Lydia Rohde is a former women's basketball player for Northwestern University. She was a 3x Academic All-Big Ten and a team captain her senior year. She was also awarded the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award her senior year. After her impressive four years of Division I basketball, Lydia gave us some great advice for basketball recruiting!
1. What is your favorite memory on the women's basketball team?
My favorite basketball memory is going to the NCAA tournament my freshman year, or the senior night game this past season! The senior night game was extraordinary because I was not able to play due to injury, and it meant so much to me how hard the team worked to win that game.
2. Why did you choose Northwestern?
The combination of academics and athletics was important, but the athletic community at NU stood out to me more than other schools. I was also excited about the NU for Life program which is unique to Northwestern University.
3. Was it hard to balance coursework at a school like NU with your basketball requirements?
It was not easy to balance schoolwork and basketball, but the academic support services at Northwestern are phenomenal. My academic advisors and the administration do so much to make sure each student-athlete has the resources they need to succeed academically.
4. If you could give recruits one piece of advice about recruiting, playing in college, etc., what would it be?
I would tell them to enjoy the process and not get too stressed about making a decision. Accept advice from family and friends, but listen to your own feelings first, because you will be attending the university and playing there, not your family, friends, or coaches.
5. How did getting injured and overcoming your injury impact your collegiate career?
Getting injured in my junior year and then again in my senior year, which ended my career, was very difficult to grasp, but it made me a stronger leader. I was able to push the feelings of disappointment to the side and lean on my teammates. I could focus on helping lead the team from the sidelines instead of in the games. It was hard, but I think it made me realize how important basketball was to me.
6. What is the most important part of being an excellent captain?
Being there for your teammates is the most important thing. Check up on people, be inclusive, and love everyone. Those were three things I focused on this past year, and I wish I had done more in the past. Also, it's not just the captain's responsibility; it is every team member's responsibility to be there for each other.
7. What will you miss the most now that you have graduated and are not playing anymore?
I will miss being out on the court, but most of all, I will miss playing and being around my teammates. They are the most important thing to me, and I have enjoyed every moment spent with them.
Image Credit: Northwestern Athletics
