Recently we had a chance to speak with Sacred Heart women’s basketball player Brooke Kelly. A second team all-NEC selection in 2001-02, Kelly played a leading role in the Pioneers run to the conference tournament semifinals and an 18-11 record. Sacred Heart closed out the season tied for second place with a 13-5 conference mark, garnering its best-ever NEC showing. During her junior campaign, Kelly led the Pioneers in both scoring (14.2 ppg) and rebounding (6.3 rpg), finishing the season with a flourish by averaging 18.1 points and 7.4 boards over her last eight games. Now a senior, Kelly leads the Pioneers in scoring with 14.2 points per game. On top of her athletic honors, the Medford, NJ native also earned the 2001-02 NEC Women's Basketball Scholar- Athlete award by compiling a 3.48 grade point average as a Pre-Med major. Currently SHU has sole possession of fourth place in the league standings (14-8, 8-5 NEC) as the Pioneers chase down their first-ever NEC Tournament crown.

Name: Brooke Kelly
School: Sacred Heart
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Year: Senior

Hometown: Medford, New Jersey
High school: Shawnee
Major: Biology major, Pre-Dental
Notable Awards: 2001-02 NEC Second Team All-Conference, 2001-02 Scholar Athlete

Favorite TV show: Sopranos
Favorite Movie: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Favorite Music: Classic Rock or Alternative
Favorite Professor: Dr. Albrecht
Hobbies: Hanging out on the beach in the summer                                                   

NEC: Why did you choose to come to Sacred Heart?
BK: I got a good vibe from the school. I was familiar with the school because both of my parents went there. I liked the coach and the school and I thought it was great that they were going Division I when I entered.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
BK: I am going to dental school at UMDNJ after I graduate and I want to become a dentist.

NEC: How did it feel to be named to the All-Conference team last year?
BK: It was a nice honor. It was great to make the team, but it was upsetting that our team didn’t get a better honor. It’s nice to get recognized by the league.

NEC: As a scholar athlete, how are you able to balance athletics and academics?
BK: Learning to get by on a little bit of sleep. Peak study hours for me are between 12:00 and 2:00 a.m. I am more organized during the season. I’d rather be busy like this and stay organized.

NEC: What are your goals this season?
BK: I want to be playing our best basketball in March. We played great yesterday (vs. Quinnipiac) and had our season high assists. I want to win the NEC.

NEC: What will it take for Sacred Heart to become NEC champs this year?
BK: Each person needs to get the job done. Everyone needs to step up and be on the same page.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition?
BK: SFPA is always big competition. All of our games have been tough so far. Nothing is for sure this year, so everyone is tough competition.  

NEC: How are you preparing for the championships?
BK: Our best preparation came in the beginning of the season. We had so many close losses, so it brought our game back to the basics. Now we pay more attention to the details. 

NEC: How have you changed and or improved your game since entering the NEC?
BK: Freshman year things were oblivious; I just played. I am trying to listen more and recognize when people are open and not force shots. I also am trying to learn from past captains and keep everyone motivated. 

NEC: What is your role on the team this year?
BK: My role is to get some easy shots in the paint and be able to score off the drive. I need to keep my game to being more of a slasher and open up the outside game. I also keep everyone intense.

NEC: What teams do you look forward to playing this year and why?
BK: I really was looking forward to yesterday’s game against Quinnipiac. I also look forward to senior night versus UMBC and having the playoffs at home. 

NEC: Where is your favorite place to play?
BK: I like playing at home and I don’t mind playing at Quinnipiac.

NEC: Where is the worst place to play?
BK: The worst place is Central Connecticut State. We have been jinxed there every year. 

NEC: How long have you been playing?
BK: I have been playing since the third grade. 

NEC: How did you get started?
BK: My father played basketball in college. He was the person I looked up to the most, so I wanted to do whatever he did when I was little.

NEC: Name some aspects of your game that make you a great player?
BK: Crashing the boards. I love getting a put-back. Having the open lane and taking a baseline drive is my secret. 

NEC: If you didn’t play basketball is there another sport you would compete in?
BK: I can’t picture myself doing anything else. 

NEC: What is the most important attribute a basketball player needs?
BK: Commitment to the sport and to your teammates. If you are committed then everything takes care of itself.  

NEC: What will you miss most after your collegiate basketball career is over?
BK: Probably my teammates after a win in the locker room or seeing their faces on the court.

NEC: What is your most memorable game?
BK: Yesterday’s win over Quinnipiac was a great game to play in. We didn’t feel tired and everyone was so into it. Last year at home versus SFPA was a memorable game. The whole team played great. Everyone was contributing and the burden wasn’t on just one person’s shoulders. We all rose to the occasion. The defining play of last season was when Allie Bagnell took a charge to keep us in the lead of that game. Another great game was freshman year when we went into overtime with Virginia Commonwealth.

Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern