Getting to Know the Freshman: Mikaela Hopkins
11/1/2011 1:49:00 PM | Women's Basketball
With two seniors graduating, four new freshman have joined the team and will likely see playing time this season. The class of 2015 includes Christy Hewatt (Cumming, Ga.), Courtney McKenzie (Dallas, Ga.), Mikaela Hopkins (Agusta, Ga.) and Jazz Green (Darlington, S.C.). CofCsports.com sat down with the freshman to get to know them a little better, continuing with center Mikaela Hopkins.
Question: What has been the biggest adjustment on/off the court from high school to college?
Answer: "Pretty much the whole game has changed for me. I never really played that much basketball until I got to high school. I'm learning a lot of new things. On defense I used to just use my height, now I'm working on using my body too. I'm also learning to be more physical, because I'm not a very aggressive person. Off the court I have to be more self-motivated to go to class and study."
Q: What is your favorite part about being at the College of Charleston?
A: "All the coaches are really sweet and have made me feel at home. I love the school and campus and they have a great elementary education program. My mom also went here."
Q: What are your goals later in life/dream job?
A: "I want to teach 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade. I love working with kids."
Q: What is something unique about you that most people don't know?
A: "I lived in Japan for three years because my father was in the Air Force. I've also lived in England, Germany, Massachusetts, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and South Carolina."
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals/traditions?
A: "I listen to music and pray."
Q: Do you have any brothers/sisters?
A: "Yes. I have two older sisters age 21 and 23. One is in the Air Force and the other is joining the Air Force soon."
Q: Do you have any nicknames?
A: "Steve Bamel, our sport performance coach keeps trying to call me Big Mac, but I'm not a fan of it because it makes it sound like I'm on the MacDonald's menu. Coach Ashley calls me Kay and my family calls me Cakes."
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: "Australia. I would want to go see the Kangaroos."
Favorites
Pro sport team: Boston Celtics
Hobbies outside of basketball: I used to be obsessed with the Lion King. I would pretend I was a Lion. I also like traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures.
Food: Anything Chocolate
Movie: Lion King
Musician/Band: Switchfoot
The CofC women's basketball team has their first exhibition game Friday Nov. 4 at home against Armstrong Atlantic at 7:00p.m. and open the season at home Nov. 11 vs. East Carolina at 5:00p.m. The Cougars host Connecticut Dec. 21. Contact the ticket office at 843.953.2632 or go to their website here.
