Makeda Williams-Bey '16 Recruiting Profile

The Stigma that the world puts upon people is unbearable. In America today, we the people face many hardships that we are trying to overcome. The dilemmas we encounter are: poverty, unemployment, crime, police brutality, and a failing economy.  The generation before me has dropped the ball.  My generation has a shattered future from all the flaws in this caste system. The youth are struggling to get by because the education system is corrupt. What do we turn to as an outlet? All kids dream of playing ball in college, because some athletes may not have the academics to get in. In my case that wasn't the issue. Growing up I was a very smart and active kid; I always made honor roll and had perfect attendance. I was what most people call a student athlete. I excelled on or off the court and class. In my books, academics came first, basketball second, and family third. 

  The first time I stepped onto a basketball court in grammar school, the game of basketball won me over. When I first tried out for the team; my coach winters told me I was a pro. I had speed quick as lighting and an amazing shot. What I enjoyed most about basketball was scoring and winning. I played basketball in 5th grade up until my senior year. I did not play 8th, 9th, and 11th grade; because the coaches had left so we had no one to coach. I played on the varsity team all throughout High school except junior year. My main position was shooting guard but I was interchangeable between point guard position. We won three championships when I played in grammar school. As I transitioned to high school my love for basketball faded a little. Living in a single parent home with my mom raising twins was unfortunate and a struggle. We didn't have a male figure in the house and my mom had no support financially; but my grandpa helped out whenever he could. Before high school I decided to join AAU. My grammar school coach referred me to Coach Mac of the Chicago show time. This was an exciting experience for me, I made the team and played with the junior and senior team. The game was fast and intense, but I was able to adapt. After a while I ended up quitting, because of finance and the commute back and forth. AAU became a burden for my mom so I left it alone. I tried again senior year. I contacted my coach, to my surprise his number was still in service. I informed him I wanted to come play for him but I wasn't sure if my mom would say yes. He offered to pay my tuition and provide transportation but my mom declined. I was upset because I told my mom I wanted to play Division II or III basketball in college. My dreams of playing ball in college became slim.

    As my senior year boils down, I reflect on my basketball career and how I could have did more to be better.  I was offered opportunities to get exposure at a variety of camps; also to play in Australia, due to some struggles I wasn't able to. Although I didnt play AAU ball, I acquired most fundamentals on my own. The biggest challenge facing college students today is tuition and debt from student loans. If college was less expensive and more affordable; We may see more graduates opposed to dropouts because students have no support financially.