The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Imani Boyette: 10 Things To Know When Choosing A College
05.28.2016 | Women's Basketball
Recent Texas grad and WNBA First-Round Draft pick Imani Boyette shares her thoughts on choosing a college.
Editor's Note: Imani Boyette, who recently concluded her career (2012-16) as one of the most storied players in University of Texas women's basketball history, was a first-round draft pick of the WNBA's Chicago Sky. Throughout her first season in the WNBA, Boyette will check in with Texas fans in a variety of ways, including videos and content for TexasSports.com.
By: Imani Boyette
1. What are you interested in?
It's hard to narrow down your choices when all you're interested in is sport. Having a specific interest or goals will help weed out schools that just won't fit. For instance, I knew I wanted to major in accounting.
2. How important is proximity to family and friends?
Location is really important. If family is very important to you and you want them to be able to see your games, you should cut schools that are far away. Be realistic in this aspect. Homesickness can affect everything and if you decide to transfer closer to home. ultimately cause you to lose a year.
3. Is ball really life or do you need more?
If basketball is all you're worried about, ignore this step. But most of us want other things out of our college experience. Do you want a vivacious city? Do you like to go out and have fun?
4. If you don't play basketball, will a degree from here set you up in the future?
Making a decision based solely on the athletic prowess of the school is perfectly fine but, remember, god forbid, what if sports don't work out? Will this degree and alumni base get you places after graduation?
5. Are you more interested in winning or playing time?
Even if you're an All-American, most likely, if you're going to a strong program, you're going to sit for a bit. What's more important: starting immediately or winning? I chose Texas mainly because I knew I'd be able to have immediate playing time but we were also 12-18 my freshman year.
6. Does this system match your style of play?
Playing for a great program is awesome but if they don't fit your style of play, that all goes out the window because you'll probably spend the majority of your career frustrated.
7. Does the coach's coaching style resonate with you?
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! Talk to the players, talk to other coaches, and ask the coaches themselves. If you don't respond well to yelling - don't go play for a coach that yells a lot. It's that simple. It doesn't matter how the other pieces fit if you and your coach don't see eye to eye. Your coach controls your fate ultimately.
8. Do you like the campus and/or city?
Whatever school you choose, this will be your home or the next four years and you'll be connected to this place for the rest of your life.
9. Have the players grown under this coach and/or in this system?
There is a difference from coaches developing players and coaches coaching talent. Ask the players if they feel the coach has helped them grow their game. If you know of the players, evaluate their growth year to year. It's all about getting better each year.
10. Would you still choose this school if sports weren't a factor?
Heaven forbid you have a career ending injury, would you still choose this school if they weren't recruiting you for sports? Would you be happy here as a normal student?
