Meet Your Trojans: Sharde' Collins

LITTLE ROCK – This week's featured "Meet Your Trojans" student-athlete is junior women's basketball player Sharde' Collins, a sociology major from Texarkana, Texas.
 
Little Rock women's basketball closes its home schedule on Tuesday against Arkansas State. Tipoff is set for 5:15 p.m.
 
What made you decide to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
On my visit, it just felt like home. Everyone was easy to talk to, and they made feel comfortable around them?
 
What's the best part of being a Trojan?
We're well known, so we get treated pretty well. It's tough to be well-known because you can't slip up, but it's good to be known.
 
Who is the athlete you most admire?
Taylor Gault. She's my best friend, so I know a lot about her on and off the court. I really like the way she carries herself. I missed out on playing a lot with her, but I really wish I could have played with her more. I really regret not picking up where I could be. She changed as a player. I saw that change.
 
What's the earliest memory you have of participating in your sport?
Probably when I was 5 or 6 at the Boys and Girls Club. I just remember everybody would always be at the gym, all the kids from around town. That was the fun part about being there. Other than that, I didn't really know what I was doing.
 
Who was your childhood hero?
It used to be [professional softball player] Natasha Watley when I was younger because I played softball. She wore No. 29, and I looked up to her, so I wore No. 29 as well. She played in the outfield, so I played in the outfield.
 
What advice would you give to children just getting started in athletics? 
Basically just give it your all and have confidence in yourself. I know that's something I have struggled with. But as long as they're growing up with that confidence instilled in them, they'll be better off.
 
What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
My mom's taco soup. It's corn, beans, ground beef, and you can have crackers or cheese on top. It's simple but it's really good, especially in the winter.
 
What's the best reason people should attend your team's games?
So they can see us grow. We have our ups and downs, and we've been making changes throughout the whole season. We've been getting better defensively, but I think we're going to come along sooner or later and have it all in sync.