695HOOPS WHERE IT'S ALWAYS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS
Courtney Stephens
Gerstell Academy's senior forward Courtney Stephens recently committed to Drew University where she will continue her career. Ms. Stephens is a strong and rugged scorer who is not afraid to mix it up around the basket. Playing at a small school like Gerstell kept her out of the spotlight, but she proved at the 695Hoops Senior Shoot Out that she can compete with the best players around. We talked to Ms. Stephens about Gerstell, her college choice and playing a new position.
695: How did you start playing ball?
Courtney: I was introduced to basketball when I was three, when my dad first started coaching my older brother and sister. I did not officially start playing organized basketball until I was six.
695: Did you play any other sports?
Courtney: Growing up I played soccer, softball and cheerleading, but during high school I only played volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and of course basketball.
695: Where did you grow up?
Courtney: I was born in Long Island, New York, but have lived in Baltimore, Maryland since I was seven so I would say I grew up in Baltimore.
695: Who did you pattern your game after?
Courtney: Nobody specific, I really just grew up watching my dad coach my older brother and sister and just being around other players. I was given the nickname the “mailman” (Karl Malone) by a parent on one of my AAU teams and after learning more about him I kind of embraced it and liked his style of play.
695: What do you need to add to your game for the next level?
Courtney: In order for me to be successful at the next level, I need to continue to develop in all aspects, but more specifically because I have had to transition to a new position, I would say my development at the guard position.
695: Tell me about playing at Gerstell Academy...what was that like?
Courtney: Playing at Gerstell Academy was an overall great learning experience and a great opportunity for me to develop myself as a basketball player. It was very beneficial for me because I had the opportunity to play significant minutes and spend play at all five positions. Not being set to playing at a specific position all of the time required me to improve at everything equally. With Gerstell having a newly developed athletic program, we did not have older players to learn from or lead us so my teammates and I had more influence on the direction of the program than most high school athletes usually do. Being one of the more experienced basketball players on the team I had to get out of my comfort zone and try new things but I really embraced the challenge. As for my overall high school basketball experience, I could not have been in a more supportive environment, with people who really wanted the basketball team to succeed as a team and me as an individual. The coaching staff and my teammates were very encouraging of me, and allowed me to thrive as an individual within our team concept. Gerstell Academy played a major role in me becoming the basketball player I am today, a more complete and well-rounded basketball player. I enjoyed being in an environment where the expectations and need for me to improve increased everyday I went to school.
695: Who is the funniest teammate you've ever had?
Courtney: The funniest teammate I have ever had was from my Maryland Hurricane AAU team Mikayla Jerkins.
695: Which AAU teams have you played for?
Courtney : The AAU teams that I have played for over my career have been the Maryland Sure Shots, Maryland Lady Comets, and presently the Maryland Hurricanes.
695: What other hobbies do you have besides basketball?
Courtney: Besides basketball I enjoy hanging out with my friends, driving, and going to concerts.
695: If you could hang out for a day with someone you've never met, who would it be and why?
Courtney: If I could hang out with somebody that I have never met, it would be Hope Solo. I really respect what she has done as a female athlete and what she has done at the goalie position, a position I played on my high school soccer team at Gerstell Academy.
695: What made you choose Drew University over the other schools you visited?
Courtney: I decided on Drew University because it felt like the best all around fit for me. I feel like I will fit in perfectly at Drew and will be accepted by the fellow students. Drew also has a program for me to major in psychology and minor in Sports Management all while playing basketball. Another reason I chose Drew was because of the basketball coach. Coach Gaetano was very welcoming and friendly from the begining, she really made me feel that if I went there I would make a great addition to the program. I recently met with a few of the girls on the team and they were also very friendly and helpful with all my questions about the school and the basketball program. The program is very compettive and Coach Gaetano made me feel as that me going there will not only help me improve as a basketball player but also as a all around person.
695: Thanks for your time and good luck.
Courtney: Thank you.
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