Coming to practice that summer for the first time, I was lost, with a capital “L.” I knew I could score, and 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. It was hard trying to compartmentalize both school and academics. As I write this letter, I don’t even know how I made it through semesters in which I was in 18 credit hours, which included 2 labs, biochemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, and other obligations, while playing 2 games a week, practicing, doing weights, and getting extra shots up. Just this past semester, I was in 9 credit hours which include a simple piano class and an internship. (As you can see, I was living my best life as a senior). All of the struggles and sacrifices were worth it because not only have I experienced personal growth, but I’ve gotten to be part of something bigger than me, become connected with people from all over the world, and learn from the most brilliant mentors and leaders. So, thank you, basketball.
I say all this because basketball, specifically basketball at Rice University, has pushed me in ways I never thought I could be pushed. Coach Langley, my teammates, and 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.
As a current medical student and professional athlete, the journey I’m on is the same grind, just a new arena, and I thank you basketball for preparing me in the most optimum way to combat each day like it’s gameday.
I’ve been asked many times this year what I want my legacy to be. I would say that I simply want to be an example of versatility and representation; living proof that as a student-athlete you do not have to deny one passion to cater to another. Through hard work you can have it all.
I came to Rice 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. Erica Ogwumike, the Conference USA Newcomer of the year. Erica Ogwumike, the Scholar Athlete. Erica Ogwumike, the 2x Player of the Year, Erica Ogwumike, the Academic All American, Erica Ogwumike, the 26th pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, and now, Erica Ogwumike, the 1st year medical student.
It’s been an amazing ride. Thank you, basketball.