Iona College senior Kristin Mahoney, who just finished her final season with the women’s basketball team, looks back at her experiences during her time here.

“It’s been fun,” Mahoney said. “It was cool to be in a leadership position and showing the younger kids our culture and what to do.”

As both a senior and leader on the team, Mahoney has given the younger players advice throughout the season to make sure they are on the right track to success in their careers.

“Work hard, do your best,” Mahoney tells her teammates. “Also, have fun with it.”

Although Mahoney’s time in New Rochelle is coming to an end, she plans to continue with her studies in biology after graduating. In a funny twist of fate, her interest in biology came from an injury while playing basketball in high school.

“I tore my ACL in high school,” Mahoney said. “That whole process what kind of interesting to me.”

Although the incident was not the best experience, Mahoney thinks that it played a major role in her career choice of biology.

“I wouldn’t have as much of a passion for it,” Mahoney said.

One could imagine the amount of work that must go into studying for biology in addition to practice and traveling for basketball games.

“[It’s been] pretty tough, I didn’t get a lot of sleep,” Mahoney said. “But it’s okay, it’ll be worth it.”

Mahoney developed skills that helped her balance her major and basketball.

“Stay disciplined,” Mahoney said. “And try not to drive yourself crazy.”

Mahoney made sure not only to keep up with her studies, but stay in shape and good form for the season. Mahoney has taken what she’s learned from studying biology and applied it to basketball.

“The work ethic [is important],” Mahoney said. “Some of my classmates will study for an hour, but I’ll be in there for three or four.”

Mahoney plans to apply for medical school at the start of next semester.

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