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Transcription of the Video
We’re here at Madison Square Garden where the New York Liberty and their star player Brooklyn-born Epiphanny Prince, has teamed up with New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, to form a youth league with some of the city’s high school-aged girls to teach them how to handle the ball on the court and how to handle life off the court.
As a woman who grew up in NYCHA houses in Brooklyn, how important do you think a program like this is for high school girls to be involved in?
I think its huge because growing up in the housing authority, you can get involved in so much negative, but if you have something that’s as positive as a basketball league and something that you love, its easier to take the right path.
In Brooklyn, as you may know, there’s a large Russian population and I know you play professionally in Russia as well. So I was just wondering if you could tell our viewers a little about life in Russia as a professional basketball player?
Life in Russia as a pro basketball player is great, I mean, at least for me. They treat me well; they always make sure I’m good. They take good care of me and my teammates, so I have no complaints about playing in Russia, I love Russia.
Is there anything different from being pro there and being pro here?
Just the environment, how it is out there. It’s totally different, but I adjusted to it ad got used to it.
Lastly, is there anything specific about Brooklyn that you owe your success to?
Just for making me a tough person. Growing up in my neighborhood, I feel like if you can make it out of my neighborhood, you can make it anywhere and I use that mentality everywhere I go.
That’s awesome. Great, thank you so much and continue to inspire young girls, because that’s what you’re doing.
Thank you so much.
The following is the interview with Goldstein High School student Nandy Momperousse, who is a member of the Liberty Youth League.
How did you become involved in the Junior Liberty League?
Well, my friend texted me saying that our coach, Larry, needed players for the Junior Liberty team. So, usually during the summer I don’t play basketball but I was like ok, let’s do it! All my friends were doing it.
Is there anything specific that you liked about it?
The whole program was just so much fun. It was so nice getting to meet the girls and Larry was such a nice coach. He was so encouraging everyday. It was so much fun.
What are your dreams and aspirations in life? Do you want to play pro basketball?
I’m not sure if I want to play pro basketball right now. Right now I’m more focused with school, but you never know where life takes you.
Do you have any favorite WNBA players?
Yeah! Candice Wiggins. We got to meet her. It was so much fun.
Was it? That’s awesome! Great, thank you so much for your time.
Thank you!
This is Jessica Nieberg, reporting for KCP TV from Madison Square Garden.