Basketball Allstar: Alyssa Krings

Known by many for her energetic personality and her love for basketball, Alyssa Krings has a story that is different than most. She joined the women’s basketball team as a senior, with only one year left to play. Alyssa has been playing basketball for as long as she can remember and her love for the game has only grown. She is a senior majoring in recreation & tourism with a minor in coaching. I got a chance to ask Alyssa a few questions and hear how basketball has intertwined its way into her life.

How long have you played?

I’ve played basketball for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always playing ball outside with my dad, my older brother and his friends, and my friends as well. I think I actually started ball when I was in third grade.

Why basketball over other sports?

Basketball has always been in my family and something that I really pushed on myself growing up. However, softball was another sport that was really important to me as well. Basketball is just more a fast paced upbeat game that I love and the feeling you get when you’re playing it is something that I can’t really describe.

Were your parents always supportive?

My parents were and still are very supportive in everything I do. I think sports are just as important to them as it is to me. In high school they didn’t miss a sporting event of mine. They were always there to pick me up after I had a bad game and they were the first ones to hug me after I got out of the locker room. My first college game, they were right there and it felt was kind of a flashback from high school.  There are many things in your life that don’t change and the support of my parents is definitely something that has not changed!

Did you play in high school?

Yes, I played all four years of high school. I started out on C-team for a few games and got moved up to varsity.

Why didn’t you play at Winona right away?

There were a few reasons as to why I didn’t try to play ball. One, my high school coach was not very supportive and made me think to myself that I wasn’t good enough to play at a high level. And my second reason as to why I didn’t play right away was because of my feet. I have plantar fasciitis in both of my feet that makes it hard for me to do so. I contacted Coach Ballard my freshman year to try out but my feet started acting up again and I just couldn’t do it. I still have plantar fasciitis in both my feet but I’ve learned to deal with it.

How did you get involved with the team?

I am very good friends with the assistant coach of the team. I met her my freshman year of college. I played on her intramural team and the last few years we’ve played ball up in the gym together. Last year, I was asked to be the student assistant for the team so that is how I really got involved and in the off-season, I played pick up with them when they needed an extra body.

What have you learned by playing basketball?

Basketball has taught me a lot about myself and who I am as a person. Every day you learn something new and that’s the best thing about basketball. Basketball shows leadership, sportsmanship, the type of person you are, and the people you meet in basketball are people you will know and remember for the rest of your life. Another thing that I learned about basketball is that you can get better each and everyday if you let yourself do so.

What have you missed out on?

The biggest thing I’ve missed out on is being in basketball shape. I’ve been going for a little over a month now and I’m still not in 100% basketball shape. Being in shape and being in basketball shape is two totally different things. That’s certainly something I’ve missed out on! It’s kicked my butt!

Is it all worth it?

As hard and frustrating it can be it is certainly all worth it! The good thing about basketball is that the work you put in, you will receive an outcome that you will appreciate very much! The team is amazing and very supportive to everyone! They’re like a second family!

What’s your role on the team?

My role on the team is to take care of the basketball when I’m out there and play solid defense!

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be to be a college basketball coach at some point in my life!

Who is your favorite basketball team?

Minnesota Lynx

Favorite basketball player?

Maya Moore

Favorite basketball movie?

Love and Basketball

Photo Sources:

http://www.winonastatewarriors.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7656&path=wbball

http://www.winonastatewarriors.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball&