Poly's Aivah Parham decided to attend New York's national powerhouse Monroe College so that she could work on her game and pursue an opportunity to play division 1 ball. A year after making that decision Aivah is grateful to be part of a national championship team. She helped Monroe College win the NJCAA championship in her freshman year and is now on the radar of a couple of Ivy league schools.

695: How old were you when you started playing?

Aivah: I was 10 when I started playing after watching the disney channel movie "double teamed"

695: Where did you grow up?

Aivah: I grew up in Jersey but moved to Baltimore around the same time I started playing basketball.

695: Which AAU teams did you play for?

Aivah:  I played for Baltimore Starz and Maryland Shooting Stars.

695: You have always been a great student. What made you go the JUCO route for collge?

Aivah:  I went the JUCO route because I felt as though I was better than the looks I received and I refused to sit out a year..I think it was the best decision I ever made because it made me a better player.

695: What was the biggest adjustment your first year in college?

Aivah:  The biggest adjustment was being away from my family. But I encourage others to go as far away to school as possible just to experience something new.

695: What are you majoring in?

Aivah:  I'm studying Business/Accounting.

695: How is it living so close to New York City? Do you and the teammates venture into the City a lot?

Aivah: It's alot of fun and there's never a dull moment!

695: To win a national championship your first year is big. Talk about that experience...

Aivah: That was a wonderful experience. It was in Peroia, Illinois so we were too away far from home to do anything but bring the chip home! My teammates had been there before so they were supportive and uplifting. It felt so good to see all your sacrifices such as being away from family and hardwork pay off.

695: On your way to the title you knocked off two former AAU teammates (Larae Allen  and Kirksten Mitchell, Allegany). Was there any trash talking going on?

Aivah:  There may have been a bit but it was all love in the end!

695: What do you need to add to your game to excel when you move on to D1?

Aivah:  I believe that you should never settle in your skills and always remain humble and coachable so all around I will be improving. But in my transition an area I have focused in is my Strength and Footwork. 

695: Who is your favorite player?

Aivah:  My favorite player is Kobe Bryant and Candace Parker!

695: What position are you most comfortable playing?

Aivah:  I'm most comfortable playing small forward . I think thats the position where you can be versatile the most and have fun!

695: What's the plan for the summer?

Aivah:  I'll be in New York for the majority of my summer  so the plan is to grind and continue to get better. I'm also going to be participating in the top 40 returning JUCO players showcase in Pensacola, Florida.

695: Good luck.

Aivah: Thanks.