Corina Lindsey ‘21 is a Biology major from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She is a captain of the women’s basketball team, the founder of the Strong Girls U program, and a member of the  Sigma Delta Tau sorority. 

Q: Can you briefly explain how you got started in your sport and what was your experience like before Union?

I started when I was in elementary school. My older brother played too so it was kind of our family thing. As I got older I started loving it more and more and started realizing that basketball was something I wanted to do for as long as I could. I played AAU, which is travel basketball, and it allowed me to travel all over the country while competing at a high level. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many people and it allowed me to grow so much. 

Q: How has your athletic experience been at Union and what is the difference between your prior experience and college?

Basketball at Union is a much bigger commitment than basketball in high school. It is an everyday thing all year round from lift to film to practice to team bonding and more. It takes a lot of time management skills and sheer determination to be a student-athlete especially at such a high academic school like Union. This was a big adjustment for me but something I learned quickly because you didn’t really have a choice. It made me grow a lot. 

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

I have a Spotify playlist that I listen to before games to pump me up and I usually call or text my dad before every game for a little pep talk.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about the sport?

I love being able to work with my team towards a common goal and how team-oriented basketball is- you win and you lose together. I also love the adrenaline rush from the game and I truly love competing.

Q: What has been the highlight of your athletic career so far?

Being voted captain- it was important to me that my team and coaches thought I would be a good leader 

Q: What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about your sport?

It is a really competitive mental and physical game. It is not as easy as it looks and not everyone can just pick up a ball and play at a high level. 

Q:  How do you think basketball has influenced your experience at Union?

Playing basketball at Union influenced my entire experience. I can’t imagine attending Union without it! It has led to long-lasting friendships and countless opportunities to discover new things and really grow as a person. Basketball has allowed me to grow as a leader and strengthen my teamwork skills I will need after I leave Union. It has given me the confidence to conquer my fears and be ready for what comes next. I am grateful for the opportunity to play here.

Q: What will you miss about being on a team at Union?

I’ll miss being around my team 24/7, they are truly what made my basketball experience so great at Union. They are my family and I am going to miss them always being around to make me laugh.

Q: Any advice to younger athletes?

Don’t take anything for granted! You never know what will happen. I never imagined that my basketball career would end the way it did due to COVID. Enjoy your time and play like it’s the last time you will ever play because you don’t want to look back and say you wish you had done more.

Q: What is your favorite thing to eat on campus?

Probably a late-night burger and shake from Skeller.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Union?

I love the Union community! Especially the overall support from my professors, advisors, coaches, teammates, and others in the Union Community.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Schenectady and why?

I am a big Druthers fan! I am obsessed with their bbq mac and cheese!

Q. What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

My distant cousin Ben Vereen is a tony-award winning actor. He is also Usher’s godfather.

Q.  Who or what serves as your biggest inspiration?

This one is hard, I can’t say one person cause I think each member of my family serves as my biggest inspiration in their own way. I get my strength from my dad, my kindness from my mom, and my determination from my brother. They all inspire me to be the best version of myself.  

Q.  Do you have any post-graduation plans?

I am planning on going to physician assistant school.