2008 Woodie Awards
Jaguar women's basketball player Christina Cunningham shines on and off the court
Cheryl Clary
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Sports
Senior basketball standout Christina Cunningham is making her mark on her last year at IUPUI. Cunningham is anticipating receiving her bachelor's degree in sports management/business upon graduation next December. Cunningham graduated high school from Perry Meridian where she was a three year starter on the basketball team and named MVP her senior year. She then decided to journey to South Eastern Illinois Community College where she began her career in college basketball. Cunningham played two seasons there, helping the Falcons earn two undefeated 16-0 records in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, as well as, two consecutive NJCAA Regional Championships.
Christina was later persuaded by a friend to come back home, where she began playing for Shann Hart, IUPUI's woman's basketball head coach. As Cunningham began her career at IUPUI she appeared in 22 games in her first season after recovering from a sprained ankle. As she finished up her first year at IUPUI she helped her team score a first round win in the Mid-Conference Tournament.
She was also named to the IUPUI Academic Advisor's List for obtaining a 3.0 or higher GPA. Cunningham was also recognized on the Mid-Con Academic All-Conference Team, on the Mid-Con Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence. When asked how she was able to keep up with basketball, school, and life, she said "It took some getting used to; I just have to get all my school work done early." This season Cunningham is making her mark by being a leader on and off the court.
"Outside of basketball Christina is very family oriented," said Hart. "She has a very close knit family." Lately, her mom has been struggling with her health, and she has been "the glue for her family," said Bill Potter, Sports Information Director. "My teams have helped me," Cunningham said about how she keeps focused. Cunningham has a great attitude towards things and a good handle on life. She is very passionate about basketball; she has a "refuse to lose kind of attitude" said Potter. "Everyone looks up to her," Hart said.
After graduation Cunningham hopes to play basketball overseas. If that doesn't work out, "I'll stay here and work, have a normal life," Cunningham said.
Christina was later persuaded by a friend to come back home, where she began playing for Shann Hart, IUPUI's woman's basketball head coach. As Cunningham began her career at IUPUI she appeared in 22 games in her first season after recovering from a sprained ankle. As she finished up her first year at IUPUI she helped her team score a first round win in the Mid-Conference Tournament.
She was also named to the IUPUI Academic Advisor's List for obtaining a 3.0 or higher GPA. Cunningham was also recognized on the Mid-Con Academic All-Conference Team, on the Mid-Con Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence. When asked how she was able to keep up with basketball, school, and life, she said "It took some getting used to; I just have to get all my school work done early." This season Cunningham is making her mark by being a leader on and off the court.
"Outside of basketball Christina is very family oriented," said Hart. "She has a very close knit family." Lately, her mom has been struggling with her health, and she has been "the glue for her family," said Bill Potter, Sports Information Director. "My teams have helped me," Cunningham said about how she keeps focused. Cunningham has a great attitude towards things and a good handle on life. She is very passionate about basketball; she has a "refuse to lose kind of attitude" said Potter. "Everyone looks up to her," Hart said.
After graduation Cunningham hopes to play basketball overseas. If that doesn't work out, "I'll stay here and work, have a normal life," Cunningham said.
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