Getting to Know the Buffs: Erin Powell

BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team returns home to the CU Events Center, opening the week against the visiting UCF Knights.

The Buffs have 10 new faces on the team this season, and CUBuffs.com will feature 'Get to Know' spotlights on all 10 players throughout the season.

Next up is freshman Erin Powell.

What was it like growing up in England and playing basketball there?
Growing up in England, it's cold and rainy a lot, but I can't complain. I grew up in a nice little town, a small area, a small school, but really nice. Well, it's small compared to America. Playing basketball there was good. I didn't start until I was pretty old, maybe 15. I played for about four years. I didn't really grow up playing it, but I wish I did. The league definitely isn't as good as it is in America, and it's hard to get exposure. But once you get to the women's league, where you can get exposure, it gets a lot easier, and you have a lot of platforms to play.

Why did you start playing basketball?
My friend watched an anime series called Kuroko's Basketball, and she was like, "Do you want to come to basketball practice with me?" At the time, I played net ball and I just loved sports. I played for a football team as well, because everyone in England does. Then I went to my school practice, and we didn't have the girl's team, so it was just me and her. We went to the guy's practice, and then I loved it, and I just started playing from there.

What was it like to represent Great Britain for on the U18 and U20 teams?
It was really good. I didn't play in the tournament for either because I got injured in my U18 and U20s. I wanted to come to college early, so I'm planning to play this upcoming summer. It made me really care about winning. I completely took my ego out of it, and it's honestly prepared me a lot for this and being a freshman here because you can't have an ego when you're a freshman. If I'm going to play, I'm going to play to help the team win. So, it was really good. I felt enlightened playing with them.

Why did you want to study in the US?
I just knew that basketball here was so big and the opportunities are really endless. The fact of having freedom at this age is amazing. I just wanted the opportunity and the fact that there is really amazing to me still today.

What made you choose CU?
My first conversations with Coach T when he recruited me were just amazing. We spoke for hours, and we still do to this day. We both talk a lot. The coaches are definitely a big part of that. But also, when I came to visit, I felt really comfortable here. The mountains are beautiful, and the 300 days of blue sky and sun definitely helped my decision too, because that's the complete opposite of home.

What's been your favorite moment with the team so far?
I just love every day! I just feel like I'm really enthusiastic and positive a lot. I couldn't pick one, one specific moment, they're just all so good. I love musicals, so we went to see Wicked as a team. I love that. My favorite moment that's basketball-related is I love to practice every day, and I just love playing every day. So everything.

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of basketball?
I'm a big gamer. I got an Xbox at home, and in England, I have a Gamer PC. I sadly couldn't bring it with me. But I love my video games. It just gives me a bit of escape from reality. I like reading and I like going on walks and hikes.

Powell and the Buffs will be back in action on Wednesday against UCF (7 p.m. MT).

Thad Anderson and former Buff Kami Carmann Snyder will have the call on ESPN+.

Cory Lopez and Carol Callan will have pregame coverage starting 30 minutes before tip-off on the Colorado Radio Network.

Up Next: Jan. 11, Kansas (ESPN+/1 p.m. MT).

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Players Mentioned

Erin Powell