Sports, more than almost anything, can bring a modern family together. For the Matthews family, sports are the causa essendi. The family lives and breathes athletic endeavors. Their passion has developed an MLB first-round pick and two collegiate players. Bucknell, in particular, is thankful for that devotion.
Sophomore guard Blake Matthews has demonstrated that athletic focus. She enters the 2023-24 season seeking to expand upon those freshman flashes before nagging injuries sidelined her for the latter part of the campaign. Blake, despite ceding several inches to most players, was aggressive on the boards, collecting 41 rebounds in 193 minutes of play. In the St. Bonaventure win, she grabbed eight rebounds in 19 minutes. She played spry defense. Despite the injuries, Matthews remained upbeat and vocal on the bench, cheerfully urging her teammates to success.
Basketball wasn't necessarily Matthews' first choice. The guard, like many young athletes, played a variety of sports. She was particularly an ace at tennis and even now could pick up a racket for the Bucknell tennis team.
“Growing up, I played almost every sport competitively and at a high level. Basketball wasn’t my first option. I played tennis at a national level and traveled across the USA. I was ranked nationally and at the state level. Basketball has always been an outlet. You can play with anyone, with your family. I have always found happiness in basketball. I picked it up again in my freshmen year of high school, and made varsity. I lettered all four years, made captain, and earned a collegiate scholarship
Because of her relative lateness to the sport, she developed her own style of play.
“I came into basketball way later than most players. I have only played competitively for six years. I did watch Chris Paul and I follow Kyrie Irving. I have taken on different aspects, Kyrie’s shiftiness, Paul’s pace and passing. Most of my game is instinct.”
Like many student-athletes, her reasoning for picking Bucknell resided in the small class sizes and friendly community. Those traits help Bucknell stand out from other schools in the collegiate herd.
“One of the main selling points was the sense of community. I like seeing the people who cheer you daily and how they genuinely care about how you are doing. Seeing the kids walking home from school, they ask about your day. It is good to have a tight-knit community that has your back. The small class sizes were also important. I enjoy having that one-on-one time with professors. As an athlete, it assists in the educational process."
Matthews decided to leave Texas for the faraway region of Pennsylvania. Her hometown of Houston certainly dwarfs Lewisburg in population and traffic. It wasn't an easy decision, but the welcoming community and local produce have helped the transition. Pennsylvania, with its lavish forests and friendly folks, grows on everyone, and Matthews is no exception.
“The community base here is awesome. Everything is pretty far in Texas. There are lots of different areas and entities in Houston. Nothing is ever tight-knit. The locals here remind me of a Hallmark movie. How it operates, and I like that. Everyone knows each other. The food is grown locally. I love the farmer’s market. The vendors there know me by name.”
However, there are aspects that only Texas can replicate.
“I miss my family and friends. I decided to come to Bucknell knowing I would be far from home. Some days, it is harder than others. I do miss my mother’s cooking and my dad’s grilling."
Matthews' major fits well with her outgoing personality and guard position.
“I am majoring in International Relations and one credit away from completing my minor in Management. I originally wanted to be in the business school, but I went the International Relations route because it had more outlets than the business road. The Management part allows me to take those classes that I do enjoy."
Like many athletes, she plans to remain active in sports after her playing career concludes. The beauty of sports is how many jobs and professions exist outside of playing. Matthews' sports background, from family to personal experience, provides her with a unique perspective.
“Specifically, I want to go into sports business and be on the personal side. I am a communicative and marketable person. I own one-on-one with athletes and can talk to them and understand their backgrounds. I am not interested in any particular sport. It is a broad spectrum. It can range from a brand or a team. It doesn’t matter. I want to be in the realm of athletes.”
Speaking of her family, Matthews acknowledges she wouldn't be at Bucknell without their dedication, rivalry, and support. Her family unit is truly a team.
“Our family is built on sports. Sundays are the only day when everybody, despite our hectic schedules, can come together. Football Sundays and family dinners. We grew up in a competitive household. My brother and I are only two and a half years apart. We started as nemesis and became best friends. We competed our whole way through life, and we still do today. My family is not primarily about competition but about making everyone around you better. It has carried over with my teammates on the court and in life.”
Her father and brother both played collegiate baseball. Matthews' dad patrolled the diamond at Kansas, and her brother was a star at Nebraska, recording the first 20-20 season (home runs/steals) in Cornhusker history. His baseball career continued as the hometown Astros selected him 28th overall in the 2023 MLB draft. Hailing from Houston, the Matthews family are diehard Astros fans, so the selection was extra sweet.
“It was exciting. It didn’t matter necessarily what round. We just wanted to see his dream come true. For our family, it was special to see him succeed in his goals and passion and for us to spend time with him on his journey.”
Matthews enters the 2023-24 season looking to take the next step in her collegiate career.
“Coming off injury, I want to back on the court. I have always felt part of the team, even when not playing. I am one for showing an impact off the stat sheet. Once I return to the court, I feel I can make an even bigger impact. The team feels better integrated this season. We found team chemistry much faster than we thought we would. It is going to be an enjoyable season.”
Her season goals are less specific numbers and personal desires but more about the team and helping the squad in any possible way.
“I am big on defensive rebounds. My main goal is to be where my team needs me and excel at that point. Secondly, I want to be a leader off the court and have a presence on the court. I do want to become more of an offensive threat this year. Defensively, I want to increase my presence and make a bigger impact on the team.”
The Bucknell women have a schedule filled with notable competition, regional rivals, and entertaining dates. Matthews has several circled on her calendar.
“I am looking forward to the Louisville and Marquette games. I like playing against larger schools because of the atmosphere they provide. It brings out the best in us. In the Patriot League, I am looking forward to playing Lehigh and Colgate. Of course, I want to play against the defending league champions, Holy Cross Crusaders. You don’t like losing twice. You don’t like losing once, but twice is even worse.”
With the departure of Kelly Mazzante to Georgetown, Bucknell hired a new assistant coach, former WNBA player Sherill Baker, to fill the slot. She and Matthews have hit it off.
“Coach Baker is a great addition. She is bringing the energy and matching my energy, which I enjoy. She is also my academic advisor and keeps me in check. Of course, I keep myself in check, but she assists in making sure I keep improving.”
Matthews keeps busy with basketball and class but has found time for a hobby: running a cooking Instagram account. Any reader who checks out @blakesburgeats_ will quickly realize that as talented as Matthews is on the court, the guard might be even more gifted at the stove. Every meal is a nothing-but-net shot.
“I have always found it relaxing and therapeutic to cook. It is like you enter your little world. We are in the age of NIL. I enjoy cooking. I like sharing it with my friends and the world. Since I cook for my friends and teammates, I couldn’t see why I shouldn’t share it on social media! I like to try to experiment with new recipes or bake more. We have more time during winter break when no one is here. We have basketball for three hours and the rest of the day is wide open."
Matthews and the Bison are planning to serve up a five-course season with more to come. Bucknell fans would be wise to save room for dessert.
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