By Devin Ditto
Every week, I sit down with one freshman varsity athlete to learn about their transition to collegiate sports. This week, I spoke with point guard Jeremy Stephani on the basketball team.
Where are you from? What drew you to Lawrence?
Arlington Heights, Ill. I hadn’t really heard of it until Coach DePagter sent me some information, and then I started to hear about it and I liked what I was hearing.
How old were you when you started playing basketball?
Too young to remember.
What sparked that initial interest in the sport?
I always liked watching as a little kid, so that’s what I made me want to play. My brothers played sports and watching them play and be invested in their sports made me want to do the same.
How has the transition been going from playing high school basketball to playing in college?
It’s definitely different, there’s more time to be invested. Getting used to it has taken some time, but I like it. I like the team.
What do you feel like you have brought to the team so far and what do you hope to continue to bring?
My main role is as a shooter- to space the floor, and make little plays when coming off the bench. That’s what I’m trying to do, fulfill that role as best as I can. Making smart decisions.
I’ve noticed that with basketball, you guys call yourself a family more often than a team? Why is that and how has having that family eased your transition?
That was a major thing that I liked about here, how close the guys are. All the guys here really like each other, and that shows on the court with how we play with each other.
How has your role in athletics impacted your academic success?
I would say that practice has put me in a routine and made me more organized. Athletics have taught me about being responsible and having a work ethic.
What is a random fact about yourself?
I really like Taylor Swift.