In the sixth edition of the “Off the Court” Q&A’s with players on the William Paterson women’s basketball team, Beacon reporter Daniel Karp interviewed junior forward Renee Wells. Wells is entering her third season with the Pioneers after an impressive sophomore year in which she averaged 13.3 points a game, second best on the team. The 5-foot-10 star was named the NJAC Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 after a season in which she won NJAC Rookie of the Week six times. Last year, she was an All-NJAC Honorable Mention. The Pioneers are relying on Wells’s height and playing style to make noise this season.
Name: Renee Wells
Number: #14
Year: Junior
Majors: History, Secondary Education
Hometown: Leonardo, NJ
What is your favorite way to celebrate a personal achievement?
Being with my family and reminiscing on how I was able to achieve that goal. The steps I took and being with my family are essential because without their help I would not have been able to.
What book, movie, or TV show has inspired you?
“Little Women,” which is a book and a movie. It has made me appreciate family more, because family is all you have forever. And it has helped me appreciate that one thing that I know I can count on. And reading and watching that has helped me shape my mindset into what it is today.
What is a hidden talent that many people wouldn’t know you had?
I can juggle a soccer ball with my feet. I know it isn’t much of a hidden talent, but being a basketball player there is not any other sports we turn our focus to, so I think being able to juggle a soccer ball for over 100 touches is pretty cool, and none of my teammates would probably guess that.
What would be your dream day off?
To sleep in, obviously with no alarms. Take a lazy day, which involves staying in bed all day, rain falling, to relax, rest the nerves. And I would just binge-watch “Criminal Minds” and watch the cast solve crimes, which I love. And it helps me keep my mind going more than some other TV shows, which will make me just want to stay on my phone.
What is one thing on your bucket list that you are determined to accomplish?
I really want to travel to Greece and European islands. The beautiful cities and clear water beaches capture my eye. The culture there is a lot different than the ones here. I would love to go there for a week and be able to escape reality and learn all about Greek culture, foods, and the lifestyle there.
