Today’s Notable Young Professional is Canadian Women’s National Basketball Team member Kia Nurse, a young star on the team that will complete at this year’s Pan Am Games in Toronto. We caught up with her to find out what inspired her journey to become a professional athlete and where she spends the most of her time on the Internet…
[ad_bb1]
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I play basketball for the Canadian Women’s Senior National Team and at the University of Connecticut.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
My biggest inspiration was my family. I come from a family of athletes who have been successful in their respective sports. They are and always have been in my eyes the coolest people on Earth and I wanted to be just like them, especially my big sister who I grew up watching play basketball.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I’d have to say our 2014 fifth place finish at the World Championship with Team Canada, and winning a NCAA national championship in 2015 with UCONN.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself continuing to push myself to play at the highest levels of basketball, hopefully including an Olympics or two. Twenty years might be pushing my body a little overboard to continue playing, so I hope to continue to work within sport… perhaps as a coach. I would love to inspire young athletes to explore the world of sport and all it has to offer.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Test your limits. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you step out of your comfort zone. And never forget to love what you’re doing and have fun. When you’re enjoying it you are performing at your best.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I am not currently associated with any particular charities, however I would encourage people to give to their local charities. In the future, I hope to use sport as a way to give back to the community.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
One major challenge I’ve had to overcome in my career has been homesickness. I moved away from home to attend UCONN and throughout the summers I travel with the National Team, which leaves minimal time at home. FaceTime has helped me overcome the obstacle, but my parents and family members are also my biggest supporters and travel to watch games whenever possible.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
When I hear ‘notable’, I think of something that is that is worth some attention, noticeable, and prominent.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Locke Street in Hamilton. It has so many great little restaurants with great food. It’s also a very relaxing place to walk around, look at the little shops, and grab some dessert.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Netflix is my most visited website. I consider myself a professional binge Netflix watcher. Right now the most played song on my phone is “Lean On” by Major Lazer and DJ Snake. Every time it plays I automatically start jamming out.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Ellen DeGeneres because she always has hilarious tweets about events in pop culture; always puts a smile on my face.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
My favourite country to visit is France. I think the sightseeing there is so beautiful, the food is great, and I am able to pick up on some of the language. My next destination is the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, but hopefully if all goes well it will be Rio in 2016.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I mainly fear missing out on family time and big events in the family. With my schedule as hectic as it is, there are times when I am not able to make it home. Sometimes I wish there was time when I could spend more time with my family members. I know this may only get more difficult as I continue my career and live in more places.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I wish I didn’t spend so much money on hair products, and spent more on clothing.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Maximizing your abilities and your opportunities.
[ad_bb2]