It isn't often that sweet-natured, aspiring child educators have killer crossovers.
But Hollie Cook, a budding star at UB, is one of the stars of the women's basketball team.
A 19-year-old Horseheads, N.Y. native, Cook started playing the game she loves most in the sixth grade. She later played high school ball at Horseheads High School, where as a senior, she led her team to the state championship finals while averaging an impressive 22 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.3 steals and 5.4 assists per game.
In addition to basketball, Cook was active in soccer, volleyball, lacrosse and swimming. She was recruited to play lacrosse and basketball by a number of schools, but she eventually chose to play hoops at Buffalo.
Cook, who averaged 5.4 points, six assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in her freshman season at UB, thinks that the main difference between high school and college basketball is the level of intensity.
"At the collegiate level, everyone wants to play and give 100 percent - everyone around you has the desire to play," said Cook. "Playing against other good players elevates your game and makes you a better team player."
A defensive-minded player, Cook sets goals for herself every game and knows that although she is one of the leaders of the team, there is room for improvement.
"Offensively, I see the floor pretty well, and my defense isn't bad either - and since I'll be playing a lot of the point, I have to cut down on my number of turnovers," said Cook. "I try to set goals for myself, such as making three steals in a game. Stats aren't really that important to me, though, so if I play good defense and don't score, it wouldn't bother me as long as we win the game."
Cook's pre-game ritual consists of listening to the same music before every game. "I'm not superstitious, but I just listen to the CD, which has mostly rap and some old AC/DC on it, and it gets me pumped up for the game."
Off the court, Cook enjoys spending time with her friends, going out to dinner and watching movies.
Her favorite dish is chicken parmesan, and it only seems fitting that she also loves to cook.
"I've made Thanksgiving dinner since I was eight years old, because both of my parents usually worked that day, my mother as a head nurse and my stepfather as a welder, so I had to learn how to cook," said Cook
Hollie wants to be an elementary school teacher, as she loves children, but she would consider becoming a high-school basketball coach as well.
A lover of music, Cook listens to different types of music, as her vast list of favorite artists includes 50 Cent, Eminem, AC/DC, Maxwell and Alicia Keys. Her favorite shows include "Punk'd" and "Friends," her favorite movie is "Kiss the Girls" and her favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan.
Cook has high hopes for her team, as she thinks they have a lot of talent and a chance to go far in the upcoming season.
"I really think that we're a great group of players that have a lot of potential, and if we work hard all season, and we're able to stay healthy, we can win the MAC."
You can show your support for Hollie and the rest of the women's basketball team as they open their season at home on Friday, November 21 at 6 p.m. in a men's and women's doubleheader against the Canisus Golden Griffins.
Five Random Questions:
1) Who was your role model growing up and why?
My mother was my role model, as she raised four kids practically on her own. In our hometown of Horseheads, which is very small, she's well respected by everyone. We're also extremely close, as I feel like I can tell her anything.
2) Who was your favorite "Sesame Street" character growing up?
I would have to say that Cookie Monster was my favorite character, because that was my nickname all throughout high school. I really didn't watch "Sesame Street," though. I watched "G.I. Joe" instead, because I was a complete tomboy growing up, seeing as I had two brothers who always watched it.
3) If you could date any celebrity, who would it be?
LL Cool J, definitely because of the lips - I've always loved him.
4) What do you think of UB's biggest fan, Jon Amitrano?
I definitely love that kid, and I don't even know him personally. He just really lights us up as a team, and he's absolutely hilarious. This one game, he was calling this girl from the other team "Rat Tail," don't ask me why, but he later got kicked out of the arena. We actually saw the security guard go up to him and take him out, it was really funny. I usually don't hear exactly what he's saying, though.
5) What's the biggest difference between you and the average person?
I think that because I'm an athlete, I have a lot of desire, heart, and motivation. I'm also more positive than most people. Even if we have a five-hour practice, I still want to be there, and I don't think many people can say that about themselves.
