By TAHMAJE CRAWFORD
Getting in the game
Keona Curtis, 3rd year veteran for North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team, shared her journey as a student-athlete, what keeps her motivated, and what she expected to bring and learn from the 2024-2025 basketball season.
Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Keona came to A&T with a vision to make an impact. For her, basketball is more than just a game; it’s about fulfilling a legacy. With parents who both played the sport, including a father who competed at A&T, North Carolina Central University, and overseas, the court became a place of connection and purpose.
From an early age, Curtis was inspired by watching her parents play at games. Eventually, she began her athletic career under their guidance as coaches. Their support laid the foundation for Curtis’ passion and her drive to succeed on the court.
Today, that motivation extends beyond her parents. Curtis finds inspiration in the pride and excitement of her siblings, especially her little brother. His joy and admiration for the sport push her to show them what basketball offers on and off the court.
the team player
Maintaining academics while playing a collegiate sport is challenging, but she determined to stay focused.
It starts by being disciplined and knowing what your goals are… we’re here to graduate,” Keona said.
The community Curtis has formed with teammates keeps her at ease, and humble.
“Knowing I have sixteen built-in friends, who are doing the same thing, keeps me going; … I’m not alone so I understand that I shouldn’t allow distractions to get in the way of that,” Keona said.
Transitioning into collegiate-level basketball had its challenges, and as a returning player welcoming the rookies of the season, it was important for Keona act as a guide.
BASKETBALL & BEYOND
Before every game, Keona Curtis turns to music or motivational words to center herself. She listens to podcasts, iconic speeches, or calming R&B playlists featuring artists like Summer Walker, K. Michelle, and Chrisette Michele. Sometimes, she opts for gospel.
“Sometimes, I’ll listen to motivational podcasts or one of Kobe’s (Bryant) motivational speeches,” Curtis said.
This season, her favorite game was against Hampton University on January 31. The matchup, which doubled as the annual Greek Night.
“Playing Hampton is always a good atmosphere because they’re the only HBCU in our conference, so I knew it would be a great turnout—especially with it being Greek Night,” Curtis said.
The game reminded her of last year’s WINT tournament, where the energy and support fueled her performance. “Having all of the support felt nice to play in front of the crowd and bringing the W (win) home,” she said.
Off the court, Curtis has ambitions of becoming a physician assistant. She is pursuing a degree in kinesiology with plans to enter the medical field.
“I chose this field because I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field, and becoming a PA will give me the ability to work in multiple fields while also adding diversity to this profession,” Curtis shared via Instagram.
Balancing athletics and academics, Curtis continues to make an impact both on and off the court, striving for success in every arena she enters.