Sept. 4, 2014
SAN DIEGO -
Khristina Hunter is a senior forward for the San Diego State women's basketball team. A native of Fairfield, California, Hunter emerged as one of the premier post players in the Mountain West in her first year as a full-time starter in 2013-14, ranking sixth among the conference leaders in field-goal percentage (.476), total rebounds (6.9/gm) and offensive boards (2.8/gm). In the Aztecs' home win over Air Force last January, the three-time letterwinner posted the second of her three double-doubles on the year with a career-high tying 20 points to go with a personal-best 17 rebounds. Recently, Hunter took time away from her busy schedule to talk about her game, the team and life as a student-athlete.
Describe your game. Can you assess your strengths and areas to work on?
Six-foot-one post with powerful back-to-the basket moves and always willing to shoot the mid-range if the defense dares to play off. Versatile post player who isn't afraid to fill in the guard spot. Not only skilled physically but mentally as well. Able to pick up plays and execute them from any spot and able to know and study opponent for upcoming games. Some areas to work on would be handling the ball as a point guard and not just as a post player dribbling.
This will be your second season working with head coach Stacie Terry and her staff. What has been the biggest improvement in your game since Coach Terry arrived?
My biggest improvement would be my confidence. Confidence plays a key role in being able to perform and since Coach Terry arrived, I am able to execute my talent and show why I was recruited to come to SDSU.
How does a young woman from the Bay Area make the adjustment to San Diego?
Making the adjustment to San Diego was very easy. I am used to the city life and the weather is perfect here.
Do you have a favorite place to visit in San Diego?
My favorite place to visit in San Diego when I am in the mood to workout would be Cowles Mountain. It is a fun hike and if you want to turn up the workout, throw on a weight vest and you'll start to feel the sweat trickling down your back.
What do you love about San Diego State? Where is your favorite hangout on campus between classes and practice ... and why?
I love how big San Diego State is, and I never run into the same person twice in one day. My favorite spot to hangout is in our locker room because there is cable TV, a microwave and a fridge for snacks.
What other interests or hobbies do you have?
I am very interested in health and helping people and being able to learn about different disorders and diseases that are affecting people's lives.
Superstitions are different for every player, what are some of yours prior to a game?
Prior to the game, I always to talk to my dad via phone call or text message. If I don't get to talk to him and hear his pregame speech, I feel worried and feel that something is just off. After the game, I have to talk to him as well. He has to be the last person I talk to before a game and the first person I talk to after.
What advice would you give to a high school student looking to be a college athlete?
Some advice I would give a high school student looking to be a Division I college athlete is to simply work hard. Many people say it but don't know what it consists of. Yes you have to run hard, practice hard and go to school, but that is not the only thing I believe that covers hard work. You need to be able to sleep, eat and breathe this lifestyle, and it is not for the weak-minded. Hard work means getting up early to see the trainer, getting shots up, staying on top of your school work, going to class, taking care of your body to prevent injury and if you are injured, taking the steps needed to rehab. Outside of basketball, you also need to work hard in keeping up with your rent, bills, groceries, and any other responsibilities you have. If you have a dentist appointment on a Saturday morning, which is a day off, don't get lazy and reschedule for a Tuesday during practice time because you want that Saturday to lollygag around. That is the best advice for a high school kid looking to take my spot!
What has been the most rewarding part of being a member of the Aztec basketball family here at SDSU?
The most rewarding part of being a member of the Aztec basketball family is the support I have received from the staff. I can honestly say that I have felt a tremendous amount of support with my expression of the careers I want to pursue. Even though I am on scholarship at SDSU, the staff has supported me in my outside interests 100 percent!