#22 Clara Djoko
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height: 6-0
Position: Forward/Guard
Hometown: Entzheim, France
Major: Business Economics
 
How did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball because of my two older brothers. They both played so I was always in the gym. When I was about seven years old I kind of just followed them and started playing too.
 
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Before basketball I did gymnastics for two years.
 
When did you know you wanted to come to the United States to pursue basketball and academics?
I wanted to come to the United States since I was about 15 years old. My brother was here playing at Northern Kentucky so I watched a lot of his games and was really impressed. After that, I knew I wanted to experience the same thing.
 
How did you find out about UC Irvine?
My coach knew the coaches and program here at UC Irvine so she introduced me. After that, I came here for a visit and I committed.
 
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
The coaching staff. I really liked them.
 
How has your time at UCI been so far?
I really like the University, the city and the team. Everything is good here.
 
Did your parents play sports?
They didn't play basketball, but my father played soccer and my mother was a dancer.
 
How important has your family been in getting you to this point in your career?
Very important. They have been supporting me since I was young, so they are happy about where I am at now.
 
What has been your most memorable basketball moment so far?
I would say a game from when I was about 15 years old. It was a semifinal and we weren't supposed to win but we did. We were really happy because it was against a big team.
 
What has been the biggest adjustment for you making the move to Irvine?
Probably the language. At the beginning, it wasn't easy but right now it's good. I really had to work hard at learning English before I came out here.
 
Where do you see yourself four years from now?
After college I would like to keep playing basketball professionally.