RIVERDALE, N.Y. (BVM) — For Courtney Warley, the decision to leave Philadelphia and come to New York was an easy one. Basketball was always consistent and although the location of play has changed, Warley’s mindset did not.

“Both of my parents played (basketball) in Philly,” Warley said. “Once I came on my visit, I knew this was going to be a second family for me.”

Warley, the daughter of not one, but two college ballers out of Philadelphia, has the qualities of a dedicated student-athlete with an ability to sense chemistry within a team. Warley described how Manhattan coach Heather Vulin, who used to coach at Villanova, knew Warley’s high school coach.

“My high school coach asked me if I wanted to go up to the school (Manhattan) and I was reluctant at first because I didn’t want to go to New York.” Warley said. “I think I talked to her on the phone once, I think she saw one game and then that weekend I went up.”

It was profound that on the first visit, Warley had found so many connections that would ultimately lead to a successful career at Manhattan. 

“I committed on my ride back to Philly just because of how comfortable I felt… I knew immediately once I met them, I would be taken care of as a person and a player,” Warley said.

A familiar face and great chemistry was enough to sway Warley to leave Philadelphia for college, but it is her true motivation that makes the move much more inspiring. 

“I’m planning on getting my masters and once I graduate I wanna work for a non-profit,” Warley said.

Warley and players like her love the game but usually have another deep passion that is often related to their work ethic in their respective sports. The Philadelphia native was certain of one thing, she loves community service. 

“I’m lucky that I play for Manhattan because they try to develop people outside of their basketball careers,” Warley said. “Coach V (Vulin) tries really hard for us to bond on the court and off the court. We do a lot of activities and that shows in the chemistry of the team.”

Teammates of the Manhattan senior should be proud of her desire to provide for others within the community as well as provide for the team on the court. The first year of the 6-foot-3 center’s college career saw her average 20 minutes a game in 21 starts. 

Unlike most freshmen, Warley was able to take advantage of her time on the court along with the chance to develop her skill set. 

“I lived with a senior and a junior (from the team) and they kind of were like my big sisters and helped me along the way.” Warley stated. “When I came in as a freshman there was a culture here where people helped each other.”

It’s evident that the Philadelphia native was right about the chemistry her teammates at Manhattan exhibited. A common joke for Warley’s teammates is that she is very organized, but she fully embraces it as a character trait.

“I have two calendars, I’m a big planner,” Warley stated. “I’ve always been organized and good at handling a lot at once.” 

For many people, a simple planner can do a lot, but for a student-athlete it is nearly impossible to survive without one. For a freshman with a full schedule and starting minutes on a Division I team, Warley not only had to stay on task, but also had to stay positive if anything went wrong.

“I just try to think in the moment, like when I mess up, it’s not that big of a deal because there’s still 25 minutes left in the game,” Warley said. “I always say ‘you’re okay, you’re good.’ ” 

A confident student-athlete, is a student that many colleges desire because they often aspire to reach for the most respected accolades. Warley is seeking to pave a new path for people with a platform. Although basketball is her talent, Warley sees herself getting involved with a non-profit or community service at some point in her life. 

A decision like this is difficult for any college student transitioning into adult life. Student-athletes are different in that most of them train their entire high school career for college. To minimize or even give up what is seemingly a life passion for a career, could be a hard choice for many.

“Basketball has been such a wave for activism and community service within the game, so it’s been drawing me back towards basketball,” Warley stated. 

Whether she’s a service to the Manhattan community or the women’s basketball team, Warley recognizes what her impact could be. 

“Basketball has become such a vehicle for giving back so I don’t know the answer yet, but both (basketball and community service) are options I would be open to,” Warley said. 

As tough a choice that may be for Warley, the community in and around Manhattan College should be proud that a woman of great focus and perseverance wants to internalize those skills and use them for good. 

If Warley does not end up in a career of community service, she will most likely use her principles of confidently giving back for a greater purpose, to make a difference from whatever field she’s in. If she sticks to basketball, her fan base will likely grow by the day because of her hard working and selfless nature.

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