10 Questions With ... Lilly Roberts -- Women's Basketball

We continue our "10-Questions With ..." feature with freshman standout Lilly Roberts.

1. Do you remember when you first started playing basketball? What is it about the sport you love so much?

"I first started playing when I was like 8-10 years old and I played on and off until high school. I also grew up playing soccer but once I got to high school, I chose basketball my sophomore year."

2. Take me through your high school career and when did the idea of playing at OCC first cross your mind?

"After my senior year, I didn't get a lot of other looks from four-year schools so I decided to come to OCC. Coach Sammy went to every single game of mine and when I came down to check out one of their games, they only had like 5-6 players, but they played with so much heart and so much love for the game, it was a no-brainer for me."

3. So for this year, we've got good numbers to play, but, we can't play because of COVID … how have you been able to stay sharp through the pandemic and how excited are you go get back with your teammates again?

"When COVID hit back in March, I knew I wanted to stay in shape. I didn't really commit to OCC until  early May, so I was doing summer workouts on my own and going on runs. Our summer program started in July and we did zoom meetings three times a week and also did lots of individual work. Once the semester started, we've done zoom meetings five days a week and usually an hour or so of workouts. We've worked on plays online and we do OYO (On Your Own) workouts. I'll go to the park and work on my game, then, meet up later in the day. It's been a lot of work, but everything seems to be worth it now that we are going to be able to condition together again."

4. How would you describe the coaching style of Coach Sammy? I know you really haven't had a chance to see her in the gym or anything, but what have you seen so far that has kept you working hard for this year?

"I came from a bad high school basketball experience and she's been a very positive light for me. Even with what happened her first year, she's so positive, but she also really gets down to business. She pushes us, but at the end of the day, we feel like we can talk to her about anything."

5. What are your goals for this upcoming year?

"Some of my goals are to have a positive and winning season where I make the connections with my teammates and we become a family on and off the court. I want to focus on the 'little wins' on and off the floor. As far as my game goes, I'd like to have a better shooting percentage each game I play and do what I can to help this team go as far as we can. I really can't wait to meet everyone! I've gotten to know them over the past several months, but I still haven't met any of them!"

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"There is so much I want to do again! I would definitely want to go to a live concert. There's something about being around live music and the people and the environment. I listen to country when I do my homework, but I enjoy R&B, hip-hop and 80's rock too."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – "Chicken Alfredo, but I love any pasta and bread!"
   2. Favorite pre-game snack – "Usually I'm eating a sandwich before a game. Peanut butter/jelly or ham/cheese … or some fruits and cucumbers."
   3. Favorite post-game meal – "There's nothing too specific I eat after a game … but most likely, it's back to the pasta."
8. When you're not playing basketball, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"I love to go hiking or camping … anything involving the outdoors. I also enjoy horseback riding and I'm even up to throwing the football around!"

9. In the COVID world, everyone has been binging TV shows … what have been a few of your favorites shows to watch over the past few months??

"I've been really enjoying short shows. Anything that goes beyond three seasons, I get bored with it. I liked the show 'All-American' and 'The Umbrella Academy'. I've also been binging the 90s shows and I'm a sucker for the 'Dram-Com' movies."

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond basketball??

"I'm a kinesiology major with a business minor. My goal is to definitely transfer to a four-year school and eventually move on to medical school. I'd like to become a sports med physician. After I get established, I'd like to open up a sports rehabilitation center. Most places, they push you to walk, but not to run. I want to get athletes back into their sports."