SOLO’S SUMMER OF HARD KNOX
By Chris Kowalczyk
12-10-09

While most college students were enjoying their summer getaways on beaches and other sleepy destinations, VCU Women’s Basketball senior Stephanie Solomon waking up at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of a grumpy drill instructor.

Solomon, a member of VCU’s Army ROTC program, spent a month this summer at Fort Knox, Ky. participating the organization’s Leadership Training Course, LTC for the military types.

Despite the fancy name, LTC is essentially a four-week boot camp. In addition to the early wake up calls, Solomon had to endure four weeks of physical training, leadership classes and culture shock. It won’t be soon forgotten.

“Mentally, it was harder than I expected,” Solomon said. “If you have a cup in your right hand and you’re supposed to have it in your left, you’re getting chewed out. For meals, there’s always a sense of urgency in the Army. You never know when you’re going to get attacked. We always had to eat in like, two minutes.”

Solomon has been interested in the military for some time. Part of her interest stems from familiarity. Her brother is currently a sergeant in the Air Force, while her father served in the Navy.  However, the other part is more philanthropic.

“I really wanted to do it because I wanted to be in a position where I can help other people,” said Solomon, who is also majoring in economics.

In addition to the ROTC program, Solomon has signed up for the National Guard. After she graduates in May, she’ll be dispersed to parts unknown for 10-weeks of Military Operation Specialty training, or MOS. Solomon will study logistics and wants to eventually become an officer.

None of this is out of character for Solomon, a 6-1 forward. She’s always been wired to work at a frantic, nonstop pace.

“Stephanie can go all day at the same speed,” said VCU Coach Beth Cunningham. “She’s the type of kid that never seems to get tired.”

No, really. Prior to VCU’s season-opener against Virginia Tech on Nov. 16, Cunningham headed for a pre-game workout, only to find Solomon lifting weights. Cunningham sent Solomon away that time, but still loves the enthusiasm. It’s one of the reasons the Las Vegas native has gone from averaging 0.7 points and 1.1 rebounds last season, to 4.6 points and 7.4 rebounds this year.

“She really took last year and that experience to get her ready for this year,” Cunningham said. “Sometimes kids have the mentality if they’re not playing a lot, you’re playing behind a WNBA pick, those sorts of things, they kind of lose your motivation. Solo was the complete opposite. She was coming in and working her tail off. When the team was lifting twice a week, she was getting three four times a week, those sorts of things.”

Although she’s always been a gym rat, Solomon admits her experience at Fort Knox has helped her become a better person, as well as a better basketball player. She’ll never be asked to score 20 points a game, but Solomon doesn’t mind.  If there’s one thing her experience at Fort Knox taught her, it was that everybody has a role. It was a lesson learned through many of the drills and obstacle courses she endured.

“It’s kind of like being on a team,” Solomon said. “Your team, or you may be good, but the person next to you might not be. You can’t cross the finish line and start celebrating if the person that’s not as good as you isn’t with you. It goes back to teamwork. You’re only as good as your weakest link.”  

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