Amiyah Ferguson knew she wanted to play basketball at the highest level when she was just seven or eight years old. For this Saint Stephen, South Carolina native, it was the games with her brothers and matches against other boys in rec league that shaped her game on the floor and quickly ignited a deep love for basketball within her. It all clicked. With certainty, Amiyah knew this was the sport she wanted to pursue in the years to come with hopes of one day playing in the WNBA. It was only up from there. Throughout her time in middle school and high school, Amiyah continued to strengthen her skills on the court and also began to foster her personal legacy in the space—leading the team to a region championship for the first time in 11 years, earning a McDonald's All-American nomination, and becoming one of the leading scorers in school's history throughout her time at Timberland High School. Even with these incredible accomplishments, she remained focused. She kept her eyes on the prize. Currently in her freshman year at California State University, Northridge, Amiyah is thrilled about the opportunities that this new chapter in her basketball career holds; and is looking forward to working towards her childhood dream of playing in the WNBA one day. Along with this, she is also excited to use her platform to make a positive impact on other people's lives and give back to her community in the years to come.
Let's talk about taking that next step and embarking on your career in college. First, what were some things that drew you to Cal State, Northridge?
The coaching staff. The coaching staff definitely played a big part in me coming here. When I (came) on my official visit, they made it clear that they wanted me, they needed me, and I fit their playing style. I like to play fast. I like to get a lot of my offensive game from the defensive end. I like to get after it. I like to guard people 94 feet. I just fit everything that they had said about me, so it was just a dream.
How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
I really think it was good. I really adapted well with the physicality and the speed. The only adjustment that I was making was just getting to know a different staff, you know? Learning how they like to do things, seeing what they wanted from me, and even what they wanted from the team. Just learning the staff, getting to know them, and communicating with them. Then, it's a different level. In high school, practices were different—the coaches handled things way more differently than how they do in college—so just adjusting to that (as well).
As you begin your freshman year and reflect back on that transition from high school to college, what were some challenges that you faced early on and how have you worked to navigate through those?
I'm just playing through mistakes. You know, it's OK to make mistakes. I feel like in high school I did it well. In college (though), I feel like I made the expectations for myself way higher than before, so just making sure I'm picking up my head after a mistake—not looking back in the past or what happened a play or two ago, but just continuing to move forward consistently—has been (key).
As you begin your collegiate career, what are some personal goals that you have?