Zitina Aokuso, Inspiring the Young
2015 & 2016 National Performance Program (NPP) Athlete, Isabelle Parker, has recently accepted a mid-year entrance, full scholarship to a US University. We caught up with Isabelle to see just how she did it.
How long have you been playing basketball?
I have been playing basketball for nearly 8 years now.
What do you feel is your biggest achievement in Basketball so far?
My biggest achievement in basketball, other than being offered my scholarship, would be receiving a silver medal at the National Junior Championships in both 2014 and 2016.
Which university will you be attending?
I will be attending the University of the Pacific, in Stockton California.
How did you first find out about this scholarship opportunity? Was it a lengthy process to apply?
The assistant coach of the team contacted me after she has watched game film. I was told they were very interested and wanted me to come to ‘an official visit’ at the university. I flew over to the US in the September holidays. I loved the campus and the team, and it was at this time that the head coach offered me a scholarship. After I returned from the US I took a couple days to think it over before accepting the scholarship offer.
What does this scholarship include?
I was provided with a full scholarship which includes: education, food, accommodation and living expense.
Do you think other Queensland athletes will be able to apply for this scholarship in the future?
I am not the first Queensland athlete to be offered a scholarship at the University of the Pacific, and I hope I’m not the last.
Do you have any advice to athletes who are applying for US study scholarships?
If I had any advice it would be that it is a really important part of the university enrolment process to go over for an official visit, as talking online about the campus, the girls and their style of play in open gym is very different to actually living it. Also, when I went over I was able to see which school appealed to me the most and what environment I felt most comfortable in.
Finally, what are you most excited about doing/seeing in the US?
I’m actually most excited to just become a student athlete and go to classes and train with the team. I have talked to athletes that have come back from college and they have told me that it is just an all-around amazing experience and an adjustment that really tests you and makes you grow as a person.
Want to know more about playing basketball in the US or about gaining a scholarship? Read our blog on Playing College Basketball now!
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