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Holmes' Professional Dream Close to Reality
April 12, 2016 01:41 PM | Women's Basketball
Playing professional basketball has been Bria Holmes’ dream since she was seven years old and that vision could turn into reality on Thursday when the WNBA holds its annual draft at 7 p.m. It would be a fateful twist that Holmes, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, could hear her name called from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.
“I am about to pursue a dream that I have always wanted to do,” Holmes said. “It’s an overwhelming feeling.”
Holmes has achieved many feats in her basketball career and it all started in New Haven. While at James Hillhouse High, she led her team to a 72-9 record and three consecutive state titles. She finished with 1,459 points, 486 rebounds and 405 steals en route to becoming the first female player from the Nutmeg State to be selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American game.
While she was noticeable on the court, Holmes was certainly shy away from it. In her early media interviews at West Virginia, she was quick to reply with one-
or-two word answers. But as college often does, it helped Holmes develop into a well-spoken leader.
“When I first arrived on campus, I wasn’t of much a talker,” she revealed. “West Virginia helped me off the court as a person. I became a vocal leader and helped my teammates wherever I was needed. I was also able to pursue my education, which is a big thing for me.”
Holmes became one of the best players in Mountaineer women’s basketball history. She finished her career as a three-time unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection. She was a four-time All-America Honorable Mention by the Associated Press and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and most recently garnered Senior CLASS Award All-American Second Team accolades.
During her four-year career, Holmes finished in WVU’s top-10 in 14 different statistical categories. She became the third Mountaineer to reach the 2,000-point plateau and was the only player in program history to score 500 or more points in three consecutive seasons. She tied a school record for games played (189) and finished second with 99 double-figure scoring games.
Those were just a few of her accomplishments on the court. Academically, the senior finished her career with three Academic All-Big 12 honors and has earned recognition on the Big 12 Commissioner’s and Garret Ford Academic Honor Rolls. Additionally, Holmes will graduate with a criminology degree from WVU this May.
“It has been a fun and exciting experience,” Holmes explained. "Being around great people helped me develop into a strong player and a better person. I would do it all over again.”
So now, the focus turns for Holmes to see where she might land for the WNBA Draft. Most mock drafts have Holmes pegged as either a first-round or second-round pick. Regardless of where she is selected, Holmes is ready to make the most of her opportunity.
“I am just letting it go day-by-day,” Holmes said. “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Once you’re playing professionally, it’s all on you. You have to make yourself a better player. You have to get up and do the work yourself.”
There is one thing for certain, the 6-foot-1 guard has learned that giving it her all will give her the best path to success.
“I went out every night and played my heart out,” Holmes said about her experience at WVU. “I wanted to win and help my team out.”
So has reality sunk in that she is on the verge of reaching her dreams?
“It has and it hasn’t,” Holmes said. “I think I’ll be more in shock when it actually happens.”
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