Dear Rice
3/3/2020 12:07:00 PM | Blog, Tomorrow's Leaders
Dear Rice,
It's really that time. Wow. This week, I'll play my last two games at Tudor Fieldhouse and thinking about it makes me so nostalgic. I can't help but to think back to my first summer here at Rice.
Coming to practice that summer for the first time, I was lost. With a capital L. I knew basketball, I could score, I was going to work hard, but my basketball IQ was below average. It took me my entire redshirt year and half of my first season to actually learn our basic offense. But I worked. And worked. I never wanted to be that player who could score but couldn't lead by example. That's just not the type of player or person I strive to be.
Continuing to develop your skill as a college basketball player is something that I'm certain most student athletes have done, but I believe my story is unique in the sense that I did so while being a triple major, pre-medicine student. There would be multiple practices where Coach Langley would look into my eyes and could tell I must have a test coming up because of how I was practicing. It was hard trying to compartmentalize both school and academics. As I write this letter, I cannot even fathom how I would be in 18 credit hours, which included 2 labs, biochemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, and other obligations while playing 35 minutes a game and practicing, doing weights, and getting extra shots up. Right now, I'm in 9 credit hours which include a simple piano class and an internship and time is flying. (As you can see, I'm living my best life as a senior). However, all the struggles were worth it because not only have I experienced personal growth but I've gotten to be part of a program that has reached incredible heights over the last few years.
I say all this because Rice has pushed me in ways I never thought I could be pushed. Coach Langley, my teammates, the bright classmates I work with each day have made me become a competitor on and off the court. Everyone strives for excellence here and I learned to make that my standard as well throughout my life. Although this seems like it could be an intense atmosphere, the immense support that I've received throughout the Rice Community has continued to motivate me throughout my time here. Rice University and Rice Athletics provide a true vessel for student athletes to use their sport and platform to propel their academics, it never hinders it. I feel indebted to Rice, because it has given me so much. I can truly never repay this school because its surpassed my expectations and desires, so as I walk out of Tudor Fieldhouse soon, I hope that upholding the Rice culture throughout all avenues of my life would be the best way to pay it forward by upholding the Rice values and culture in all avenues of life.
Ok so before I leave here, what do I want to be remembered for? What do I want as my legacy? The question I've been asked multiple times this year. I've never really gave it thought to be honest. If I had to answer, I would say that I simply want to be an example of versatility and representation. An example that as a student athlete, you never have to hinder one's passion to cater to another. You can have it all.
I came here as Erica Ogwumike, the younger sister of the basketball superstars, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike. But slowly, I've been able to create my own identity. I've become Erica Ogwumike, the exciting transfer from Pepperdine University. Erica Ogwumike, the Conference USA Newcomer of the year. Erica Ogwumike, the Scholar Athlete. Erica Ogwumike, the student athlete who studied abroad in Spain for 2 months, didn't touch a basketball, then came back and had arguably her best year statistically, winning Conference USA Player of the Year. And right now, I'm Erica Ogwumike, the senior who is trying to become the best leader, friend, sister, and teammate to a team that is still fighting for greatness.
It's been an amazing ride. I am so appreciative and grateful of Rice University, the Rice community, Coach Langley, Dr. Karlgaard, President Leebron, and everyone else who has supported me throughout my journey. I am not who I am today, without you all. Thank you, basketball, for providing me with these invaluable tools and people. This isn't goodbye, because we still have a lot of basketball left and I'm not quite done yet. But thank you.
Much Love,
Erica Ogwumike #13
Tickets to Erica Ogwumike's final home game can be purchased here.
It's really that time. Wow. This week, I'll play my last two games at Tudor Fieldhouse and thinking about it makes me so nostalgic. I can't help but to think back to my first summer here at Rice.
Coming to practice that summer for the first time, I was lost. With a capital L. I knew basketball, I could score, I was going to work hard, but my basketball IQ was below average. It took me my entire redshirt year and half of my first season to actually learn our basic offense. But I worked. And worked. I never wanted to be that player who could score but couldn't lead by example. That's just not the type of player or person I strive to be.
Continuing to develop your skill as a college basketball player is something that I'm certain most student athletes have done, but I believe my story is unique in the sense that I did so while being a triple major, pre-medicine student. There would be multiple practices where Coach Langley would look into my eyes and could tell I must have a test coming up because of how I was practicing. It was hard trying to compartmentalize both school and academics. As I write this letter, I cannot even fathom how I would be in 18 credit hours, which included 2 labs, biochemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, and other obligations while playing 35 minutes a game and practicing, doing weights, and getting extra shots up. Right now, I'm in 9 credit hours which include a simple piano class and an internship and time is flying. (As you can see, I'm living my best life as a senior). However, all the struggles were worth it because not only have I experienced personal growth but I've gotten to be part of a program that has reached incredible heights over the last few years.
I say all this because Rice has pushed me in ways I never thought I could be pushed. Coach Langley, my teammates, the bright classmates I work with each day have made me become a competitor on and off the court. Everyone strives for excellence here and I learned to make that my standard as well throughout my life. Although this seems like it could be an intense atmosphere, the immense support that I've received throughout the Rice Community has continued to motivate me throughout my time here. Rice University and Rice Athletics provide a true vessel for student athletes to use their sport and platform to propel their academics, it never hinders it. I feel indebted to Rice, because it has given me so much. I can truly never repay this school because its surpassed my expectations and desires, so as I walk out of Tudor Fieldhouse soon, I hope that upholding the Rice culture throughout all avenues of my life would be the best way to pay it forward by upholding the Rice values and culture in all avenues of life.
Ok so before I leave here, what do I want to be remembered for? What do I want as my legacy? The question I've been asked multiple times this year. I've never really gave it thought to be honest. If I had to answer, I would say that I simply want to be an example of versatility and representation. An example that as a student athlete, you never have to hinder one's passion to cater to another. You can have it all.
I came here as Erica Ogwumike, the younger sister of the basketball superstars, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike. But slowly, I've been able to create my own identity. I've become Erica Ogwumike, the exciting transfer from Pepperdine University. Erica Ogwumike, the Conference USA Newcomer of the year. Erica Ogwumike, the Scholar Athlete. Erica Ogwumike, the student athlete who studied abroad in Spain for 2 months, didn't touch a basketball, then came back and had arguably her best year statistically, winning Conference USA Player of the Year. And right now, I'm Erica Ogwumike, the senior who is trying to become the best leader, friend, sister, and teammate to a team that is still fighting for greatness.
It's been an amazing ride. I am so appreciative and grateful of Rice University, the Rice community, Coach Langley, Dr. Karlgaard, President Leebron, and everyone else who has supported me throughout my journey. I am not who I am today, without you all. Thank you, basketball, for providing me with these invaluable tools and people. This isn't goodbye, because we still have a lot of basketball left and I'm not quite done yet. But thank you.
Much Love,
Erica Ogwumike #13
Tickets to Erica Ogwumike's final home game can be purchased here.
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