INTRODUCTION: Julianna Okoniewski has a dynamic work ethic - evidenced by a strong GPA in Brain & Cognitive Science (Biology minor) and on the court - UAA Rookie of the Year as a First-year, Second Team All-UAA that season, and First Team All-UAA as a sophomore. How does she do it?

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When did you first become involved in basketball?
In 4th grade. My dad first introduced me to the sport and I started playing in the local rec league.
 
What attracted you to it?
The high intensity and competitiveness of basketball. I'm a very competitive person and I live for those game-time moments. Also it being a team sport, I've made some of my best friends while playing it for the past 12 years of my life. 
 
As a first-year in 2018-19, you were thrust right into the starting lineup. How challenging was that, especially when it got to UAA play?
It was very challenging, but also super exciting. I had never experienced anything like UAA play before, being that it is so competitive and fast paced for the full 40 minutes. At the same time though, I was just thrilled to have the opportunity to start on a college team my very first year. 
 
The team hit a nice stretch in the second half of the UAA season last year, winning five of seven games. That included wins against Brandeis, Carnegie Mellon, WashU, and Chicago – all of whom beat UR in the first half of the schedule. What do you remember about that stretch?
I just remember thinking, 'Wow this is it. We are finally playing to our full potential and winning games.' It was awesome. I love my teammates so much and it just felt so good to finally have all our hard work pay off. Especially after coming off multiple injuries, I finally started to get my confidence back. One specific weekend I will never forget though is when we swept WashU and Chicago. Winning against those teams was probably one the greatest feelings I've ever had in my basketball career.
 
At that WashU-Chicago weekend last year, Coach Scheible had alumni come back to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of women's basketball at UR. Did you have a chance to meet any of the alums and talk with them?
 I did have a chance to talk to some of the alums. It was kind of crazy meeting some of the players who had gone to the NCAA Final Fours and Elite Eights and had major accomplishments in their time here at Rochester. And that's all I hope for, to be remembered as a player who continued to help bring success to this program.
 
At Bethlehem Central HS, you were the Defensive Player of the Year. What does it take to play good defense consistently?
Constantly be moving your feet and talking, knowing where the ball is at all times and above all, block shots. It's a lot of fun and it kind of frustrates the other team, so win-win. 
 
You've carved a nice niche for yourself – UAA Rookie of the Year as a first-year, First Team All-UAA as a sophomore (and Second Team as a first-year). That draws a lot of attention from the opposition, doesn't it?
 Yeah, I guess so. I've definitely been seeing a lot more double-teaming going on against me but honestly it just makes me work even harder and prove that I am worthy of my accomplishments.
 
You were named to the  UAA Presidents' Scholar Athlete Team last year – First Team All-UAA honors and a strong GPA. How do you blend the rigors of the classroom with the challenges on the court?
At first, it was definitely challenging, but I've gotten very used to making a schedule and a to-do list every day and planning ahead for homework and studying. As a heavy procrastinator though, it is a struggle at times but it always seems to work out just fine.
 
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, serving as an official or a timer? What do you like about doing that?
For the past few summers, before COVID, I was able to help my former Varsity Coach run summer camps. It was always a lot of fun and I loved being involved in helping the future basketball stars of Bethlehem. 
 
What led you to the University of Rochester?
The curriculum, the many different science programs and the competitive and successful basketball program. I knew I wanted to play basketball and major in something STEM-related and the U of R seemed to be the best of both worlds. 
 
Why did you choose Brain & Cognitive Science as your major?
 I love the brain and psychology and I've always found it super interesting. I was also able to choose the neurobiology and neuropsychology track which is perfect for me since it focuses more heavily on the biology aspect of the brain. 
 
Are you involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?
Not currently, but I am trying to get involved with BCS research this semester.