While some students may travel a few miles to attend A&M-Commerce, freshman basketball player Michelle Sutton traveled across many states to play the sport she loves.
Sutton, a Corona, Calif., native, played basketball at Cenntennial High School, where she led her Huskies to a 20-10 record her senior season and a trip to the state quarterfinals. She was an all-conference selection, and was also named homecoming queen.
“I came here because I wanted to get away from California and start a new chapter in my life,” Sutton said. “I talked with Coach Anderson, and she made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. When I found out she played at UCLA, I couldn’t help but think she could help my skills out as well, it is not every day you meet somebody who played at a prestigious school and professional basketball as well.”
Sutton said the difference from California and Commerce is not that big. In fact she said they are similar in many ways.
“The only thing that really is different from where I am from and Commerce is the downtown area and the bars here,” she said. “In a way, California has the same things as Commerce but more people.”
Another thing that Sutton said has not changed is the game.
“Basketball is basketball, the playing style is no different, and we run the same offense here as we did at my high school,” Sutton said. “The only thing different here is that I’m playing against big, strong, country girls instead of taller, more laid back girls in California.”
The Lions are off to a 1-4 start, and Sutton hopes to pick up the slack and carry her team to a conference title this year.
“I just want to do my part and help the team succeed,” she said. “I have met with the girls, and we are confident that we can turn this program around.”