Senior forward Kristen Celsor was named to three All-American teams this season. She received a Capitol One Academic All-America award. Celsor also was GAC Player of the Year and Daktronics Central Region Player of the Year.
How does it feel to be the recipient of so many awards this season?
“I seriously did not expect anything at all. It has been a shock every time. I did not even know there were that many All-American teams out there. It is just really an honor. I don’t feel like it is deserved because there are so many other girls out there who are really talented. I’m just really honored is all I can say.”
Did you think you would be this successful when you were younger?
“In high school, I didn’t even think I was going to play in college. I didn’t get recruited until late in my senior year, and one school only recruited me. Basketball was just kind of a fun thing for me to try. It has been a blessing.”
Who is your hero/mentor?
“I’ve always looked up to my sister. I actually got my number from her because she tore her ACL her senior year of high school. I always wanted to be just like her. So I guess she is my hero in all aspects of life.”
What is something you will take away once you leave Harding?
“I have realized lately just how special Harding is. You realize when you come here how fun it is, but when it is almost over, you realize how different this place is from any other experience you would get at other colleges. You have professors who are praying for you. You have friends who will do a devo with you just because you are having a bad day. It is going to be weird to adjust to life after that. I am thankful for having that for four years.”
What is your favorite memory from your time at Harding?
“I love awkward things that happen. I am known for falling over nothing all the time on the basketball court. So I love when other people fall over nothing. It makes me feel less weird. Deshelle Isaac-Boyce fell at half court over a ball one time. It was my freshman year and I still cannot get over it. I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever seen in my life.”
Describe being a two-sport athlete.
“This is actually the first year I have not been doing two practices a day during basketball off-season. So that is really nice. People always talk to me about how it must be so stressful and hectic, but I have never known anything different. I love doing two sports because if I didn’t have something going on right now, I would be sitting in my apartment and eating. It is really nice to have something to keep me in shape. I love being a part of a team and having people around me all the time.”
What would you say to the athletes on the basketball and track teams as you are about to graduate?
“Embrace it. You don’t realize how good you have it until you don’t have it anymore. You are really blessed because you are getting paid to do something you love. You are with the coaching staff and the team, who not only are talented, but also you are working toward a common goal on and off the court. You want to be the best Christian example you can be. When you are on the court or the track field, make sure you are setting the example you want people to see. You always have little eyes watching you.”
