NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt women's basketball team is adding seven freshman to its program for the 2019-20 season.
The diverse recruiting class was ranked ninth nationally by Blue Star Report.
This series will introduce and connect you with the newcomers before they even step onto the court for the Commodores.
Our first Q&A is with Yaubryon Chambers from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Why Vanderbilt?
I finished my recruiting process with a total of 19 offers and I just felt blessed to have the opportunity to play at the next level regardless of what schools offered me. My mental note through the entire process was that I wanted to give every college a thorough and fair consideration before making my final decision. At times it became overwhelming because I struggled to juggle communicating with the coaches and making sure I fell in love with the school itself first. That is why the offer from Vanderbilt stuck out to me in a way that no other college did. While the fact that I get to play in the SEC is huge, I chose Vanderbilt because it puts me on a path to success on and off the court. I get to attend a prestigious university and I get to be apart of a growing basketball program that truly sees my potential. What more can you ask for as a collegiate student-athete?
What makes you most excited about living in Nashville?
I genuinely like Nashville! There are so many cool sites to see and, my personal favorite, restaurants to eat at. Sometimes it feels a little crowded when you go downtown, but that’s only because there’s always an event going on somewhere! I look forward to getting to experience some more of the things that Nashville has to offer once I get to the West End!
When you get to declare a major, what are you thinking about?
On my official visit at Vandy I got to check out the Cinema Media and Arts program. I immediately knew that it was the field I wanted to study in. I’ve always been fascinated by what happens on both sides of the camera, as well as the theatre, and how the combination of music and dance affects both areas. I want to learn about what goes into making movies, stage plays and any other form of cinematic art I can use to make my audience feel something special.
How did you get started playing basketball?
There was a point in time when I had no clue that women’s basketball even existed. I started out playing with a men’s basketball in the back yard with my dad, brother and his friends. I didn’t get introduced to organized basketball until seventh grade. I will never forget walking into tryouts and asking coach why the basketball was so small. He was so surprised. Examining the ball, I saw one word, and number: Wilson and 28.5. This is where it all started.
What do you love so much about the sport?
Basketball is unlike anything I’ve ever known. After I watch a superhero movie, I can’t help but wish I could fly, have super speed or even super strength, but when I play basketball I feel like I have all of those things. When you work hard at it outside of games and practices you reap the benefits in the game. You even get a cool costume like the superheroes, but we just call them uniforms. Not everyone in the movies can have superpowers, and in the same way not everyone is blessed with the ability to play basketball. That is why I cherish and love the sport so much.
Do you have any superstitions?
Yes! I must wear my leg sleeves every game, listen to my pregame songs and have a fruit cup at halftime.
If you weren’t playing basketball, what sport would you be playing?
Definitely volleyball! It was my first sport, and if I would’ve stuck with it I would have been cold (really good)!
What is one secret talent you have?
I can sing. It’s not really a secret, but it’s something I may not always broadcast.
When you aren’t on the court what’s something you like to do for fun?
I absolutely love musicals whether they’re movies or plays. I spent a lot of my free time watching them or just listening to the soundtracks. Movies and plays would not be the same without some kind of musical element.
