Akilah Bethel talks about how she commutes to the Academy of Holy Cross from Baltimore County every day and how the team is coping with the recent coaching change. She also gave us the scoop on how she landed in the Big East at West Virginia.

 695: At what age did you start playing ball?

Akilah: I was around 4.

695: Which AAU teams have you played for?

Akilah: Mostly the Lady Lions but I also played for the Edgewood Lady Rams, MD Waves, East Coast Elite, DC Love and Team Melo. 

695: What made you choose Holy Cross for high school?

Akilah: Honestly, I didn't want to go to Holy Cross but my mother decided it would be a good opportunity for me, education wise as well as basketball because I am playing in one of the best conferences (WCAC) in the country. She put me in a great position. 

695: That's a good distance to travel. Is it difficult with the commute and travel time? 

Akilah: The commute is difficult. Its about an hour, hour and a half with traffic but you have to make sacrifices. 

695: Who is your favorite player? 

Akilah: Candace Parker of course! 

695: You committed to West Virginia. I know you had a lot of options. What closed the deal with WV? 

Akilah: They have a great academic program and they offer a lot of support. Their facilities are top notch, and I love their style of play. And its the Big EAST! I just feel thats where I fit. 

695: Holy Cross recently changed coaches. How is the team handling the change? 

Akilah: We're getting through it. We're sticking together. It was really difficult at first but its getting easier to handle. 

 695: What are your goals for this season?

Akilah: To be number one in our conference. We want to win the WCAC. Also I want to  prepare for college. 

695: Did you consider leaving when they announced the coaching change? 

AKilah: Leaving was definitely taken into consideration.

695: What are you playing on the Ipod these days?

Akilah: Oldies but goodies (laughing).

695: Do you know what you're going to study at WV? 

Akilah:  I'm going to study communications but I might consider forensic science.

695: Who is going to win the IAAM/WCAC all-star game?

Akilah: WCAC of course! 

695: Who is taking the NBA title? 

AKilah: Miami Heat.

695: Thanks and good luck this season.

Akilah: Thank you.