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Amari DeBerry says she ‘can’t show up to UConn unprepared’ after delayed senior season
Amari DeBerry, after being noticed as a freshman, signed her National Letter of Intent during her senior year in Nov. 2020 to play for the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team. (Credit: @BenShotIt/Twitter; Permission: Amari DeBerry)

Amari DeBerry says she ‘can’t show up to UConn unprepared’ after delayed senior season

STORRS, Conn. (BVM) — Amari DeBerry, a UConn women’s basketball signee, had her normal senior high school season in New York pushed back for five months because of the pandemic. Uncertain on if she would have a season, the No. 3 ranked forward found ways to make sure that she would not fall behind on her skills. 

“I can’t show up to UConn unprepared,” DeBerry said. “I have to get as ready as I can so I don’t let my teammates, coaches and myself down.”

While practicing without a team, DeBerry said she at one point considered graduating early to join the Huskies this season as a way to get in time on the hardwood. Something fellow 2021 recruit and No. 13 ranked guard Saylor Poffenbarger did when she graduated one semester early and enrolled at UConn last month.

“That was a consideration to join the team early,” DeBerry said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible since there were still only two classes I was required to take in order to graduate.”

Instead, DeBerry met up with her trainers who she worked out with on and off the court multiple times a week. At that same time, she was also working on her skills individually from home.

“I was working out at my hoop in my driveway, in my room with my weights and resistance bands and at home, things like that,” DeBerry said. “My training right now consists of a lot of ball handling, shooting and post moves, along with speed work, balance, strength and conditioning off the court.”

A fun fact about DeBerry is that she is part Native American; her mother’s father is a full Mohawk Native. (Credit: @BenShotIt/Twitter; Permission: Amari DeBerry)

DeBerry said motivation from current coaches, teammates, friends and family helped her to push through a disappointing delayed season. They helped her to stay focused on envisioning her future at one of the top — if not the best — basketball programs in the country.

“My motivation is also from the fact that I’m going to UConn and I’m excited to become a part of the name and family,” DeBerry said. “Also, a lot of people don’t get to say this, but for the next four years I’m going to be with some of my friends. I’m so lucky that we already have an off court connection.

“I’ve known Azzi (Fudd) since we were going into our freshmen year. I played on the USA team with Saylor and Caroline (Ducharme) and we know each other but we haven’t been able to spend as much time together so being able to do that will be super fun. I’m excited to learn, play and win with them and have Coach Auriemma push me harder than ever.”

But DeBerry is currently focused on the present; she and her teammates at Williamsville South High School heard the news on Jan. 27 that they were finally going to have a season. The moment came after months of petitioning for the chance to practice with the condition that they would follow all safety protocols.

Feb. 1 marked the start of the 16-game season, including 12 league games. DeBerry expressed she is especially excited because there will be live webcasts for spectators to view each game.

“This season is going to mean a lot since I’ve been playing varsity since seventh grade and now it’s my last one,” DeBerry said. “I just want to get out on the court and finally play with some of my best friends for the last time. I want to win every game and just get the feel of a real game again.”

DeBerry has previously mentioned that she is also looking forward to hearing from the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. Although she hasn’t heard any updates so far, she is “very anxiously waiting to hopefully hear from both organizations.”

With still a lot to look forward to before joining the Huskies, DeBerry is also planning far into the future. She said that she plans on studying childhood education but is also considering sports management.

“As far as basketball, I want to keep playing until I can’t anymore,” DeBerry said. “I want to play pro, I hope to be drafted into the WNBA.”