University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Meet the Bulldogs: Freshman Ali Trani
11.02.2015 | Women's Basketball
The UNC Asheville women's basketball team tips off its 2015-16 season at East Tennessee State Friday, Nov. 13. As an opportunity to “Meet the Bulldogs,” one student-athlete will be highlighted each day leading up to the start of the season. Today's featured Bulldog women's basketball player is freshman Ali Trani.
A 5-7 guard, Trani was the point guard for nationally ranked Cosby HS (Moseley, Va.) and helped lead them to back-to-back 6A Virginia State Championships in 2014 and 2015. Trani was also a three-time 6A Conference 3 All-Academic Team selection.
UNCABulldogs.com recently sat down with Trani.
Freshman
Moseley, Va.
Has anyone ever said you kind of look like Selena Gomez? “Yes but I don't think I do.”
What do you say to people who tell you that? “I just say I don't think I look like her but thanks for the compliment.”
What is your major? “Health and wellness.”
What is your favorite part about UNC Asheville? “I like how close knit everything is and how there's a real sense of community. I like how everything is really close together. There are small classrooms and you can make relationships with your professors. I love the team so that's an added bonus.”
Why did you choose Asheville? “I love the coaches and the team and I just really felt like home when I came on my visit. Everyone was so nice and I felt like this is where I fit.”
Is there anyone you model your game after? “I would say maybe Chris Paul. I like to pass the ball. I always pass first which, you know, my coaches may not be too fond of because they tell me to look for my shot, but he's a passer and I like facilitating the ball.”
Do you have any nicknames other than Selena Gomez? “A, Al, or my last name, my parents call me Al Gal.”
Do you have a favorite saying from Coach Mock? “I feel like a million in singles.”
I don't get it? “She says she feels like a million dollars but I guess it's better to have a million ones. I don't get it either, that's just what she says. You're going to have to ask her.”
All-time starting five, who would you want on your team? “Chris Paul, LeBron James, Maya Moore, Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan.”
Are there any movies you know all the lines to? “The Grinch.”
If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would it be? “Nordstrom's.”
What would you buy? “Shoes.”
Basketball shoes? “Not basketball shoes. Heels and flip flops.”
What is the most played song on your iPod right now? “'Hello' by Adele. That's on repeat right now.”
What was your first college practice like? “It was intimidating just because it was like 'oh my gosh this is my first real college practice.' But once I got in the flow of things it was just like any other practice, just more high level and intense.”
What are you most looking forward to this season? “I think just watching the team grow together and come together as a team as one and see the great things we can accomplish.”
What is something most people may not know about you? “I can juggle.”
When I'm not on the court, I am… “doing homework or in the café, one of the two.”
When's the last time you took a selfie? “Oh gosh. I don't take selfies, maybe like a week or two ago. I take them only when I'm feeling myself but you don't get dressed up around here often.”
