10 Questions with Hostos women’s basketball MVP, Kayla Wilson

The Hostos women’s basketball team won its first National Junior College Athletic Association D-III Championship on March 19, 2018, in Rockford, Ill. One of the stars of that incredible season was Kayla Wilson, who was named MVP of the tournament, CUNY Athletic Conference and Region XV Player of the Year, as well as Spalding’s Player of the Year. In late 2018, Kayla signed with St. Bonaventure University, a Division I school in the Atlantic 10 Conference in Olean, N.Y., to play starting Fall 2019 on a full athletic scholarship. Learn more about what makes her keep striving for more.

Kayla Wilson, Hostos Women’s Basketball MVP

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

What brought you to Hostos?
Hostos Head Coach DeVernie Winston brought me to Hostos to give me a tour of the school, and I feel in love with it. Everyone made me feel like I was at home, even though it was my first time visiting.

When did you start playing basketball? And, what was it like winning a National Championship?
I don’t remember not playing basketball. Going to the national tournament was a tremendous experience. It was tough, but we banded together as a team, like we did all season long. I am thankful for the individual accolades, but none of it would be possible without my teammates and coaches.

Why basketball? Do you play other sports?
I do not play other sports. My mom tells me that even when I was little, I dreamed about playing basketball.

What is your favorite subject?
My favorite subject is English. I wasn’t always a great student, but recently, I have been working on becoming a better writer.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is definitely oxtail with rice and peas. It is a Jamaican dish.

What do you do when you are not playing and practicing and studying?
I’m never not playing or studying. But, when I do get a little extra time to myself I try to catch up on sleep.

What do you like about Hostos?
I like that Hostos has many resources for their students and makes sure that everyone feels comfortable.

What is your favorite movie?
“White Chicks.”

What are your long-term goals?
I am excited to begin the next stage of my career at St. Bonaventure. I plan to major in Business Management. In my offseason, I want to work with student-athletes from New York City and help them get into college.