Mimi Collins started playing basketball in the fifth grade and immediately liked it. For this Slidell, Louisiana native, this was a surprise. A surprise that came after trying out an array of other sports growing up and failing to like any of them; but one that ignited a deep commitment in her to embark on a journey of her own in the game. She was on a mission. As Mimi began learning more and more about the sport, she solidified her love for the game. From attending basketball camps in West Virginia to participating in tournaments every summer, she continued to strengthen her skills on the floor. This was just the start. Throughout her time in high school, at Paul VI, Mimi elevated her basketball IQ further and left her imprint on the game—earning a series of accolades including a McDonald’s All-American honor and Jordan Brand Classic selection. It was only up from there. Upon graduation, she began her collegiate career at the University of Tennessee and played a season there before transferring to the University of Maryland. She hasn't looked back since. After her time at Maryland, Mimi transferred to NC State—where she recently wrapped up her first season. As she looks back on her collegiate career thus far, Mimi reflects on some of the things that have attributed to her success throughout this journey. From her work ethic to her drive to her commitment to maintaining the joy for the game at the forefront of it all, Mimi is excited to embrace the experiences ahead.
Let’s start with your journey early on in college! What were some challenges that you faced early on and how did you work to overcome them?
I would say putting everything all together—offensively and defensively. In college, and even in the pros, you can't be one-dimensional. So for me, it was trying to put on my overall versatile game but also doing everything on both ends of the floor. Coming in, you know, it was learning that in college it’s kind of different from what it is in high school. In high school, you could be one-dimensional; but in college I feel like that's kind of not allowed in a sense (*laughs*).
After your time at Maryland, you transferred to NC State—where you recently wrapped up your first season. Could you share a little bit more with us about your journey there?
It was a smooth transition. I just wanted to try to stretch my overall game, be as versatile as possible, while also just bettering myself education-wise—opening myself up for more opportunities for myself in the future. I think it was just me trying to make a big girl decision from there, trying to see what my overall future is like, and what I want to do next.
"I would say my basketball IQ. Coach Moore just opened that up. He was like: “I know you can score. I know you can play defense and everything else. Now it's teaching the game itself.” I think I have (elevated) more as a true basketball player overall—not just from a skill standpoint, but from an IQ standpoint. What NC State has to offer drew me…just having the sold out crowds, the nice arenas, the nice campus, everybody here is so loving and well-connected. It was just an overall ‘YES’ for me."
- Mimi on some things that drew her to NC State and how her game has elevated throughout here time there.
Love that! Throughout this journey, what are some things that you have learned about yourself?
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