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Penn State Brandywine's Nikki Velez.
Penn State Brandywine's Nikki Velez.
Penn State Brandywine's Nikki Velez.
Posted: Apr 23, 2020

Senior Spotlight: Nikki Velez, Penn State Brandywine

Welcome to our Senior Spotlight. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the PSUAC had to cancel its spring sport seasons. This prevented several student-athletes from receiving a proper senior day and minimized opportunities for Player of the Week awards. In its place, we will highlight seniors from around the conference throughout the remainder of the semester. Two-sport star Nikki Velez of Penn State Brandywine is up next!

See more Senior Spotlight highlights on our Twitter (@psuac) and Instagram (psuacsports)!

 

Name: Nikki Velez

Campus: Penn State Brandywine

Sport: Softball & Women's Basketball

Primary Position: Shortstop

Hometown/High School: Gloucester City, N.J./ Gloucester City High School

Major: Psychology

Academic & Athletic Achievements:

PSUAC All-Academic Team

1st Team All PSUAC Junior Year

100 Hits

USCAA Women's Basketball Division II Player of the Year

 

Q&A

  1. What has been your favorite memory while participating in athletics at your campus?
    • My favorite memory while participating in Brandywine athletics would definitely have to be winning the PSUAC championship two years back to back for basketball and going to nationals and then winning softball PSUAC Championship 3/3 years and going to nationals.
  1. What impact did athletics have on your experience as a college student?
    • Athletics at Brandywine played a huge role for my experience as a college student. They allowed me to form relationships with my teammates that I will cherish forever. I have met my best friends while participating on athletic teams. In addition to friendships athletics allowed me to step out of my shell. I remember my freshman year I was so nervous I did not want to talk to anyone. By playing a sport it made it easier for me to talk to people on the team and even people on our campus.
  1. Are there teammates, coaches or family members you would like to thank for having a positive impact on your playing career?
    • I would like to thank all of my teammates I’ve had from my freshman year to now. There were times where we would butt heads or disagree on things but when time came to step on the field we put those things behind us and played the game. I would like to thank my basketball coaches (Larry, Lynelle, Jessy, Jilly) and softball coaches (Mark and Lindsey). My coaches in both basketball and softball helped me become the player I am today and even better the person I am today. One memory that sticks out in my head is during my freshman year basketball we were going into overtime. I looked to Coach Lynelle and said that means sudden death, first basket wins right? She looked at me and smiled and said “this is going to be a long four years with you.” Then boom four years went by in a blink of an eye. A softball memory I have is this year at Florida. I just came back from basketball and jumped right into softball. I played in a game and made a defensive stop. Only thing I heard was “Golden Glove is back like she never left.” Coach Mark always knew how to boost my self-confidence. In addition to my coaches I would like to thank the athletic department at Brandywine (Bobbi, Jeff, Myeisha, Monica and Spencer). Without them in my corner and always being there to listen to my problems and any concerns I have I don’t think I would’ve survived college. They would brighten my day up with snacks, a quick talk or just a joke. Especially Spencer he was always the one to hear me complain the most. Lastly, I would like to thank my family especially My mom. My family has supported me since day 1 of my college experience. However, my mom did not miss one basketball game my senior year and softball (in that short time span). She would drive my little brother to every game with her during my senior year. Of course, my other family members, like my sister Kathie losing her voice during my games in many occasions supported me, my dad being always telling me to lose my attitude and just play the game, but no one supported me the way my mom did. I am forever grateful for what she has done for me during my 4 years at Penn State Brandywine.