It was a strong season for the women’s basketball team at Kingsborough Community College (KCC) in Brooklyn. There have been great wins and even a shot at an NJCAA championship. A big part of the success has been the play of sophomore guard Justinna Boatwright, 35, who is embracing this second chance to play competitive hoops.
“It’s different since when I played back then, but I never lost the passion of playing basketball,” said Boatwright, a Queens native who was a student-athlete at York College 15 years ago. She eventually dropped out to help her mother support her seven siblings. Today, her mother lives in North Carolina and takes joy in watching KCC games via livestream.
“I had to step away because of family issues, but I still loved the game,” said Boatwright, who played pickup to stay connected. “It actually feels good to be playing my game.”
Family members had always wanted her to earn her college degree, and after her uncle and grandmother passed away, she returned to school. After a year of working out with the KCC team, she joined them this year, bringing increased success to the team and joy to her.
“Now that I’m grown, I have more responsibilities,” said Boatwright. She juggles two jobs as a supervisor for Citi Bike and at UBS Arena, and co-workers have regularly come to her games. “I have to dedicate myself to the team and I still have to work. It’s a good experience so far. My teammates feel like I’m the auntie on the team. It’s natural to me. They come to me for advice. I push them and motivate them to be better. It’s interesting and fun to help somebody else out.”
After losing to Bronx Community College (BCC) in the CUNYAC Championship game, KCC entered the NJCAA Region XV Tournament intent on success. The Wave defeated LaGuardia Community College and BCC en route to a showdown with Monroe University, which Monroe won in overtime 56–55. Boatwright had 14 points and 13 rebounds.
“I feel like I have unfinished business,” said Boatwright. “By returning, I have the opportunity to do what I love to do. I still have the love for the game.”
Boatwright will graduate with her associate degree in sports management in June. She plans to go to a four-year college to earn her bachelor’s degree and hopefully continue hooping.
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