University of Maryland Athletics

Hawa Doumbouya Lifestyle shoot
Mackenzie Miles/Maryland Terrapins

Women's Basketball

Q&A with Hawa Doumbouya

UMTerps.com sat down with Maryland Women's Basketball's Hawa Doumbouya to get to know her on and off the court. Check out her answers below as she gears up for her freshman season.

What made you choose Maryland?
I wanted to be coached by Coach B.

Are you the oldest, youngest, middle, or only child?
I am a middle child - I have two older siblings and a younger sibling.
 
When did you start playing basketball, and what was your inspiration for starting?
I started playing basketball in sixth grade. I saw people playing on TV. I was already really tall, so my brother and I went down the street for $20 and just started playing.

What do you think your biggest strength is as an incoming freshmen, what aspect are you hoping to improve on the most in your college career?
I think my biggest strength is being coachable. An aspect I can improve on is, what anyone can improve on, my game. I want to stay consistent and be a sponge. I want to absorb all the information and apply it. 

What type of music do you listen to before the game? Could you give us a suggestion?
Adele, Beyonce or Jhene Aiko - I like to listen to soft, soothing music with people who have very nice soft voices so it can just calm my nerves. Adele is my go-to artist, especially her new album. "Go Easy On Me" is my go-to song.

What is your favorite or most memorable moment from your high school career?
The year we won a championship, but not the title game.. The semifinal game. The second half is when I went off and took over the game, so I could take my team to the championship. We tried for two years and couldn't get there, but that time we did.

How do you anticipate building chemistry and camaraderie within the team?
I don't think that I have to anticipate anything because we all just get along so well that it comes naturally. Everything we do is just organic and it just flows.

How have you been preparing for the transition from high school basketball to college basketball? Are there any specific aspects of your game that you have been focusing on improving?
Getting in shape and getting stronger mentally and physically. Learning the game more as I go.
  Are there any professional players that you look up to or try to emulate in your playing style?
Not specifically. I feel like you have to make your game about your game. You can try to copy someone else's game, it won't work. I can see a move someone did and recognize that. I do look up to Aliyah Boston. We have similar body frames - she's real big and i'm real big. She's just a bucket.

Outside of basketball, what are your hobbies and interests?
I love clothes and fashion. I'm really into fashion, clothes,shoes and accessories - all of it. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions that you follow? Any unusual ones?
I just try to pray. I just try to pray before the game and even after, no matter what the outcome is. I pray for myself, my team, the opposing team and everyone in the stands because you never know what is going to happen.

Do you have any funny or interesting nicknames that your previous teammates or friends have given you?
I have one, Hawa D, because my last name is really long. Some people try to call me Howie, but I understand where that comes from. My family calls me "Eva" because Hawa means Eve in Arabic.

If you had to choose one basketball player, past or present, to be your teammate in a 2-on-2 tournament, who would it be and why?
Probably Isaiah Thomas or Chris Paul because they are really good facilitators. I could just get in the post and post-up and I know they'll find me. I, also, know they can get to a bucket, too. On the women's side, I would probably go with Arike Ogunbowale because she's a bucket, too.

If you were to organize a team bonding activity or event, what would it be?
I would have to say staying in the house, watching old school movies like Love and Basketball or White Men Can't Jump. 

Are there any unusual or unique skills or talents you have off the basketball court that people might not know about?
I can write with either hand.
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Players Mentioned

Hawa Doumbouya

#20 Hawa Doumbouya

C
6' 7"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Hawa Doumbouya

#20 Hawa Doumbouya

6' 7"
Freshman
C