July 13, 2010

Over the next few weeks UKathletics.com will feature the UK Hoops freshmen, including redshirt freshman Bernisha Pinkett. This week we sat down with Lexington native Sarah Beth Barnette for “21 Questions.” Check it out!

1. What’s your hometown? 
   “Lexington, Ky.”
2. Why Kentucky?
   
   “Coach Mitchell had a lot to do with it and the women’s basketball program is headed in the right direction. They are a winning program and I want to win a national championship here.”
3. What does being a Kentucky Wildcat mean to you?
   
   “Growing up in Kentucky all my life there is more pride involved than anything in being a Wildcat. I’ve grown up watching games and being a UK fan. Playing here means a lot to me.”
4. What has most impressed you most about the coaching staff?
   
   “I’ve been most impressed by their energy and their desire to win in every aspect. They want us to be just as successful in the classroom as on the court.”
5. What is the one thing about college life that has surprised you the most?
   
   “I was surprised how much walking I do. I thought everything would be around the same area but campus is very spread out.”
6. What was it like winning the Kentucky Miss Basketball honor?
   “It was awesome. I had no clue I was going to win it. We had a ceremony at my high school and I thought it was for me winning Gatorade Player of the Year. I thought it was strange they would have a special ceremony for that but I knew it was a big honor, too. My coach, Jason Seamands, went to the podium and said the Gatorade Player of the Year honor was really not why we were there. The curtains opened and I saw I was being named Kentucky Miss Basketball. It was a dream. I was very emotional.”
7. Growing up a Kentucky fan, do you have a favorite UK Basketball memory?
   “I have a couple of favorite women’s basketball memories. They are when UK beat Tennessee by 10 points in Memorial Coliseum two years ago and also the first round of the WNIT in 2008 vs. Middle Tennessee. UK won in overtime when Chelsea Chowning was on the team.”
8. Did you come from a sporting family and did that influence you to get involved with sports?
   
   “Yes, my mom ran track and played tennis in high school but was mostly into cheerleading. My dad’s main sport was baseball.  They both went to UK but didn’t continue playing sports there. Growing up, my parents always got us involved in sports to see what we liked and I liked basketball a lot. They encouraged me to keep working hard. They taught me discipline and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
9. You’ve been in school for about a month now, how are classes going?
   
   “They are going good and I like it. My tutors are helpful for sure. I’m taking just two classes but it will really lighten my load for the fall. I feel ahead of the game already. Coming to summer school has helped get me a head start for the fall because the first couple of weeks from high school to college was a tough transition.”
10. How have the coaches helped you with the transition from high school basketball to college?
    
    “They have really emphasized the importance of strength and conditioning, eating well and resting. Also, they talk to us about how the speed of the game will be different but we are working on that in the weight room.”
11. What’s your major?
    “I haven’t declared a major yet but I’m probably going with communications. I want to go into sports broadcasting.”
12. What is your dream job?
    
    “I either want to be the next Erin Andrews or be a lyricist, especially for Taylor Swift.”
13. What is your favorite shot on the court?
    
    “The three-point shot.”
14. What are you most looking forward to this season?
    
    “I think it’s going to be awesome to put on that Kentucky jersey for the first time. Our goal is to win a national championship so that’s what I’m looking forwarded to the most.”
15. How do you think you’re going to feel the first time you step out on the floor in Memorial Coliseum?
    
    “I think it’s going to be a moment I’ll never forget. I’ve always been a fan in the stands and now I’ll be one of the players at Kentucky. It will be amazing.”
16. Has there been any one player who has taken you under their wing to help the transition?
    
    “I can’t single one player out because it’s been everyone on the team.  They all have been really welcoming.”
17. Is there a motto you live by each day?
    
    “Ephesians 3:20 says, ‘God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.’”
18. Have you had a welcome- to-the-SEC moment in a pickup game this summer?
    
    “Oh, yes! The physicality from Brittany Henderson and the speed of the game. Also, when you go in the lane you meet Anna Cole or another big girl. There is never an easy layup. I’m not the tallest player on the team now.”
19.  What are your thoughts about playing in the SEC?
    “I think SEC teams are the most fun to watch because of how all the teams play. It’s going to be fun to be a part of such of great conference.”
20. What most impresses you most about Coach Mitchell?
    
    “He’s so positive and has so much character. He also follows through with what he says.  I really admire that quality because I think it’s a rare quality in people.”
21. What is something most people don’t know about you?
    
    “I play the guitar and I like to write poetry.”