Q & A with Nyema Mitchell

Nyema was a second team All-Ivy selection in 2001-02 and has picked up right where she left off. So far in 2002-03, she has been named Ivy League Player of the Week once and ranks in the top five in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage and blocked shots.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I am from Birmingham, Ala., and I am a double concentrator in educational studies and public policy. I was recruited for basketball my senior in high school by Brown University and that brought me to the Ivy League.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I never planned on attending an Ivy before I was recruited.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

I thought the Ivy League was a group of highly competitive academic institutions.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

So, far Brown has proved itself to be such.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

The academic challenges.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about
adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

Being around so many people from so many different backgrounds.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable
moments for you as an athlete and a student?

As an athlete the most memorable experience has been bonding with my team for the past two and a half years. As a student, it has been learning more about myself through academia.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My mother. I have never known a person who works harder.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

Education is the key to a happy life and to be happy doesn't necessarily mean that you are rich. Athletics can be used as a tool to get a good education and contribute to a happy life.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Work hard in school and dont be discouraged by the words "Ivy League".

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***