You were an all around athlete in high school, all-state in volleyball and state champion in the 400 meters, but obviously you are an amazing basketball player. Was basketball where the passion was or was your first love a different sport?
My first love has always been basketball. Even though I’ve had success in other sports, basketball has always been my passion
What is a moment in your basketball career that stands out to you as your favorite moment?
My favorite basketball moment in my career thus far happened while I was a part of the Rutgers women’s basketball team. In my junior year we faced Duke in the elite 8. An obvious underdog with a 40 point loss to the same opponent earlier that season, we somehow overcame the odds and left North Carolina with a victory. We made our first final four appearance in seven years eventually to play in the national championship game.
What inspires you, where do you draw your motivation from?
I draw inspiration from two places. One is my inner drive to be the best in whatever it is I do. The second is the joy my mother, grandfather, neighborhood, and many youth from my native city Paterson express. That goes along with the joy my late grandmother and father would express if they were here. To be able to be a positive role model for the children from all over, especially Paterson means A LOT to me.
Do you have any pre-game rituals? Any superstitions?
Believe it or not I don’t have any pre-game rituals that are a must do for me. However, I do wear a headband EVERY game. The only time I’ve never worn a headband was in competition while with USA basketball where they weren’t allowed. I feel like a part of me is missing if my headband isn’t there.
What is the best thing about playing in New York?
There are many great things about playing in New York. Not only is it the best city in the country, it has the best fans and the world’s most famous arena. Anything and everything you want it is here. Nothing less.
What other city do you enjoy going to play in? And is it the atmosphere? The shopping? A favorite resturaunt? What makes that city a favorite?
I also like playing in Atlanta. If you ever visit Atlanta check out Gladys and Ron’s; good soul food restaurant.
Coming out of college, how did you view the WNBA and is actually playing in the league different than you expected?
Throughout my amateur basketball career the WNBA has always been my goal. I’ve always viewed it to be the highest level and the best league world wide hands down. My expectations have been met. Night in and night out you play against the best competition this world has to offer. They weren’t kidding when they coined the phrase EXPECT GREAT.
When did you start getting into music, the creation and the production side of it?
I began playing the piano at age 9. From there I continued to study under a private piano teacher, attended a performing arts high school, and minored in music at Rutgers University. I’ve always been interested in the production side of things since I first had a computer at age 12, but didn’t know exactly how to go that route. After playing with a few programs throughout my years in high school, I finally began to make strides towards actually producing my sophomore year in college. During my first year overseas I was able to commit a lot of time to my music. Now, I look to continue the improvements I’ve made throughout the year whenever I have the time.
If you were able to work with 3 artist, who would they be?
Three artists I’d like to work with would be, the late Michael Jackson, Kanye West for his ability to not be afraid of trying new things, and Alicia Keys for her pure talent. I can’t forget Mariah Carey. I’ve loved her music since the Dreamlover/Emotions days.
You have a promo track out right now, tell us all about that a little bit.
Well, the promo track I did was for the WNBA Myspace fansite. I was actually asked to do a track for the site by the head of site, Smoov, a producer out of Houston and avid women’s basketball fan. Within 72 hours the entire track was completed (instrumental and vocals). We were looking for something that could engage the younger crowd and tell the story of what goes through a true baller’s mind. The first verse talks about preparation in a sense of- how to make it to the top. The second verse is about pre-game rituals/pre-game preparation. Lastly, the third verse is about show time on the court. I don’t want to give it all away so just take a listen. Even though I don’t aspire to be an actual artist, but rather a producer, I had a great feel for the track and wanted to get that out there to the fans. Just a little piece of how much I care about the fans.
At this point, is music a hobby or are you actively pursuing it as a 2nd career?
At this point music has made the transition from my hobby to me pursing it as a second career. For some time I’ve expressed my second goal (alongside making it the WNBA) to be a music producer. Finally, things are coming into place to make that happen.
Any new projects coming out?
Right now I’m working with two other young ladies, Crystal Boyd- producer/songwriter, and Deshira Freeman songwriter, in pursing are dreams as a production/songwriting team. We have some great things coming together, so just keep an eye out for ‘The Pr3ps’ (pronounced PREPS).
Make sure you hit up the PR3P-E Myspace page to check out the WNBA - I’m A Baller track and other tracks that Essence has produced. http://www.myspace.com/pr3pe
