Q and A for Upcoming Feature

Here's an interview I did for a feature article I am currently working on about involving colleges and how much extracurricular activities help a student get into college or receive a scholarship. This was an interview with Colleen Kilmurray, who attends the University of Maine.



Q: Did you receive a scholarship mainly because of basketball?
A: Although I did receive my scholarship because of basketball, I still had to receive good grades in high school and perform well on the SATs in order to qualify for the scholarship.

Q: What types of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: In high school I was a member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), volunteered helping coach young children how to play basketball, I played varsity basketball for four years and was captain for two years, and I played soccer and track my freshmen year. I also played a high level of traveling basketball outside of school where I received most of my exposure. I am a part of the Women's Basketball Team at the University of Maine which is a full time commitment. Basketball is very demanding between practices, traveling for games, classes and all the community service we complete throughout the local communities. I also am a representative of Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). SAAC is a program where two student athletes from each team meet together monthly and develop events, create fundraisers and help local shelters, churches and companies in the community.

Q: Were there other schools that offered you scholarships?
A: Yes, there were other schools that offered me scholarships for basketball as well. However, after a few visits I decided that the Unversity of Maine was where I wanted to go.

Q: Was the scholarship Maine offered you, the factor that made you decide to go there?
A: The scholarship that Maine offered me definitely influenced my decision because not only am I receving a free education, but I also get the opportunity to play the sport I love.

Q: What advice would you give to a student who wants to go to college and receive a scholarship?
A: The best advice I can give to a student who wants to go to college and receive a scholarship is to try your best in the classroom because if you don't get good grades you will not receive a scholarhip. Also, it is important to practice and have the mindset to get better each day. The more exposure you receive the better chance you have at receiving a scholarship. Travel teams and NCAA regulation tournaments are great places to get recruited because most college coaches attend them.