If you see a tall, slender brunette with the biggest smile on her face that seems to immediately brighten your day, you have luckily come across Gloria Rothenberg, one of Vanderbilt’s newest and most admirable members. Not only does Gloria seem to know everyone on campus despite her minimal 2 months at Vanderbilt thus far, but Gloria also has other abilities that seem to be kept secret. Gloria is modest by nature, but we think that it is time for her to reveal and show off her incredible talent! All that we are saying is that those long legs were meant to do big things…on the court!
When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing for fun when I was 7… My Grandpa (who was in the NBA) spent many hours teaching me how to shoot a lay-up during the summer going into second grade. The first time I was on a team was in fourth grade
What was the best advice a coach ever told you and how have you applied that to your life, primarily at Vanderbilt?
That it is “good to be nervous.” He used to tell me this before big games, and explain that an appropriate amount of pressure will help me to be the best that I can be. I have used this advice in my first few months at Vanderbilt by embracing academic, social, and personal nerves… Instead of fretting about “being stressed,” I think about how it can help me in the long run.
Did you win any titles while playing on your team?
This past year we won our league of the Super Essex Conference, which was exciting for us!
Is basketball something you ever see your self pursuing again, even for fun?
Yes! I have played for fun at the REC a few times, but hope to play more as the year goes on.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I hope to run a marathon at some point in my life!