season going so far?
AS: Our season is going pretty well. We work hard every day, compete in every game.
HC: Unfortunately, compared to the men’s team the stadium is not as filled on game day…
AS: I think the fans will come. I know a lot of people who have said that once they came to a girls’ game, the ended up loving it. So you just have to give it a chance.
HC: Are less fans common everywhere?
AS: At some schools with a historically more successful program, they have a lot more fans. But within the time, I have been here, more people have been coming to Wake games as well. And I believe as time goes along and we keep getting better, we will continue to have more fans too.
HC: How much of the season do you have left?
AS: Two more ACC games and then one more tournament game that’s promised. And if we win, we will get another. Depending on how those three games go, we might have a post season.
HC: When is the next home game?
AS: On Sunday!
Check out the schedule and come out to support our DEACS! They deserve it!