By Kendis Butler '22
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg women's basketball player Laurel Amey recently took the time to open up about her decision to join the Blue & White, her experience as a student-athlete here on campus, her success both on the court and in the classroom and much more.
Amey, a junior English major, is one of the most dedicated and hardworking student-athletes at Penn State Harrisburg. She excelled both academically and athletically at East Juniata High School and had the opportunity to continue her basketball career following her graduation in 2017.
So why Penn State Harrisburg?
As it usually does, it came down to a combination of factors – the proximity to her home in Thompsontown, Pa., the relationship she built with head coach Ross Patrick and the legacy of her role model and mentor; former women's basketball standout Steph Yetter.
Yetter starred for the Lions from 2009 to 2013. Following her collegiate career, after she coached at East Juniata, her alma mater, while Amey was playing high school ball.
"That's when we really connected," she said. "She started working with me one-on-one, she drove me home from practices and I really learned a lot from her."
It's obvious to anyone who's heard Amey speak about Yetter that their relationship goes beyond coach and player or even mentor and mentee.
"She's kind of like the big sister I never had," said Amey. "I wear number 10 and I'm sure everyone knows why. I think I picked it when I got here because she had been to every single high school game and that was a way of keeping her with me even though she wasn't going to be here. But now it's more that I'm just so grateful because I know so much of this wouldn't have been possible without her."
There's a physical resemblance between the pair that is striking. More than that, however, they share an unwavering work ethic on and off the court, as well as a lifelong love for the game of basketball. No matter the time of day, you'll oftentimes find Amey in the gym working to get better. Even more impressive is the fact that during the most-recent semester, she did it while earning a 4.0 GPA. She described the sacrifice that comes with being a successful student and a college athlete.
"For me, I always try to figure out what I have to do academically first, whether that be classes or outside work," she said. Then I fill in the next openings with basketball, whether that's workouts or team pickups or shooting and obviously during the season that's practices and games. Then, whatever is left is what I use to eat and sleep and do fun things."
Most apparent is the way Amey has most of her fun playing basketball and being a part of a team. So much so, that the social aspect sometimes takes a backseat to everything else. Mention that to her and she'll tell you she's more than okay with that. Her family is incredibly supportive of her journey as a college basketball player and she takes advantage of the summertime at home by spending extra time with her family; time she might not get during the school year.
As successful as she's been, you'll be hard-pressed to hear Amey talking her accomplishments. Ask her about her personal accolades and successes. The response? "No comment." But ask her about the team and its success as a group and she'll gush. She's strives for personal growth but not at the expense of taking the spotlight away from the team as a whole.
Anyone privileged enough to have had a conversation with Amey will instantly realize the 21-year old has a good head on her shoulders. One that understands what's most important in life. One that is dedicated to the court and the classroom. And one that is destined to achieve great things.