Nyla McGill, a graduate of Providence High School and starting guard for Yale University, was home for Spring Break this past weekend and took time on a Saturday afternoon to speak to the ACES players about several topics:
1) the demands of a Division 1 student-athlete
2) important elements of rebounding
3) having a defensive mindset
Her talk began with an emphasis on time management and developing a study program/system that works for you. Best practices include establishing a consistent study schedule and reducing distractions during that time (such as limitation on cell phone use). The team also heard real life examples of practice/training expectations of coaches and trainers, importance of nutrition and rest, and successful tips for rebounding (tracking the ball off of the rim, boxing out your opponent, and having determination and will to secure the basketball). Her third and final topic before Q & A centered around the desire, commitment, and passion to establish stops on defense.
Nylas’ achievements in High School include: 2 time SoMeck 7 Conference Player of the Year, All-State selection, and leader of an Elite 8 and Final 4 squad her junior and senior season. During her recent sophomore season Nyla finished 8th in the nation in offensive rebounds. In Ivy League play she was 2nd in rebounding and steals averaging 9 and 3 per game, respectively. She led the conference in total steals at 42…all this at 5’8” tall. As a result of her impressive performance, she was awarded Ivy League Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Offensively Nyla was a strong contributor as well, she was the second leading scorer on the team during conference play…her best game was against Harvard where she recorded 20 rebounds and 17 points.
Again, many thanks to the ecology and evolutionary biology major who plans on attending medical school upon graduation!
