Where Are They Now: Nicole Atchue

Nicole Atchue graduated from Grafton High School in 2007, where she played basketball for the Indians for four years. Atchue also played for the Indians’ softball team for two years, track team for two years and the soccer team as a goalie for four years. When playing in Bay State Games her senior year, she was approached by a coach of Roger Williams University and asked if she would like to commit to an overnight visit. She agreed and she’s been calling RWU home ever since.

She made an instant impact on the team her freshmen year, seeing time in 25 games for the Hawks. She played in 24 games her sophomore season and averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, scoring a season high 13 points versus Wellesley. In her junior year, she worked her way into a solid starting roll, scoring 124 (5.2ppg) points and pulling down 100 (rpg) rebounds on the season. This year, she has played in limited time due to injuries and has recently suffered from a broken foot, putting her out for the remainder of the season.

Atchue is studying criminal justice at RWU and is looking to break into the criminal justice field after college, where she plans to take the New Hampshire State Trooper exam in hopes to start her career.

Favorite food: SmartFood Popcorn

Favorite athletic team: Boston Celtics

Favorite athlete: Lisa Leslie

Favorite book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grafton High School?

I’m a senior at Roger Williams University and I’m just playing basketball right now. Freshmen, sophomore and junior year we had a head coach who was eventually fired and now we have a new coach [Coach Kelly Thompson]. Freshman year we finished a little lower than .500 [12-14], and sophomore [7-18] and junior year [9-17] we were under as well. So this year, I got injured. I’m still a part of the team, and I’ve played in a few games, but right now, we’re 12-7 (as of 2/4/11).

I noticed you’ve only played in 12 games this season, what did you end up injuring?

In the beginning of the season I pulled my lower back and was out and then about 2-3 weeks ago I broke my foot. The team treats me really well, though, so I’m still going to everything (practices, games, etc.).

I’m sure it’s very tough for a team to lose an experienced senior like yourself, but how are you coping with being unable to play due to this injury?

Well, I love the sport in general and I’m extremely competitive, so I love going in the gym and cheering for my teammates. It’s always a fun time just cheering for the girls I’ve played with for all four years. It hurts not to play, but I still like being a part of the team because it’s a good environment.

What other colleges were you looking at before you decided that Roger Williams University was the place for you?

I was actually looking at more of local colleges, like Worcester State, and other campuses around here, but I made the decision to go to Roger Williams because my sister went here and I knew the campus pretty well. I visited a ton of times and I had an overnight visit for basketball and I honestly loved the girls and campus.

Can you talk a little bit about your Grafton High School experience and if you have any favorite moments on or off the field?

I loved high school because you’re more of a star and when you come to college you’re just an average player, which is fine; it’s still a great experience. But high school, I definitely loved it a lot more because I could play three sports; I had time for three sports. I love to stay active all year round.

My favorite moment would be from my freshmen year when I was the starting goalkeeper for the varsity soccer team and I had a shutout game, which we happened to tie. It was during our pep-rally, and I remember that’s when I won the starting position. I love basketball, but that will be something I’ll always remember.

Who turned you onto basketball in the first place?

I have uncles who played in D-I and my grandfather at a young age just taught me how to play. I never really started playing until middle school and I just loved it. But it was more my grandfather that got me into it, he’s been a huge role model when it comes to athletics and he’s always worked with me when I was young, shooting around or throwing a ball.

What kind of hobbies do you have?

I guess just like every other college student…I like to hang out with my friends. I love the spring time, I enjoy going to other games and supporting my friends who are on the teams, but my life is pretty much run by school and basketball.