Captain, Competitor, Community Leader: Kanzas Mills Earns November Honors

Kanzas Mills continues to define what leadership looks like at Olympic College. A women's basketball standout and team captain, Kanzas set the tone in November with her play at the Harold Williams Invitational Tournament in Portland, where she earned all-tournament team honors from November 13–15. Whether directing traffic on the court, filling the hallways with her unmistable laugh, or giving back through her work with the OC Activities Board, she has established herself as a steady, respected leader both within the program and across the campus community. Dante Acacio, Student-Athlete Council Vice-President sat down with Kanzas to find out more about her success and goals. 

Dante: What does being named Athlete of the Month mean to you personally and as a member of the Olympic College athletics community?
Kanzas: Being named Athlete of the Month means a lot to me because it shows that the hard work I put in practice, games, and even outside of basketball, is being recognized. And it's a good reminder for me that all the long practices and tough days as athlete are worth it. As member of the Olympic College athletics community it makes me proud to represent my team and the school in a positive way.

Dante: Looking back on the past few weeks, what moment or performance stands out most in your mind?
Kanzas: When we went down to the Portland tournament in the game against Portland I had 4 fouls and had to sit most of the game. I was very discouraged and frustrated, but I put a smile on my face and cheered like crazy for my teammates. And when it was time for me to go in at the last of the 4th quarter I hit two three's in a row to bring some energy to win the game.

Dante: How have your coaches and teammates helped you grow or succeed this season?
Kanzas: Here at Olympic College the women's basketball is extremely blessed to have the best coaches. They genuinely care about every player and do everything to help them be successful. It has meant so much to me to have a coach that really does believe in me and pushes me every day. And I have extremely talented teammates who challenge me and make me better. 

Dante: What motivates you to keep improving—both in your sport and in the classroom?
Kanzas: I love progression! I like knowing that every day is a new opportunity to get better. I'm also motivated by my teammates and coaches. I want to be the best teammate. In the classroom, I want to set myself up for opportunities after college, so It really important that I stay academically disciplined. 

Dante: What are you currently studying at Olympic College, and how does your major connect to your goals for the future?
Kanzas: I am currently studying art. I love art, it brings me so much joy. I want to become a graphic designer when I'm done with college. And this degree is going to get me there.

Dante: What's one area of your game you've focused on developing this year, and how has that paid off?
Kanzas: I have been really focused on leadership and IQ. I've been watching so much film and asking so many questions. And I think it has been helping me reading situations better, communicating better, and making decisions that help set both myself and my teammates up for success.

Dante: Outside of competition, what do you enjoy most about being a student-athlete at Olympic College?
Kanzas: I just really enjoy being part of a team!

Dante: What are your goals for the rest of the season, and how do you hope to build on this momentum?
Kanzas: I want to make it to NWAC and win some games!!! And to do that I'm just going to take every day as an opportunity to learn and get better. I'm going to continue to show up with a great attitude and great energy, and help win as some games.