It’s positively arduous. Everybody comes from numerous backgrounds and has totally different lives outdoors of the staff. I didn’t have sisters rising up, so my freshman 12 months in school was my first time being round many various girls with various personalities, backgrounds, and kinds. Initially it was robust for me to regulate to being round women daily. Nevertheless, as I’ve taken on management roles and turn out to be a captain, I’ve realized learn how to join with every teammate personally. It’s truly fairly fulfilling now. Now we have one another’s backs, talk frequently, and supply unwavering help. I really love them—these women will likely be in my life perpetually.

I’ve at all times admired embracing my femininity as a feminine participant, and naturally, I’ve confronted criticism for it at occasions. Now, seeing you confidently embrace your genuine self and being celebrated, I really feel like a proud mentor. Inform me about your emotions on this house, particularly now that you’ve got a big highlight on you when it comes to balancing magnificence and basketball.

Folks usually anticipate me to consistently showcase basketball on my Instagram and suppose it’s my complete life. They might assume that if I’m not posting about being within the health club, I’m not engaged on my recreation, or if I’m not sharing modeling photos, I’m not pursuing that. Balancing it may be robust. However my social media is my private house, a mirrored image of what brings me pleasure and what I need to share. It’s about what I like. I perceive that many individuals take note of my social media, and it may be difficult to embrace this duality absolutely.

I imply, you’ve at all times led the way in which in embracing femininity within the league and in school as nicely, and I need to proceed that legacy. You’ve proven you can be each girly and fiercely aggressive on the court docket. Understanding that sturdy girls such as you and others earlier than us have paved the way in which, I’m decided to hold that torch ahead.

What are your prime two or three magnificence suggestions or must-have merchandise?

I at all times have my lashes within the locker room, and in case they get knocked off, my lash glue and an edge management brush. I at all times have my edges executed. So it’s all about edges, lip gloss, and lashes. That’s my go-to routine.

Now, let’s give a shout-out to LSU. How has your elevated fame impacted your campus life? It looks as if your degree of recognition has made it difficult to maneuver round freely.

LSU has been extremely supportive. Whereas I do take an in-person class as a result of I get pleasure from being on campus and seeing everybody, the remainder of my lessons are on-line, which supplies flexibility. Once I first joined LSU, I had round 70,000 followers, and now I’ve over 2 million. They honestly embrace you right here and transcend recognizing you as an athlete.

LSU has a program known as NIL LSU, which assists athletes in embracing the Identify, Picture, and Likeness (NIL) idea and helps us construct our private manufacturers. Our coaches perceive that we’re not simply athletes on the court docket however people with lives off the court docket. They prioritize our success each on and off the court docket. The LSU group has been exceptionally superb to me, and it’s why I’ve been affectionately named Bayou Barbie. Baton Rouge has been an unbelievable place for me.

What are your basketball objectives for the upcoming 12 months and past?

That is my senior 12 months, and I’ve the chance to declare for the WNBA this 12 months if I select to. So my primary focus is being a constructive chief for my staff, particularly with new gamers becoming a member of us. I need to encourage and help my teammates, particularly the freshmen and transfers who’re adapting to our system.

Our final purpose is to win one other nationwide championship, however personally, I aspire to make it to the WNBA. Whereas I do have the choice for an additional 12 months, I do need to get out of faculty, begin life outdoors of faculty, and pursue my WNBA desires. It’s been a difficult however rewarding 4 years, and I’m excited to proceed bettering at LSU and past.