No. 44 is a very familiar number on the Cabrini women’s basketball team. Sophomore forward Amber Keys is known on the court as a fire-starter who will do whatever it takes to grab a rebound and put it back up for a basket.
But there is a softer side to this strong player who has more of a story than points on a scoreboard could ever tell.
Much like many ballplayers, Keys defines her career in basketball as what seems like “forever.” When she was younger, Keys dreamt of playing college basketball and going straight to the WNBA. But Keys explained that at some point it became a faint dream that she never thought would be possible.
“A woman that I admire and will never forget is my third grade teacher, Mrs. Quinn,” Keys said. “She inspired me to change my dreams which ultimately altered my outlook on life.”
At this point in her life Keys realized that she wanted to change her dreams and become a teacher. Keys is currently a elementary education & special education double major.
Keys as always enjoyed school because of the memories and relationships she has built with her teachers. She wants to inspire her students, saying “they are not limited to their circumstance.” Her drive is simply based on exceeding the expectations of what society says she or anyone else can and can not do because of status.
“I don’t have anything to prove to anyone because I am capable of doing,” Keys said.
She is very closely inspired and pushed by her family to work hard and go for her dreams.
“My granny is my best friend,” Keys said. “I always know that she will always be there and she has been there. She has seen and helped me through my lowest and weakest moments, and for that I am grateful.”
She hopes to be a great role model for her youngest sister, Riley. Much like any role model she just wants her little sister to look up to her and be proud.
Keys aspires to never have to know what it means to struggle. She is motivated not only by the support of friends, family and teammates but she is motivated by long-term goals.
Head coach Kate Pearson describes Keys as providing “great spark” and a lot of “energy” to the team.
“She has carried us through a couple of games,” Pearson said.
Although she is a star on the court Keys has come to the realization that “even though I am blessed with the skills to play basketball, it is not the most important thing in life.”
Commitment to her team, basketball, family and schoolwork is what Keys wants the fans to see about her. Because the ultimate happiness for her in this lifetime is to be as great a leader and role model as those who have guided and directed her in the path that she has chosen to take.
