As the Syracuse Orange prepares to host Pittsburgh on Thursday, January 5 (6:00 p.m. ACC Network) at the JMA Wireless Dome, we continue our Q&A series to help you get to know your Orange! In this issue, we speak to Assistant Coach and Recruitment Coordinator Kristen Sharkey.
What was it about Coach Jack that was the driving force behind wanting to continue coaching with her once she got the job at Syracuse?
KS: Her passion for young people and her ability to push them to do their best. She is a fierce winner and a tremendous leader on a consistent basis. She challenges and brings out the best in people and gives them permission to dream big. Coach Jack takes the future of our players very seriously.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
KS: Everywhere with a beach.
What Makes Syracuse/Syracuse University Special?
KS: The tradition of excellence and camaraderie of all sports here. Our alumni base is huge and they have shown themselves to us in so many ways. The community builds on our young people and supports them and this institution. You really are a part of something bigger than yourself.
What is your favorite part of basketball coaching?
KS: To see our players grow into the people they will become when they graduate. Basketball is a game, but it’s so much more than that. I also love exploring opponents and finding out their tendencies and adjusting what we can do to take them out of their game.
What do you like to do in your free time?
KS: I love the beach and being in the water. I grew up on the beach in New Jersey, so when I wasn’t playing basketball, I was into some kind of water sport.
If you hadn’t played basketball, what sport would you have loved to play in college?
KS: I would have been in the band. I grew up with a few instruments and had to give that up in high school to focus on basketball. I definitely miss making music with a group of people.
What is your fondest basketball memory as a player or coach?
KS: The 2016 MAC Championship in Buffalo. We were the 8 seed in the tournament and had a lot of ups and downs and growth throughout the season. When we got to the conference tournament, we were rolling and competing at a different level. We won the championship in the last second on the sidelines out of bounds. That moment was incredible and it was the start and spark for what we accomplished in Buffalo.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
KS: Teleport. I travel a lot to recruit staff and I’d love to just drop by somewhere.
Where would you like to travel to?
KS: Australia
Are you a morning person or a night person?
KS: Night person
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