Tess Hunter

Student-Athlete Profile: Women's Basketball

For the next couple of blog posts, I will be interviewing Dartmouth student-athletes  and talking about my own experience watching them play. Starting off with freshman Zeynep #13, on the women's basketball team, from Istanbul, Türkiye.

For some background, Zeynep went to boarding school in the US, before committing to play basketball at Dartmouth in October of her senior year. She is undecided, however is considering a major in economics. She is the starting (!) point guard for the team, and her stats say she is 5'8" (with shoes). Also, not to brag on her behalf or anything, but she is the second top scorer.

So, let's get on to some questions. I have tried to keep my interjections to a minimum…

1. Can you tell me about your athletic journey and how you ended up at Dartmouth?

I started playing basketball when I was about eight years old. I then came to the US to play basketball in high school, which was a huge change for me. My basketball experience during this time solidified my decision to play in college. I had an amazing team—playing together, winning together, really fuelled my passion to play in college. Throughout my time in high school, I was the starting point guard. Coming into my senior year I had offers from six schools (TH: wow, a lot more than me!), but ultimately chose Dartmouth. I chose Dartmouth because I could see myself being a key part of what the coaches were looking to build, and recognized that I could play basketball at a high level (Division I) while still getting an excellent education.

2. How do you manage academics and athletics at Dartmouth?

I have morning weekday practices which means I have the rest of the day to focus on my classes. Twice a week we have lift in the afternoon, and other than that I try to do individual gym sessions. And then, obviously, games, which typically happen twice a week. It's a very full-on athletic schedule. When I'm in academics mode, I lock in at the library. Having a to-do list really helps me get through everything I need to get done for the day and helps me stay focused. My escape from studying and practice is socializing and grabbing meals with my friends (TH: that's me!).

Having fun beyond the court

3. What does a typical day look like?

This differs from day to day, but typically I get up at 6:15AM, for a two-and-a-half-hour practice at 7:15. My busy days are Tuesdays and Thursdays, where I have to rush to 10AM class from practice, and then go for a quick lunch before my 2PM class. And then lift, then dinner, then homework.

4. How has being a student-athlete shaped your experience at Dartmouth?

Being a student-athlete has made me a more disciplined and hardworking person, which has translated to life beyond basketball. As with all sports, leadership is a key skill that must be developed, so definitely that. I would say basketball has also helped me handle pressure better, get through the tough times (TH: the ice cream bar at Foco–our food court–doesn't help with that?). Being on this team has especially improved my confidence. This has really been helped by my coaches and teammates, who have given me the green light to lead the team on the court. I have to be able to handle multiple priorities at once, and these skills will carry on to my career after college.

Getting ready for a game

5. What's your favorite memory with your team so far?

Definitely our win against Navy. It was on the road, and we won by three points in overtime. It made all the long practices worth it and showed us how our hard work had paid off.

6. How would you describe the team culture?

Our team is like my second family—the coaches and teammates are always there to pick us up or talk to us on and off the court. There are five '28s on the team, and we are all close. All my teammates are really driven and on the same page about our goals, making it easy to connect with each other.

7. What goals do you have for yourself and the team this season?

Our perspective this year is to be a process-driven team. Five of my teammates and I are our head coach's first recruiting class, and as a fairly young team, we are looking to win one game at a time. The contribution I want to make within this is, as our point guard, to be able to lead this team on the court. I look to take care of the ball, and create shots for my teammates and myself.

Action shot

8. Do you have a go-to meal at Foco before a big game?

Any kind of sandwich, preferably grilled cheese, two-ish hours before the game. And then a banana and fruit snacks right before. (TH: have a look at my Foco review!).

9. If you could play any other sport at Dartmouth, what would it be, and why?

Track. Because I enjoy running (TH: could not be me).

My front row view of Zeynep

10.  What advice would you give to high school athletes considering Dartmouth?

One thing I would emphasize for high school athletes considering Dartmouth is that along with your sport, you also have to focus on your academics to thrive. So, starting early, creating a habit of setting aside time to do school work is essential. Also, consider other factors when making your decision—what major do you want to study, how big do you want your school to be (Dartmouth is a smaller school, walking from one end to another takes fifteen minutes), do you want to be near a city, are you comfortable with the climate. While all of these factors work for me, it might not work for everyone, so make sure you do your research.

11.  What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming a college athlete?

Though I knew that college would be more demanding than high school, I think I underestimated the extent to which it would be. And this is surprising, considering I went to a highly academic school.

12.  If you could describe your journey as a student athlete at Dartmouth in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Joyful. Dartmouth is giving me the opportunity and resources to excel both on and off the court, to continue with my passion while preparing me well for life after college. 

Game Day

I would say that I am one of the most loyal supporters of the Dartmouth women's basketball team. I have gone to all but one home game and intend to continue my streak. At these games, so much has happened. I have already caught two (2) t-shirts from t-shirt toss outs and have been interviewed by a local news station. Also, I was a key part of a halftime show, where I very nearly won at Suit Up and Score. The idea is to get a pair of oversized shorts on, size 18 shoes, a jersey top, and then shoot and score. My downfall was getting the shoes on. I have been practising for next time. Anyway, I am now an avid basketball fan, and look forward to supporting many more games in the future.