Dec. 16, 2008
Washington, D.C. - Almost every morning around the same time, Kenya Kirkland leaves her home and heads to her first class. She lugs an over-sized backpack up the hill knowing she won't be home until late that evening. There will be a big breakfast, three classes, practice, possibly a group meeting and a study session before she'll be back in bed clocking another eight hours of sleep only to awake and do it all over again.
Such is the life of Kirkland, one of Georgetown's outstanding student-athletes and a junior for the women's basketball team.
"If I leave my room at 8:30 in the morning, I won't get back until 11 o'clock that night," Kirkland commented. "When I get home, I have to go to sleep by 12 because if I don't, I won't be able do it all again the next day."
Kirkland is a psychology major who is thriving at GU both on the court and in the classroom. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native admits that it has taken her a few years to get into a routine but now that she has become more comfortable on the Hilltop, she has adapted to the stress of college life.
"My freshman year, I wouldn't say that I was irresponsible but I'm just more responsible now. If I know I have a busy week and a paper to do, I have to start it the week before," she said. "My freshman year I would work day-to-day, now I look ahead to prepare myself for what is coming up."
Now as a junior, a majority of her classes are in her area of study in what she calls "the most challenging semester since I have been here." Despite the rising expectations, Kirkland has managed to stay on task thanks to her own personal drive, her teammates and a number of resources on campus.
"If I'm doing actual research, I'll use the library database, but if it is something I'm not as strong in, I'll try and link up with someone in the class."
Another important resource for all student-athletes on campus is the institution's academic coordinators. The athletic department has two coordinators that work with all student-athletes in every aspect of academic life including study tips, tutoring and relationships with professors.
"If I have a paper due, I like to have (Academic Coordinator) Jen (Ziarko) read it over and give me her opinions so I can go back and fix any problems. A lot of us will study in Jen's office late into the night. Sometimes the cleaning crew will come in and are confused since most people think the building is empty at that hour," laughed Kirkland. "In class, I'll meet with my professors to get their feedback. I like to get to know my professors because I think it makes everything easier."
Ziarko also sees Kirkland as a role model to her peers. "Kenya is an amazing woman without limitations," said Ziarko. "Her motivation is completely internal. She pushes herself to do everything better than she thought she could. She works so hard everyday, not to simply pass a class, not to just attain the admirable GPA she has, but to learn. I am proud and lucky to know her."
This is especially important for an athlete like Kirkland who has her season span both semesters and spends substantial time on the road. "I really feel like I wouldn't have gotten to this point without my professors understanding my schedule. When we are on the road, I have trouble studying on the bus so I have to fit all of my work into our down time at the hotel. It's all about scheduling for me. If I know we will be traveling, I won't leave all of my work for those few days."
Kirkland applies the same drive in the classroom to her game on the court as she has evolved into one of the squad's vocal leaders. With seven freshmen and three seniors, all transfers to GU, many of the leadership tasks have fallen to the junior class. Kirkland has always seen herself as a leader, but this season she has been forced to take on a larger role.
"I think I've always been a leader, but this year I feel more like a parent. If I see you doing something wrong, I'm going to tell you just like I hope that you would let me know the same. If you feel sad, I'll be there to say `it's okay'. My freshman year, it wasn't my job to say anything because that was up to the seniors. Now that I'm a junior and there are so many freshmen, I am much more of a vocal leader."
The Hoyas are 7-2 so far this season and Kirkland has appeared in every game going 5-5 from the line and pulling down 15 boards. In the past week, Georgetown has not had a contest due to finals, but GU will start up again on Friday evening with a home game against Gardner-Webb at 8 p.m.
"Kenya is certainly dedicated to academics," said Head Coach Terri Williams-Flournoy. "She's done a great job as a leader for us so far this season. She uses the same determination and drive on the court that she does in the classroom."
As for the future, Kirkland believes that her solid work ethic will take her where she needs to go. The junior has not nailed down any future plans but hopes to react to opportunities that arise. "I've changed my mind so many times that I'm to the point where I believe whatever happens, will happen. I'm not going to close any options."
One path Kirkland feels strongly about is affording young women from her neighborhood the same opportunities she has been given.
"I'd like to teach back in Brooklyn since I know that I had the opportunity to do something different. As a teacher, I would surround myself with people who are committed to helping other young people seek out these opportunities."
As she trudges back home after a long day of classes, studying and practice, Kirkland is the epitome of a student-athlete. She is a role model to her teammates and peers, but most importantly, she is making the most of her college experience.
When asked what she would do if she could do anything in the world after graduation she replies smiling, "I'd change the world."
And she could one exam, one paper and one layup at a time.
