From the Top: Melodie Kapinga
November 04, 2019 | Women's Basketball, Features
The UC Irvine women's basketball team has a lot to look forward to this season. While the schedule offers plenty of challenges, the Anteaters are coming off the third 20-win season in program history and will look to a mix of veterans and newcomers to improve on the results from a year ago.
After missing last season with an injury, redshirt freshman Melodie Kapinga is eager get back on the court and contribute to the team's success. The Texas native took some time before the start of the season to share her experiences in dealing with the setback, while also offering up some advice for adjusting to a new environment.
Melodie Kapinga
Women's Basketball
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Major: Education
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
An unfortunate injury kept you on the sidelines during your first year with the team. What are you most excited for this upcoming year?
Unfortunately, I tore my ACL the summer coming into my freshman year, so I'm most excited to finally step on the floor with my teammates and contribute in many different ways.
What was your experience like while rehabbing and preparing for this season?
Rehabbing was one of the many challenges I faced last year. It was a tough battle as my biggest problem was overcoming myself once I felt defeated. But, I was able to work on basic skill sets and get the feel of the game again while practicing with my team to prepare for this season.
Now that you've completed your first year, what were some of the challenges that you faced during your transition to college?
Time management was a big awakening for me and being the only freshman last year, I didn't have others to lean on in certain situations. I really had to grow in that aspect and start using a variety of things such as reminders, timers and calendars.
Do you have any advice for the incoming freshmen?
Take every opportunity to make friends. Having a good network of friends can be very beneficial in your future and also with balancing your social life and academic success. Don't forget to take some time for yourself. Make use of the resources around you such as office hours and the writing center. Your academic advisors are also there to set you up for success.
What were some of the main reasons for deciding to attend UC Irvine, and have you fully adjusted to living in southern California?
My decision for attending UC Irvine had to do with the amazing coaching staff. I fell in love with my head coach's style of play. I'm a Texas girl, so I haven't fully adjusted to living in southern California yet, and I still get noticed for my "country" accent every time I speak.
Speaking of adjustment, you were born in Central Africa and raised in Texas. What helped your family the most as you adapted to living in a different country?
We call America "The land of opportunity." What helped my family and me was knowing that where we came from, we didn't have many resources and opportunities, so coming to Texas we made sure to use every opportunity to the fullest.
You played and excelled in multiple sports in high school. Why did you end up pursuing basketball over volleyball and track?
I ended up pursing basketball because I loved the game just a little more than the other sports. All my friends played basketball as well, so it allowed us to spend even more time together.
Being fluent in both English and French, what has been the biggest benefit of being bilingual? Do you plan to learn any other languages?
Meeting different people that speak my same language that I probably wouldn't have met without it has been beneficial. I really want to learn German so I can communicate more with some family in Switzerland.
Lastly, how do you like to spend your free time outside of school and basketball? Any favorite moments from this past summer?
In my free time I like to hang out with my teammates, and cook or go catch a movie. My favorite moment from this summer was having the opportunity to explore another foreign country with my teammates. I was very grateful to explore the Japanese culture and make some life-long friends.
After missing last season with an injury, redshirt freshman Melodie Kapinga is eager get back on the court and contribute to the team's success. The Texas native took some time before the start of the season to share her experiences in dealing with the setback, while also offering up some advice for adjusting to a new environment.
Melodie Kapinga
Women's Basketball
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Major: Education
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
An unfortunate injury kept you on the sidelines during your first year with the team. What are you most excited for this upcoming year?
Unfortunately, I tore my ACL the summer coming into my freshman year, so I'm most excited to finally step on the floor with my teammates and contribute in many different ways.
What was your experience like while rehabbing and preparing for this season?
Rehabbing was one of the many challenges I faced last year. It was a tough battle as my biggest problem was overcoming myself once I felt defeated. But, I was able to work on basic skill sets and get the feel of the game again while practicing with my team to prepare for this season.
Now that you've completed your first year, what were some of the challenges that you faced during your transition to college?
Time management was a big awakening for me and being the only freshman last year, I didn't have others to lean on in certain situations. I really had to grow in that aspect and start using a variety of things such as reminders, timers and calendars.
Do you have any advice for the incoming freshmen?
Take every opportunity to make friends. Having a good network of friends can be very beneficial in your future and also with balancing your social life and academic success. Don't forget to take some time for yourself. Make use of the resources around you such as office hours and the writing center. Your academic advisors are also there to set you up for success.
What were some of the main reasons for deciding to attend UC Irvine, and have you fully adjusted to living in southern California?
My decision for attending UC Irvine had to do with the amazing coaching staff. I fell in love with my head coach's style of play. I'm a Texas girl, so I haven't fully adjusted to living in southern California yet, and I still get noticed for my "country" accent every time I speak.
Speaking of adjustment, you were born in Central Africa and raised in Texas. What helped your family the most as you adapted to living in a different country?
We call America "The land of opportunity." What helped my family and me was knowing that where we came from, we didn't have many resources and opportunities, so coming to Texas we made sure to use every opportunity to the fullest.
You played and excelled in multiple sports in high school. Why did you end up pursuing basketball over volleyball and track?
I ended up pursing basketball because I loved the game just a little more than the other sports. All my friends played basketball as well, so it allowed us to spend even more time together.
Being fluent in both English and French, what has been the biggest benefit of being bilingual? Do you plan to learn any other languages?
Meeting different people that speak my same language that I probably wouldn't have met without it has been beneficial. I really want to learn German so I can communicate more with some family in Switzerland.
Lastly, how do you like to spend your free time outside of school and basketball? Any favorite moments from this past summer?
In my free time I like to hang out with my teammates, and cook or go catch a movie. My favorite moment from this summer was having the opportunity to explore another foreign country with my teammates. I was very grateful to explore the Japanese culture and make some life-long friends.
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