Shayla White, Women's Basketball

The term “Basketball is Life” is not just a saying for women’s basketball senior guard, Shayla White. Basketball is her passion as she lists WNBA super-star Candace Parker as her favorite athlete and “Love and Basketball” as her favorite movie. A sports management major from Dorchester, Mass., White  is in the middle of her fourth and final year as a point guard on the women’s basketball team.  White has had a solid career on the hard-court, helping the Nighthawks to back-to-back-to-back New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) post-season appearances including their first home playoff game last winter. As a junior last season, she shattered her single-season high in points registering 263 to help the Nighthawks to their first winning conference record at 9-7. Her previous single-season high was 182 points which she recorded as a freshman. White currently finds herself ranked third in all-time assists – trailing only 2010 graduate Katelyn Mark (255) and 2005 graduate Shanisha Mitchell (207). Off the court, White has a aspirations of being a college coach one day and hopes to get into the profession starting from ground up, coaching high school basketball after graduation.

Why did you choose Newbury College?
I chose Newbury because it was close to home and the small classes. I [came] from a fairly big high school, where it was hard to get individual attention if I needed it. Overall I really liked the team and Coach Greene, and my overnight made it final for me.

Other than athletics, what else are you involved in, in the Newbury community?
This  [spring] I will be attending Alternative Spring Break, to help build houses in New Orleans.

When did you start playing basketball and what peaked your interest in the sport?
I started playing basketball when I was five. I always loved the game, but what peaked my interest was that I was finally better at something than my older brother.

In your four years at Newbury, what has been your most memorable moment both in athletics and outside?
My most memorable moment with the team was when Morganna [Machado] hit the game winning shot at the buzzer.  Everyone thought the game was over and the entire team including the fans and Nigel ran on to the floor.

What are your goals for the women’s basketball team this season?
My goals for the team this season, is to go as far as possible, which would be the NCAA tourney, because I know it is something we can do. There would be no better feeling seeing other teams confused on how we got there.

What are your plans after graduation? Future career ambitions?
My plans after graduation is to hopefully get a job as a college coach. I want to begin recruiting, and ultimately start coaching at the high school level and then work my way up.

After spending three years in Boston, what has been your favorite thing to do in Boston when not in class, at practice or a game?
My favorite thing to do in Boston, would be going to walk the city with friends.

Favorite movie:  Love and Basketball

Favorite television show: The Real World

Favorite athlete: Candace Parker

Favorite quote: "Life is a succession of lessons, which must be gone through, to be understood."