Student-Athlete Profile: Katania Walker

There is a pride that burns within the Virginia State University women’s basketball team.

For one member, wearing “Virginia State” across her chest and the number three across her back, senior Katania Walker epitomizes that pride.

It is that pride that has earned her nickname “Sharp Shootah!”

In Walker’s career she has overcame many obstacles while playing basketball at Virginia State, she says, “I came to Virginia State because they make me feel like I am at home, but I would have never thought I would go through so much!”

As a freshman, Walker was red-shirted from basketball. Although being red-shirted, she did not allow that experience to get the best of her.

Instead, she used it to her advantage.

Instead of giving up and just becoming a regular student, Walker focused on two things, school and bettering her game.

The 5-5 guard from Virginia Beach, Va., set a goal for herself.

She wanted to become CIAA Rookie of the year the following year.

This was a goal that Walker achieved.

Not even playing a full season, Walker attained the status of becoming CIAA Rookie of the Year.

Soon after being the Rookie of the Year, she made the All-CIAA 1^st team.

“I was able to accomplish my goals because I worked hard for it and wouldn’t let anything get in the way of my goal,” said Walker.

 “KT is a hard worker, she puts the time in the gym to get the job done,” said James Hill, head women’s basketball coach at VSU. “She is a good person on and off the court, and that is why she has accomplished so much.”

Another obstacle Walker had to go through was one most athletes never have to face. Since Walker’s freshman year, she had to endure three different coaches. Walker stated that the worst part about going through so many coaches was the adjusting to the different coaching styles and techniques.

“It was a learning experience,” she said.

Now at the start of a new season, Walker is ecstatic and ready to play with the team.

“We have a good team and I never seen so much dedication like I see it every day,” Walker said.

Walker recently reached another goal, this year she was named to the All-CIAA Pre-Season Team.

“You’re only as strong as your weakest link,” she said. “I live by this because coming into the season, it is not about me and what I accomplished in the past, but what the TEAM is going to accomplish in the near future.”

Now this year, Walker has set another goal.

“See you at the top!” she said as she headed off to practice.