Basketball has been a world Kierra "Meme" Wheeler has been surrounded by for as long as she can remember. For this Minneapolis, Minnesota native, being in the gym was part of her upbringing. Learning about the ins and outs of the game, the impact it has on culture, and its ability to build community was something Meme was exposed to from an early age. It was in learning about her mother's connection to the sport and watching her three older sisters play that she recalls discovering her interest in setting out on a journey of her own in the space. This was just the beginning. As she began her career in high school, Meme worked to strengthen her skills on the floor and elevate her knowledge of the game. It was during her sophomore year though—after receiving a few looks from college programs—that she recognized the array of opportunities that could arise from the sport, and became more determined than ever to reach that next level. After graduation, Meme officially took that next step and began her collegiate career at Daytona State College before transferring to Norfolk State University. It wasn't all smooth sailing though. Throughout her time in JUCO, Meme faced a lot of adversity. From having to balance life as a student-athlete to adapting to being away from home to learning about the speed and physicality of the game at the collegiate level, there were several areas that Meme remembers having to quickly adjust to in the beginning of her JUCO career. Through it all, she persisted. She remained focused on her goal of playing at the Division I level. Before she knew it, the opportunity she had relentlessly been working towards was here. In the fall of 2022, Meme began her career at Norfolk State University. It has only been up from there!
In her first year at Norfolk State, Meme helped the team to a MEAC Women’s Basketball Championship title and was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. To Meme, these achievements were special. Not only were they a reflection of her hard work and commitment to achieving her goals, but they were also insights of what could be possible. She hasn't slowed down one bit since. This past season, Meme continued to leave her mark on the game—helping the team win another MEAC Championship title and earning the HBCU Player of the Year award recognition. Truly incredible!
Take us back to your time in high school! You had an incredible high school career—you won a state title as a freshman and entered the 1,000-point club by the end of your sophomore year. Could you tell us a little bit more about your time in high school and the experience of achieving these milestones?
It was very big. I was young and played Varsity in eighth grade, but I didn't really get to see too much of the court. I was coming off the bench. So my freshman year, I was very motivated. My older sister played on the same high school team as me (as well). You know, when you're young, you don't really know how much value there is in being in the gym and surrounding yourself around people that want to win. I feel like my eighth grade year was kind of like: “Ok, I’m still in middle school.” In ninth grade (though), my sister kind of sat me down and talked to me about stepping up and being more than a regular high schooler. That year, it was pretty much amazing for us. It was amazing to help lead my team to a state championship. It built the characteristics in me today of being able to lead. Even though we had five or six seniors on my team, I was still able to lead them with my personality and what I bring to the table.
As you look back on your time in high school, how do you think your game elevated to prepare you for the next level?
My game has elevated so much. Sometimes when I see old clips of myself I'm like: “I can't believe you thought you were so good” (*laughs*). The transition with my footwork now, it's a lot cleaner. Even my body, I've transformed my body—from my senior year to JUCO to now—and I feel like it's been a major difference. A lot of people don't know this but from 2022 to now, I've probably lost like 85 lbs.; so it was very much a drastic change to my body. You know, just my commitment to the game has changed a lot between being a young freshman not knowing my potential till now.
After you graduated high school, you started your collegiate career at Daytona State College. How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
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