WASHINGTON (April 25, 2023) - Howard University senior journalism major, Spanish minor Badi Cross sat down with graduating senior Brooklynn Fort-Davis (Chicago) to discuss her experience at HU and time with the women's basketball team.
 
Q: What made you fall in love with basketball?
A: So, my cousin played basketball, but I never wanted to play basketball. I wanted to be a cheerleader and play the guitar, but I went to one of her games and I saw her. I immediately fell in love with basketball and I wanted to do it myself.
 
Q: Who do you model your game after?
A: I would probably say Candace Parker (WNBA Champion) and probably a more modern, A'ja Wilson (WNBA Champion) because they are forwards who know how to put the ball on the floor and able to shoot, so they are not one-dimensional. I have a lot of different skills. I can be put in multiple positions and they are similar players.
 
Q: What made you want to come to Howard?
A: So, in my recruiting process, I did not really hear from HBCUs. But when I got on campus, the band was playing, the environment was just very friendly and welcoming and I immediately knew that this was the place for me. It felt good to be around people who look like me.
 
Q: What (or who) will you miss the most once you graduate?
A: It is hard because I have made so many good relationships with coaches, teammates and people on campus. But I would say my teammate Kaniyah Harris.
 
Kaniyah and I have been roommates for two years now. We have the same birthday, so we spent a lot of time together. I had Thanksgiving at Kaniyah's house with her family. So, not only will I miss Kaniyah, but her family unit as well. They brought me in when I was trying to still get acclimated and comfortable at Howard.
 
Q: How did you handle stepping into the role of being a leader as a senior this year?
A: My coaches challenged me since I stepped onto campus. When I was a freshman, I said, "The next few years, when the freshmen come in, I'm going to make them feel loved and welcomed. I want them to feel supported because it's hard to be in college and be away from your family."
 
So, for me, I could see myself in their shoes at 18 years old and I wanted them to like feel loved and prepared, which motivated me. Also, with me being a senior this year and my teammates are a little younger, I mentored them because this is ultimately their team now.
 
So, with me being gone, they must step up. If you want to step on the court, act like it. I was motivated by leaving that legacy. They are all good people and when you are surrounded by good people, you want them to be great.
 
Q: Who is the biggest role model in your life?
A: I would say my mom. When I need to vent or advice, she is there. She never denies me support. She has been with me during this whole process. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old and she bought my shoes and shorts from the first day.
 
She always poured into me. So, I look up to her because she has always been a hard worker. So, I got my grit from her.
 
Q: What is your advice to future Bison?
A: My advice is to set goals and constantly remind yourself of those goals. That way, you can look back on your career and be proud. You do not want to look back on your career and regret not achieving those goals and not doing things that you set out to achieve. And just have fun because time does go by very fast.
 
And lastly, trust your process. Do not compare yourself to other people. If you are happy for others and you clap for others, then when your time comes, it will come. And if you do not clap for others, your time will never come and your journey will be a little different. So, just keep your eyes on the course.
 
Q: What has been your fondest memory at Howard?
A: I would say recently when I hit the game-winning shot in the conference tournament semi-final round. That was probably one of my best moments because everybody hugged me and started picking me up. I almost cried, so that's one of my best moments.
 
Q: How do you feel like you have improved?
A: My freshman year I came in a little feisty because I had always been better and taller than people. But I was okay with just being average. Being here, I worked on my attitude and I have developed into a bigger leader. I probably was leading without even knowing, but I was more conscious about my leading because I knew that people were watching me.
 
I learned how to not quit, but it has not always been easy. I had to work for a lot of things like playing time and I had to get respect from my opponents. I earned those accolades my senior year. So, I would say that I just got tougher and smarter and I became a more effective leader.
 
Q: Do you have any rituals pre-game, post-game or in the locker room?
A: Before the game, my nerves are always bad, so I try to do things to distract me. So, I will bother my teammates and listen to music. For the most part, I'm talking to my teammates so I can recenter myself and get back into the moment. I'm still thinking about the game, but I'm trying to calm my nerves down.
 
Before the game, I must listen to "Turn My Swag On" by Soulja Boy (American Rapper). I must turn my swag on, so I turn this song on every game. I cannot eat too close to the game – I have a sensitive stomach – and I must have some form of caffeine, or it's going to be a long night (lol).
 
After each game, Kaniyah and I go back and we reflect on the game.
 
Q: How was it with Jordan Brand coming in this last year?
A: I was grateful that I was able to experience it because we were Under Armor for three out of my four years. We were getting some love like the big schools.
 
Q: What are your plans post-grad?
A: Right now, I'm looking at grad schools. I ultimately want to go into either occupational therapy or be a physician assistant. I have not decided which school I am attending yet, but I have one more year until I apply.
 
During that time, I am getting my Master of Science or Master of Public Health. I am still in the process of finding what I can master in that will not take me off of my ultimate goal.
 
About Brooklynn:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
  • Major: Biology
    • Minor: Psychology and Chemistry double minor
• Academic Accomplishments:
  • 2022 MEAC Conference All-Academic Team
  • Dean's List
• Athletic Accomplishments:
  • 2021-22 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champion
  • 2022-23 All-Conference Third Team

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.