Q & A with Kaego Ogbechie

Kaego has had an impressive beginning to her collegiate volleyball career. In 2001 she was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and this season became the first African-American to win Player of the Year in Volleyball. To cap off her outstanding season, she was named Regional All-American, only the second Ivy Leaguer to ever to do so in the sport of volleyball.

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

My family is originally from Nigeria around the city of Lagos. I was born in Boston, Mass. but lived and grew up in Southern California most of my life. I am the third oldest and only girl in my family of six. I am now an Economics concentrator at Harvard but have a great interest in the health care industry. As soon as I began my search for a college, I decided to apply to all of the schools that I could see myself in as far as location, social life, weather, and just general atmosphere. I took a visit to Harvard my junior year and fell in love with the East coast.

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

Having lived in the New England area for a short while, my parents already had some insight on Ivy League schools, which is one of the big reasons I became really interested. I had always been told that I could do anything that I set my mind to, so I knew that with hard work and perseverance, I could achieve my goal of becoming a student in the Ivy League.

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

I first anticipated a very sheltered campus community, but most of my assumptions were proved false after just a few weeks in the area. It was different to see so many people with such a wide range of various interests.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

I know that as soon as I finish school, I'll enter the "real world" where everyone is just as diverse as I've seen at school for the past year and a half. Its nice being able to learn so much about other east coast and international personalities at such a young age.

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

Besides the great education, I was also attracted to the idea of being on my own. I think that many students would like to go away from home and experience college with a little bit of independence and I definitely feel the same way -- so moving across country to a new region for that experience was a great option.

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

Actually, going from high school to Harvard wasn't that big of change as far as the percentages of African Americans on campus. However, I've noticed a tighter bond among the African American community specifically in strengthening brotherhood and sisterhood relationships. This has been especially important to me while adjusting to college because of the peers have become mentors to me in such a short time.

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

I would have to say that my entire freshman year was a time that I will never forget. Whether it was a good or bad grade, assorted full course meals everyday, or going out into town, every moment was so new to me and has made me a much stronger person. Also, my freshman roommates made a big difference the whole year--they're all extraordinary people and we all got along really well. When you're a freshman, chances are your roommate choice isn't directly up to you, so ending up with ones that you get along with can go a long way.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

When I was younger, hearing inspirational stories about Martin Luther King Jr. really stuck with me. Learning about his pride and belief in Blacks everywhere helped me to find more and more pride in my own heritage for myself.

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

I can't really choose only one person from my family because they've all had a great impact on me. I've been blessed with a wonderful mother and father, two older brothers and a younger brother as well. My parents have instilled values in me that I would love to pass on to my own children. My oldest brother has made an endless effort to be a role model and teacher to me. My older brother has a way of bringing laughter and happiness into my life whenever I need it the most. And my youngest brother always lets me know that he's looking after me.

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?

At the middle school level, sports play an important role in keeping students on task. I feel that when you have a good balance of athletics and academics, there is a tendency to become more organized with your schoolwork. Sports help to keep you out of trouble and focused.

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

Know that there are always people around you that are willing to help and guide you on whatever path you choose. And along with that, taking the time to help out others just like you is a great way to give back and learn at the same time.

***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.***