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Nov. 20, 2006
Growing up as the only girl with three brothers could intimidate any female. But freshman Paulisha Kellum embraced the challenge and competitive spirit.
“I was probably six or seven,” Kellum said. “Everyone in my family played basketball, so it was kind of passed on down to me. I just learned to love the game.”
The 5-9 guard form Upper Marlboro, Md., credits her brothers with preparing her for Division I basketball.
“My toughness comes from them, because I’m always playing with them,” Kellum said. “That helped to get me mentally tough.”
With the rigors of Virginia’s schedule and ACC play, Kellum will utilize that toughness everyday. In high school, she received the starting nod at point guard as a freshman. A three-time Street & Smith’s Honorable Mention All-American and All-Met (D.C.) selection, Kellum guided Bishop McNamara High School to a No. 1 ranking by USA Today. As a senior, the Honor student was named the school’s 2006 Female Athlete of the Year after averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 4.0.
“My biggest accomplishment was starting my freshman year, getting playing time early and getting to experience big-time basketball,” Kellum shared.
Now at Virginia, she backs up junior All-ACC point guard Sharneé Zoll.
“(Sharneé’s taught me to) just be more vocal and be a better team leader,” Kellum said. “She’s always so energetic, and I like that.”
Kellum saw action in UVa’s first two games, adding eight points and two assists in 23 minutes of work. She is a member of the first class that will play all four years at the John Paul Jones Arena.
“It means a lot, starting off fresh,” Kellum said of the JPJA. “My first year, just playing in a new arena is going to be fun. (My favorite part is the) basketball court, because that’s where everyone is going to see us play.”
The freshman hopes to help the Cavaliers reach some lofty goals.
“I want to go undefeated, and I want to win all the championships in the tournaments we play,” Kellum revealed.
Head coach Debbie Ryan plans to use Kellum’s versatility in the team’s line-up.
“Paulisha Kellum is a true combo guard who will see time on the wing and at the point for us,” Ryan said. “She is athletic, penetrates and her strength at the guard position will allow us to post her up. She also has three-point range and will be able to defend big guards.”
That competitive spirit is what helped Kellum through a tough year. As a junior, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and missed the 2005 season. Now back to 100 percent, she’s focused on a career in sports medicine.
“After I tore my ACL and experienced physical therapy, going through all the treatment, I was fascinated with it,” Kellum said of her intended major course of study.
While graduation is a long way off, Kellum wants to share her experience with other injured athletes when her playing days are over.
“I love sports. I can show other players that I’ve been through it, too, and help them get through whatever injuries they’re trying to get through,” Kellum said.
Perhaps Kellum learned to share from her brothers. Or perhaps she learned it from her basketball idol- Allen Iverson.
“He’s the smallest person on the court most of the time, and that doesn’t seem to phase him or effect his game,” Kellum said. “I admire that he has a big heart, and he’s not afraid to make the big plays or step up and be the bigger person.”
No matter who influenced Kellum, Cavaliers fans will be assured that when Kellum’s in the game, she’ll provide a lot of toughness … and a lot of heart.
Out of Bounds with Paulisha Kellum
Favorites
Food Chicken pasta
Junk Food Brownies
Ice cream Cookies & cream
Color Blue
Movie Love & Basketball
TV Show That’s So Raven
Actor Taye Diggs
Actress Sanaa Lathan
Book Odyssey
Most embarrassing song on my iPod …
So Happy Together by the Beatles
The extreme activity I would like to try …
sky diving
My advice to a young athlete is …
never give up on yourself.
Best Christmas present as a kid …
a bike
I chose my jersey number, because …
I admire Allen Iverson.
Best thing about being a Cavalier is …
being able to play in John Paul Jones Arena.
I chose Virginia because …
it’s a wonderful academic school and basketball program.
My goals for the season are …
to help my team win championships.
Best thing I like about John Paul Jones Arena is …
having 24-hour access to the gym.