The University of South Alabama women's basketball team will welcome four newcomers to the Jaguar roster during the 2016-17 season. Of the course of the summer, USAJaguars.com will sit down with each of them for Q & A session to help fans see another side of the newest Jags.
The first newcomer for USA fans to get to know is Kennedi Centers, a 6-2 post player from Samuel Clemens High School in New Braunfels, Texas. Centers talks about her goals for the upcoming season, how a high school internship played a part in her decision to come to South Alabama and growing up as the daughter of a NFL player, among many other topics.
What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"I feel I bring a lot of hustle to the team. I go after loose balls and try to get the rebound every single time."
What is one area of your game that you are looking at improving on this season and why?
"My jump shot has to be more accurate. I feel my defensive play is good, but I need work on scoring and make sure I'm contributing offensively."
What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
"Obviously work hard, but we have to connect as a team."
Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to? If so, who and why?
"I would have to say Chyna [Ellis]. She strives to get better every day."
Who on the team do you feel will take on the biggest leadership role this season and why?
"Colby [Davis], because she is our only senior. I think she will hold everyone accountable."
Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
"I am really interested in the medical field and the fact that South Alabama has two hospitals on campus is a big plus. Also, it has a continuation of the internship that I did in high school, which was radiologic sciences."
What did you do during your internship?
"We basically shadowed doctors and watched them take different types of x-rays; fluoroscopy, CT scans and just plain x-rays. It was really helpful to me. After learning all of that information, we were able to take a certification test. I passed it and I'm actually certified to take x-rays in Texas."
What type of player can fans expect to see out on the floor when they watch you play?
"Me personally, I try my best to just have fun when I'm out on the court, which we all should do. I try to make it as good of an environment out there, because if it is not fun and you're just out there, then it isn't going to be a good winning environment."
What do you feel will be the biggest adjustment for you here at South Alabama?
"Knowing that I am not the biggest person on the floor anymore is a bit tough. Last week during a pick-up game, my shot was blocked a couple times in a row and it showed me that this was a different level. I wasn't expecting that."
Your father is former football player Larry Centers, who had a 14-year NFL career. What was it like growing up as the child of a professional athlete?
"There was definitely a lot of moving around as he switched teams, but it definitely was a good experience, although I only experienced growing up during half of his career. The opportunities it gave our family was pretty great."
How did that experience help develop you as an athlete and what is the most important thing that you have taken away from that?
"I would say seeing how competitive he is and how team-driven he is has helped develop me into the type of team-leader that I am. It has made me strive to be as good as he was in his sport."
What is one interesting thing that Jaguar fans may not know about you?
"In basketball, I had the most charges taken in the San Antonio, Texas area. Non-basketball wise, I sing to myself all the time and I have been told I am not terrible so I'm just going to keep singing. My sister is actually the person who told me that and it takes a lot for her to give a compliment."
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
"The place that comes to mind is the Delta Deli, because their chicken stripes are really good."
What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"It means that I have to step up my game. It isn't like high school anymore and I have to hold myself accountable in everything I do, because I am representing a new program. I don't want to do anything to mess that up."
Describe South Alabama women's basketball in a word:
"Together. We work out together. We live and breathe together. We always want to be together as a team."
BONUS SHOTS WITH KENNEDI
What is your favorite type of music to listen to? Old school R&B, music from the 80's and 90's. I love the women artist from those eras.
What is your favorite memory that you have had so far playing basketball? My second game of basketball, they put me in to face-guard someone. I didn't really know what it meant to face-guard someone, but I stayed with her. They made a few trips up and down the court and I was not paying attention because I was just standing face-to-face with this girl.
What was your favorite show to watch as a kid? Scooby Doo, definitely.
If you could play any other sport other than basketball, what would it be? Surprisingly enough, I used to also be a cheerleader, so it would be cheerleading.
What was your first job? I was a lifeguard in Texas.
Is there a saying you live by? From my high school coach "Do your best, don't sweat the rest and let the winning take care of itself. Play hard, play smart, have fun from the very first tip to the very last horn." He would say that to us before every game.
What is your favorite form of social media? Snapchat.
Do you have any pre-game rituals? Whenever I put my braces on before a game, I always put the right one on first. Then the other and then tie the right one, and then the left.
Who do you feel is the funniest person on the team? India Hall.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. I've always wanted to not have to drive places to get there. I would be nice to just be able to go there whenever I felt like it. I would also never be late gain.
OFF THE COURT WITH…
Kennedi Centers
Savannah Jones
Camryn London
Shaforia Kines
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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