Up Close with Duke Women's Basketball Player Rochelle Parent

Rochelle Parent is a senior forward on the Duke women's basketball team. She is from Akron, Ohio. She has been known for her excellent defensive ability after drawing 20 charges as a junior and so far this season has drawn 10 charges in nine games.

We sat down with Parent and here is what she had to say

What made you chose Duke University?

The combination of academics and athletics played a big part. I got along with the team really well. Since I grew up in Ohio, I was strongly encouraged to attend OSU.

How long have you been playing basketball?

Since about six years old. The first organized team I played on was in seventh grade in middle school. I was always tall growing up so I played center through high school.

What other sports did you play?

I played volleyball and ran track. Track was probably my best sport overall because I was so versatile. I had the athleticism for volleyball but not necessarily the skills.

If you were not a basketball player, what would you be?

Probably a volleyball player. I played outside hitter

Who is your favorite sports figure/role model?

Besides my roommate Georgia Schweitzer (laughs)I don't really have one. I think I could take certain attributes from a lot of different people that I like and I could probably put together an ideal character. I would say there isn't anyone that I admire totally enough to say they are my role model.

What is the best thing about being a student-athlete at Duke?

I think being challenged in both areas every single day. You go to class and you are surrounded by people that are as smart or smarter than you. Your professors and peers challenge you. The workload is difficult. Then, you get on the basketball court and you are challenged by some of the best basketball players in the country. You don't ever get a break and you are constantly challenged.

If anything, what would you like to improve about your game?

I would say my confidence. This summer I think I was playing with a lot of confidence. Obviously, I have been working on my outside shot the last couple of years now. Just having the confidence to take the shot when it is there. Being a little bit more offensive minded. I have taken too much of a liking to being the defensive stopper over the past four years. It is something that I am proud of and is something I will always do and always enjoy, but at the same time it would be nice to have another asset and help the team in another way.

What advice would you give to aspiring student athletes?

Make the most of every minute you have. Whether it be on the court, off the court, or in the classroom. Learn everything you can while you are there. Continue to work hard because there is someone always better in every area in your life. In that respect, don't ever stop working hard because at the moment you stop there is someone getting better than you.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Sleep most of the time. When I am not sleeping, I like to go to movies (action/drama) and sit and talk with my friends. With my schedule being so hectic, I don't get a chance to sit down and talk with people and learn a lot about and from them. What I have learned the most here at Duke is from other people, not in the classroom or the court. It has been interacting with other people.

What is your favorite food?

Any kind of pasta

What is your favorite color?

White

What is your favorite television show?

Don't have one. It seems like I don't have time watching television

If you could go to anywhere in the world where would it be?

Home

What are your other hobbies?

I draw

What would you like to do after you time at Duke?

Make a difference somewhere. As of late, I have been considering law school. Honestly, next year if I don't spend most of my time playing I would like to take a year off and read. I didn't ever really understand the benefit of reading up until now and I would love to have the chance to read all the things I have never had a chance to read.

What is something that most people don't know about you or would not suspect?

I think there are a lot of things people don't know about me because I am so private. I have an overweight dog. He is a dachshund/beagle mix.

What is your most memorable basketball moment so far?

Winning the NCAA East Regionals as a sophomore (hopes to have something to surpass it this year).

What word best describes your game?

Relentless

What do you miss most about home?

My family. I miss my parents and sisters.

Up Close with Duke Women's Basketball Player Rochelle Parent

Players Mentioned

Rochelle Parent

Georgia Schweitzer

Duke information

Up Close with Duke Women's Basketball Player Rochelle Parent

Related News

Players Mentioned

Rochelle Parent

Georgia Schweitzer

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Duke information