695HOOPS WHERE IT'S ALWAYS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS
Oakland Mills 2014 wing Karigan Awkward recently committed to Virginia Union. The versatile forward capped off a nice senior year by playing in a couple of all star games and wrapping up a scholarship situation. She took a few minutes to answer some questions for 695Hoops.com.
695: How did you get started playing ball?
Karigan: I first got started playing basketball when I saw my brother (Henry Sims) playing in middle school and high school. he was a huge influence on me although I wasn't really sure if I wanted to play basketball.
695: How old were you when you started playing?
Karigan: I started playing basketball when I was 11. I started very late but, thanks to my supporting parents and great coaches along the way I actually thrived more than thought I would as a young athlete.
695: Where did you grow up?
Karigan: I grew up in Columbia, Maryland. I have lived here for all 17 years of my life in the same exact house. We have a gym within walking distance of my house so that was motivation to get to where I am today.
695: Have you played any other sports?
Karigan: Over my four years in high school I played two other sports that I was good at. I ran track my race being the 4x200 and 200. I also played volleyball and we ended up going undefeated.
695: Which AAU teams have you played for?
Karigan: I have played for a multitude of teams throughout middle school and high school. I first started off with the Maryland Waves then I played for the Columbia Ravens. As I approached my last year of middle school I played for the Maryland Hurricanes. When I got into high school I played for the Baltimore Starz. My last AAU team that I played for was the Maryland Sting where my Coach George Robinson helped me with the recruiting process.
695: Who is your favorite player?
Karigan: This is a good question. I have quite a few favorite players but I would say it's between KD and Kobe Bryant. They both remind me of myself.
695: What do you need to improve in your game for the next level?
Karigan: I think that working on my shot, and focusing on making key baskets when getting initial contact would be things that stand out to me the most. But, there is always room for improvement so why not work on everything right?
695: What other hobbies do you have besides basketball?
Karigan: Besides basketball I love to be around friends and I love listening to music of all kinds. I get in touch with my softer side when i listen to music.
695: Tell me about the recruiting process and how you chose Virginia Union...
Karigan: I first came in contact with Virginia Union by a mistake. As weird as it sounds I was cleaning my room and I found a free application form and decided to go online and apply. My mother wanted to get the coaches email so we could send film but, she called them by mistake thinking no one would answer, she just let the phone ring. The assistant coach answered and caught her by surprise. She told the coach what my name was and in that moment the assistant coach was looking at a roster for a All- Star game I was going to be participating in. They came out to see me play and liked me very much. I got invited to come up for a work out and the atmosphere was very welcoming. The girls were very down to earth and they seem to be very genuine. I could definitely see myself being around them and playing with them.
695: What do you plan to major in?
Karigan: I plan to major in Biology and then Immunology in graduate school.
695: What artists do you listen to before a game?
Karigan: The artists I listen to all depends on my mood and how I'm feeling before I arrive. But, just to name a few Drake, Young Scooter, Coldplay, Vybz Kartel, and Kanye West.
695: Thanks and good luck in college.
Karigan: Thank you.
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