ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: SHAUNEICE SAMMS

Shauneice Samms—or Neice as she’s known by most—is recently back on the court full-time after injuries had her on the bench earlier in the season. The junior transferred to Portland State this year, and has made a huge impact on the team’s performance. Last Thursday, the forward made a career-high 19 points with five rebounds and led the team with two blocks.

Samms is a communication studies major and hopes to go into broadcast radio in the future. For now, though, she is focused on finishing out the season and her first year with the Vikings. 

 

Vanguard: Why did you come to Portland State?

SS:When I came on my visit I felt like I got along with the girls here better than with the other schools I visited. I felt really comfortable and I knew I wouldn’t have any dispute—they’re such a loving team, and they’re not just concerned about me coming here and starting to play, but my future [as well]. 

 

V: What has been your best moment on the court?

SS:I would probably say in high school, when I beat the state records in Washington. I tied most rebounds in a game, I got most blocks in a game, most bocks in a tournament and the most career blocks in the state of Washington. 

 

V: If you could change one thing about basketball, what would it be?

SS:(Laughing) Not as much running! ? 

 

V: What is your greatest strength?

SS:I would say my greatest strength is my loyalty. I mean if I just meet someone and they ask ‘can you hold this bag,’ I’m going to hold it. I’m very loyal and I stand by my word. ? 

 

V: Which is your favorite place to eat around campus?

SS:Big Town Hero—I’ll get double meat, chicken breast with bacon! 

 

V: What is your favorite thing to do around Portland?

SS: Definitely shop. I like having no taxes on everything! I like to shop for everything, whether its groceries, clothes, furniture—it doesn’t matter to me. ?

 V: What is the first item that you would buy if you won the lottery?

SS:Something valuable that would last a long time. I would buy my mom something valuable, like a necklace, to show how much I care. ? 

 

V: What is your most embarrassing on-court moment?

SS:I have plenty of those (laughing). I think one of the most embarrassing things is when I go up for rebound and I totally miss the ball and it hits me in the face! ? 

 

V: Do you have any nicknames? Why?

SS: Neice, I have always been called that ever since I was little. I go by Neice because it’s easier to remember and it works for me. ? 

 

V: What is the last thing you cooked?

SS:The last thing I cooked was steak and shrimp on Valentine’s Day. I really like to cook. ?

 

V: If you could attend one concert or sporting event anywhere, what would it be?

SS:I would see Beyonce in concert, she’s amazing. ? 

 

V: What has been your favorite class at Portland State?

SS: I really like my women’s studies classes. I feel like I learn new things every time I’m in them. ? 

 

V: What’s on your iPod  right now?

SS:Mainly R&B. I like old school ‘90s, but before a game I need something more upbeat. There’s a song ‘Live in the Sky’ by TI that I used to listen to before every game. ? 

 

V: Do you read the Vanguard? If so, how often?

SS:I actually read it every time I see a new one on the stands.

 

V: If you could have dinner with three people from history—alive, dead or fictional—who would they be?

SS:I would definitely say President Obama, and then Michael Jordan because he’s done a lot of amazing things and I don’t know who the third would be. ? 

 

V: What song are you most likely to sing at karaoke?

SS: Monica, “Don’t Take it Personal”—I just feel like when I’m going through a bad day, it always pulls me through. 

 

V: What is the last thing you read?

SS:This book called “Willow Weep For Me.” It was for one of my classes, but it turned out to be a really good book.  ? 

 

V: Do you have a favorite superhero? Why/why not?

SS:Superwoman, of course (laughing).  

 

V: What is the most important thing you’ve learned this season on

the court?

SS: Basically, that every game counts. I feel like that’s something that’s different for me, giving that much importance to every single game, and conference games especially count, because they all matter in the end.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.