In the third in a series of Q&A’s with players on the William Paterson women’s basketball team, Beacon reporter Daniel Karp interviewed Brianna Smith. Smith is in her fifth year for the Pioneers, averaging 20+ minutes per game. She is coming off her best season, when she averaged 18.2 points per game and scored her 1,000th career point. The Pioneers will rely on Smith to lead their push for an NJAC championship.

Name: Brianna Smith
Number: #4
Year: Senior
Majors: Elementary Education, Liberal Studies
Hometown: Hillsdale, NJ 

What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day of class and practice?

I like to go home, sit on my reclining chair, and watch some TV and film. Even after a long day of class and practicing, my head is still in the game. I always like to remain locked in on the craft because our team this year has a serious chance to make a run at the NJAC, especially finishing hot last year.

How can you translate skills on the court when you’re teaching?

I am very observant, and I plan things. This helps me plan my lessons and teach my students, and the biggest part is that I realized that when it comes to teaching, it’s OK to mess up. Having those wide-ranging observing skills helps me on the court.

What is the best concert you have ever been to? If not, who would you like to go see?

The best concert I’ve ever seen was Luke Combs. I’ve seen him twice at MetLife Stadium and PNC Bank Arts Center. I have tried seeing him a couple of [other] times, but we always have basketball when he comes around here. I would love to see the Barefoot Country Fest concert in Wildwood, but getting down there is a struggle, and it is also really expensive.

What is something you are currently working on to improve yourself?

I am trying to work on not stressing, especially when I am planning around teaching my students and playing basketball. It is a struggle balancing those two big commitments, but I am working on managing my time and becoming less stressed because last semester was a struggle with stress.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself teaching younger kids, which I am studying to be teaching kindergarten through sixth-graders, working on a special education degree. I also plan on coaching high school basketball. I think those teaching skills will translate into coaching a successful team while also allowing me to maintain my love for the game.