Army West Point Athletics
Feb. 24, 2010 - Erin Anthony (Women's Basketball)
February 24, 2010 | General
Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision?
At first, the only reason I visited West Point was because my dad forced me to. I came in June right after my junior year of high school and pretty much fell in love with the whole idea of going to West Point. For me, it was definitely the people I met here-everyone was so confident, composed, and seemed to know where they were in life and how to keep moving forward. I wanted that for myself.
What does it mean to you to be able to play basketball at West Point?
It means the world to me. First off, playing in college was something I never dreamed of until about half way through my junior year of high school. On top of that, I never imagined in a million years I would go to a school as special or as prestigious as West Point. To have both is a dream come true. I try to appreciate this opportunity every day.
What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?
I love having a great team that brightens every day. I don't know what I would do without those girls picking me up. And I personally love road games, because I can use them as all-day study halls. When we aren't practicing, watching film, or eating, I do homework. I usually get more done in hotel rooms than I do here at school.
What is the most difficult thing?
When I have class that ends at 2:50 and have to be on the court by 3:30...having to rush from class, up the gym, change and be ready to go in less than 40 minutes-it seems so simple, but it always stresses me out.
What is your fondest memory at West Point?
-In sports?
I have two. The first is when I got to start with our four Firsties last year on their senior night, because they were such an amazing group of people. The second is when I had my best scoring game at Lehigh last year, in front of a hometown crowd and against one of my high school teammates
-Outside of sports?
All the little things-football and hockey games, barbeques, dressing up for spirit dinners, and just hanging out.
What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here?
-Socially
Now that I am a cow, it's become much easier, but during plebe and yuk year, you really have to be able to entertain yourself without leaving West Point.
-Athletically
I've become a lot stronger and quicker, and I've had to consciously work on that. Seeing how much I have changed physically from the beginning to Beast up to now is pretty amazing.
-Academically
The time I spend doing schoolwork here is exponentially larger than in high school. Back in the day, I went to sleep at 10:00pm, without fail, on school night...now, going to bed before midnight is a big accomplishment.
What do you enjoy doing during your "down time"?
I have a bad habit of online shopping, so I love it when I get to go to one of the local malls and actually try on clothes. There are a few shows I watch every week, like Desperate Housewives and The Office, which help me unwind. And, of course, watching the other Army sports teams compete.
What is your major and what is the most interesting thing you've learned here?
I am a Civil Engineering major, and I absolutely love it. It's a lot of work, but I find it all so exciting that I don't usually notice. Right now, I am in a class called Civil Engineering Site Design, and our semester project is designing the new USMA Prep School. It's mind-blowing how many things you have to consider before you actually begin construction!
Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation?
I'm down to Corps of Engineers and Medical Service Corps right now. If I choose Engineers, I really want to be in a construction unit.
What is the best thing about being a cadet at West Point?
There are so many things we do here that seems "typical"-getting through Beast, firing all sorts of weapons, spending time in the field, getting through classes, passing all the fitness tests-but I love the days when I realize how unique our situation here is. It's pretty empowering when you realize that no one back home can even imagine getting through this.
