ROCHESTER, Mich. – Check out this inside look at the latest news about the Oakland women's basketball team, staff and alumni on and off the court.
TWEET OF THE WEEK: MEDIA DAY
The squad took part in the annual media day which means the season is just around the corner!!
INSIDE PRACTICE WITH COACH TUNGATE:
With practice officially beginning today, Head Coach
Jeff Tungate sat down with the voice of the Golden Grizzlies,
Neal Ruhl, to talk about the team's identity he wants to establish for the 2020-21 season.
ALUMNI CHECK IN: ELENA POPKEY (16')
Hometown: Warren, Mich.
Women's Basketball Accomplishments:
- Became 26th player in program history to surpass 1,000 points ranking 12th on the all-time scoring list with 1,473 points
- Named the inaugural recipient of the Horizon League's Bobby Fong Award which embodies the league's core values of integrity, respect and stewardship
- Finished career tied with Ann Serra (1988-90) for the most career assists in program history with 483
- Ranks sixth all-time in program history in 3-pointers made with 184
- Two-time nominee for the Allstate (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) WBCA Good Works Team
- Recipient of the 2016 All-American Athlete Award announced by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) which recognizes athletic accomplishments, dedication to strength and conditioning and determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence
We caught up with
Elena Popkey who is currently in her fifth season playing professionally overseas.
Current Team: 2017-Present - Östersund Basket - Östersund, Sweden
Östersund Basket - Elena Popkey signing highlights:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1924117334510547
Past Team: 2016-17 - Elangeni Falcons - Bad Homburg, Germany
Best on-court performance…
"I've had some pretty fun games and had been playing some really great basketball before my injury. I've been close to a quadruple double a few times. In one game, I had 21 points, 12 assists, 14 rebounds, and seven seals followed by 15 points, nine assists, nine rebounds and eight steals. There were a few others, but I still have never gotten a quadruple double. It's on my bucket list so in short, my best performance is yet to come."
What Oakland means to her…
"Being an Oakland Alumnus means I have another family for life. Living overseas I don't make it home often, but anytime I do, I have a group of OU sisters that always meets together. They had my back on the court back then and they continue to have it now outside of the court. I know I can count on them and they know they can count on me. We cheer each other on in all of our different adventures in life and support each other in good times and bad. We pray for each other, encourage each other and challenge each other too. The accomplishments are far greater than academic or statistical. These women are powerful risk takers who are influencing their communities all over the Metro Detroit area. I like to think that we brought that out of each other a bit. Maybe we needed a little bit of each other to spark what we've now become. There's a certain pride about where you came from, how you got to where you are, what mountains you climbed and bridges you crossed but most importantly the people who got you there. These are my people."
Favorite memory playing overseas…
It is hard to say but probably our trip to the Final Four. I was a player-coach that year and we had an incredible season together. Probably one of the closest teams I've ever been a part of. It was frustrating because I got injured and needed knee surgery. I was the starting point guard averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. We needed some players to step up that weekend and they did. It was so incredible to watch and be a part of. I wish I could've played of course, who wouldn't, but to see the girls step up and believe in themselves was something special."
Having some fun...
Östersund Basket - Elena Popkey Interview:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=623604618340070
"In this video we were talking about how we have a new studio and we are looking for two women to work with and interview us. We are hoping to create our own channel and become more prominent on social media so we can show who we are on and off the court. My line was" "We are looking for two women to come talk with us."
Giving back to future generations...
Popkey also takes time to pass on her basketball knowledge and give back to the overseas community. She hosts Monday night training clinics with "Coach E" for youth players.
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