Southern Virginia women’s basketball junior center Crystal Cleveland is willing to stand her ground, whether it’s rooting for a pro football team in a city considered a rival by her neighbors and friends, or if it’s under the boards on the court.  She likes to explore new places and doesn’t believe in limitations imposed by others.  INTRODUCING … Crystal Cleveland.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   Basketball runs in my family as my dad and uncles are over six feet tall. My tallest uncle is 6-11. My height was passed down to me. My dad was a standout in high school and my uncles were standouts in both high school and college. One of them played overseas. I’ve been playing the game since my parents could get the ball in my hands.  They were the ones who constantly took me to the gym or running.  I didn’t always love the sport as I was actually cut from many teams, but I fell in love with working hard and proving people wrong. Through that process I fell in love with the game, too.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am a liberal arts major with an elementary education track. One thing I’ve learned is how important truly applying and dedicating yourself to your education is. The professors work extremely hard to help me, so I want to return that to them.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus is Main Hall – it’s beautiful inside and out any time of the day. It’s a great place to find some quiet time, learn about the history of the school as well as the purpose of the university. When you’re outside on a warm day, you can sit on the rocking chairs and just enjoy the view.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit?   I can’t say I have a favorite place to visit. I love going on adventures and exploring new places. My friends and I often take random road trips and that’s probably one of my favorite things to do.

Other than your team, what organizations do you participate in?   I spend the time that I have away from basketball as a resident advisor in the freshman dorms. I also work with kids in the elementary schools and I’m involved with the Multicultural Club on campus.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience occurred my freshman year. We had eight players on our team for the winter semester composed of two seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen.  We went undefeated at home and received a bid to the USCAA tournament with only the eight girls. It was an amazing experience. 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?    This is an incredibly hard question but I think I can only give this honor to my Savior Jesus Christ. I think as I have grown and matured in college and life, I have strived to live like the Master and be a better person. A lot of the things I have done in my life and will do is because of my faith in Him and the joy that comes from his strength and mercy.

If you could change any one item in the world, what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   I would get rid of Photoshop and any photo editing in the world. I think we are a society so focused on this ideal of perfection when it comes to the human body or gender and I know how challenging it can be growing up with that pressure of trying to fit the American mold of how to look or dress. I definitely believe in being who you are, no matter what the imperfections are. I don’t know how I would do it.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   My favorite form of entertainment is karaoke and dance parties. Anyone who really knows me knows that I will break out into song and dance whenever. Although I am not yet like Beyonce, I am in her Destiny’s Child stage right now. But I have dance parties for my residents and friends just to laugh and relieve stress.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Don’t worry about the negative things people say. It’s what you answer to. Don’t let people put limitations on what you can achieve. People try to drag others down because they don’t want to see someone else succeed. 

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My family and I are die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans.  That is ironic because we live 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia and we can’t stand the Philadelphia Eagles. We bleed black and yellow in our house. I’ve always admired Demarcus Cousins as a basketball player - he plays so aggressively on the offensive and defensive end and has such great footwork for a big man.

Name three people, real or fictional, that you'd like to have dinner with? 

John F. Kennedy - I think he’s one of the most interesting presidents. I would ask him question after question.

Mindy Kaling - I am absolutely obsessed with her show. She is hilarious and I could totally see her and I being best friends. Our humor put together would be unstoppable.

J.K. Rowling - I am definitely a Harry Potter nerd. I read all the books in one summer. I know all the characters like the back of my hand. I’d totally love to have dinner with her while she was finishing writing the series and convince her to create a character for me.