SPOTLIGHT: Millesa Calicott
12/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
This Q&A originally appeared in the Wake Forest football gameday program
Millesa Calicott: Women's Basketball
What is your first memory playing basketball?
I remember my days playing YMCA and getting Krispy Kreme doughnuts after games but the memory I always enjoy talking about is the day of tryouts when I used to wear black shorts with my Tim Duncan jersey. He is my favorite player and I always felt so cool wearing it as a child and always wore it to basketball tryouts.
What attracted you to Wake Forest?
The school is a beautiful place and the size is just right for me. I didn't really see myself at a large college and Wake is big enough you forget we aren't as big as others. Also, it was in the same town I am from which meant being near family and friends. The academics was a huge asset to have when looking into colleges, they had what I wanted to pursue and the university is prestigious through academics.
What do you enjoy doing off the court?
I really enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews. Family means a lot to me and seeing them grow and form their personalities is such a blessing. I also really love to read, no particular genre but it is something I always love to do whenever time presents itself. Hanging out with my friends is another thing I enjoy because I do not always get to see them as often and they keep me entertained and are my world away from basketball which can be nice at times.
What do you love most about basketball?
I love the atmosphere that we can get with the crowd and just each other. I love having teammates who cheer not only me on but others and can share that excitement with. The game is a thinking one, and when plays happen that we do not always see it is really fun to see the final product. We put in all these hard hours that games are the rewards and winning becomes a tradition.
Is there any significance to your jersey number?
It was my number in high school and since I was sticking around the town to go to college I figured I would keep that number since I would be known for the #15.
Who is your most entertaining teammate?
Such a hard decision! Susie Webster and Kelila Atkinson are definitely the goofballs of the team and keep us laughing and enjoying things. Everyone brings their own sense of humor which makes this team so great.
If you couldn't play basketball, what other sport would you play?
I would play soccer because I used to be a goalie and I absolutely love the sport.
Describe your life as a college student at Wake Forest
Busy, with school and sports and things outside of that all. My time definitely gets filled up but I wouldn't trade it for anything because the friendships and experiences I have gained cannot ever be replaced. I have a pretty routine lifestyle that lasts most the year because I go to classes, have practice and weights, then get some dinner, go lesson plan and find some sleep! When free time happens it usually takes me a while to realize I can do other things and actually have time for it. The spring is when I really see my friends and participate in activities that Wake hosts, one favorite of mine being Shag on the Mag.
Why did you choose to stay in your hometown for college?
I chose to stick around because it was close to home which meant I would have my family and friends around to support me and be able to see them often. Also, Wake was an ACC school with prestigious academics that was worth pursuing. I will say the best things are still being able to have home cooked meals whenever I can see my nieces and nephews whenever because they are only 10 minutes from me.
What degree are you pursuing and what are your plans after graduation?
I am pursuing Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. My hopes are to stick around Winston-Salem and find a teaching job at a local school. I would also like to get into some coaching, maybe even back at my high school and work with girls to help them reach the next level they desire.
Tell us what it is like to be student-teaching as a Division I athlete?
It is a challenge, requires a lot of time and early to late hours each day. However, I absolutely love it! This truly is what I want to do with my life and I was blessed to be placed at a school very close to Wake to help with transitioning to practices and soon to come games. The kids admire me being an athlete, so hopefully that gives me a slight edge with them respecting me. My teammates and coaching staff have been so fantastic about accepting and working with my hectic schedule and that is encouraging knowing they support my soon to be career.
