Q&A with Jakia Brown Turner

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

What were the factors that attracted you to our team and university?
I value this a lot. I am from Maryland so this has been my dream school. Being here makes me want to give it my all and help my team in any way that I can.

Maryland has a great environment. It has a great campus with a lot of resources. You will get an athletics side and a family side while being here.

What do you plan on bringing to our team on and off the court?
I want to be a leader and continue to encourage my teammates.

What is your favorite thing about Coach Frese?
She is caring. She always asks how you are doing. She knows I am going to work hard, but just knowing that she cares about us is big.

If you had to guess, what would you say you're known for on the team?
Scoring - you know just shooting, scoring and being a fun teammate.

Are there any professional players that you look up to or try to emulate in your playing style?
She is retired now but I loved watching Maya Moore. Basically all left-handed guards like Kelsey Plum. Those are a couple players that I like to watch.

Outside of basketball, what are your hobbies and interests?
One of my hobbies is doing hair. I love to do my hair and other people's hair.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions that you follow? Any unusual ones?
I am definitely superstitious. I have the same routine before every game and practices. I just like listening to music.

Do you have any funny or interesting nicknames that your previous teammates or friends have given you? How did they come about?
Allie [Kubek] started calling me KiKi which is cute… I like it. Mainly, people call me JBT and Kia (Kee-yah).

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?
Lebron James because he is my favorite player and the greatest of all time.

If you were to organize a team bonding activity or event, what would it be and why?
I'm not sure why this popped in my head but I would say getting everyone on paddle boats - in the water, just paddling together. I feel like it's fun and it really takes team bonding being able to move the boat.

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