Got Greek?

Interview with May Kotsopoulos

smarudas | Apr 08, 2010 | Comments 0

The “Got Greek of the Week” interview with May Kotsopoulos: There’s Method to her March Madness

MAY KOTSOPOULOS, a senior at the University of Vermont, helped lead her school’s Catamounts to back-to-back America East Championships, while leading the nation with 18 road victories. The Catamounts topped their 27-7 record this season by upsetting seventh-seeded Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last month.

May was the leading scorer in the America East throughout the season, reaching double figures in 26 games and scored 20+ point 11 times — after being named to the America East All-Defensive Team for the third straight season.

To top it all off, May Kotsopoulos became only the third player in women’s basketball history to earn ESPN Magazine’s Academic All-America honors, with a 3.66 GPA as a business administration major, and a minor in marketing.

Here are some excerpts from the “Got Greek of the Week” interview with May Kotsopoulos:

Q: You are an accomplished basketball player and student. What drives you?

A: My family is what drives me the most. Being away from them for long periods of time can be difficult as we are very close. So I try to make them as proud as possible. My parents are both very dedicated and do everything that they can to ensure that my sister and brother and I have the best opportunity to succeed in life. When I am training for basketball, I remember how hard my parents have worked to help me get to where I am now. Both my sister and brother are successful individuals, as they are both currently working in Toronto, Ontario. They helped me grow up to who I am today and I wouldn’t want to ever let them down.

Q: What do you want to do after college?

A: I am hoping to play professionally after college. I’m looking into playing somewhere in Europe, with a huge interest in playing for a professional team in Greece. My dream would also be able to represent my family on the Greek National Team.

Q: Dream job?

A: My dream job would be to work in sports marketing for a professional team, preferably within the WNBA or NBA organization.

A: Favorite Greek dish?

A: Chicken and rice. My yiayia [grandmother] makes it just like they do back home. I also love spanokopita [spinach pie]. I am hoping to one day learn how to make it from my yiayia.

Q: Is there a Greek-related object you own that you really value?

A: My Greek blankets. My yiayia in Greece sent me some blankets and I love them. I brought one to Vermont with me as it makes me think of my family. It’s also great in the cold winter nights.

You can see more of the highlights of her record with the Catamounts as well as more about May’s personal side on her Vermont team’s website, including these tidbits:

Born in: Kitchener, Ontario

Recent summer internship: The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun

What I’m reading: School books

What’s on my iPod: High Xpectations, Mike Posner, Kelly Clarkson, Jay-Z, Drake

In the movie of your life what actress plays you? Jessica Biel

My bucket list is: 1) Have a family 2) Sky dive 3) Travel the world

My heroes are: My mom and sister

LeBron or Kobe? Kobe

My biggest fan(s) are: My family

What is the most unique item in your locker? My blue bead, a Greek symbol that wards off the evil thoughts

My motto: “It is what it is”

Filed Under: GREEK OF THE WEEK • Got Greek?

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