Fresno State Athletics
Aikens Finds a Home in Bulldogs' Rotation
1/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Travis Blanshan
tblanshan@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Thomas Edison famously coined the phrase "there is no substitute for hard work." One can infer from Edison's words that it does not matter how talented or skilled you are, if you are willing to work hard, success will follow.
One Fresno State women's basketball player has certainly trekked that path of hard work from an early age. Growing up in a family with a father in the military, senior guard Brittany Aikens learned from an early age the value of hard work and that nothing worth achieving comes without sacrifices.
Getting her start on the basketball court at the young age of four, Aikens and her two younger brothers grew accustomed to moving around the country growing up in multiple states in the U.S. along with a pair of stops internationally in Japan and Germany.
Having never lived in any one location for more than four years, Aikens has learned a lot of valuable life lessons from constantly being on the move.
"I have been able to meet a lot of people and experience many different types of people and culture. Moving around so much also taught me to be flexible and adapt quickly to new cultures and surroundings," Aikens said.
It wasn't until Aikens was in high school that the family settled for a while in Floresville, Tex. and Aikens attended Floresville High School playing for the Tigers where she earned first-team All-District honors as a senior.
Developing a deep love for the game, Aikens enjoyed the challenge of improving and knew she wanted to compete at a higher level. After spending her first year at Howard College in Big Spring, Tex., she knew it was time for a bigger stage. Being academically-qualified to transfer to a four-year school, she had a huge decision to make about her future.
With a choice between a scholarship offer at a school in New York or an opportunity to walk-on and earn a scholarship at Fresno State, Aikens knew the latter option would be a tougher road, but was more than willing to put in the work to achieve her goals.
"My father moved out to a California a year before I decided to come out here, and I wanted to have family somewhere nearby, and if I was in New York, I would not have any family close," said Aikens of her decision to become a Bulldog.
After playing a year under previous Bulldog head coach Raegan Pebley, who departed for TCU after her sophomore year, Aikens was introduced to her third head coach in three years as the 'Dogs hired Jaime White from Northern Colorado.
Committed to being a Bulldog, Aikens again chartered into familiar territory having to adjust quickly to new coaches and culture.
"Again it comes back to being versatile and adjusting. It is just the way life is," Aikens said.
After playing sparingly as a junior, Aikens continued to work and eventually earned a scholarship and knew entering the summer that this season was her last go-around. She was determined to give it all she had in workouts and leave it all on the floor.
After averaging 5.4 points per game and 21.3 minutes through the Bulldogs' first 10 games this season, Aikens has taken her game to the next level over the last five contests, averaging 8.8 points in 23.4 minutes played. She has notched a pair of double-digit scoring performances and helped Fresno State start 4-0 in Mountain West play.
"I have more confidence on the floor and with it being my senior year, it mentally kicks in that it is almost over and that pushes me to go harder," said Aikens on her recent surge.
Coach White has certainly noticed a more confident Aikens this season, "She has been solid and contines to get better. She is getting more and more experience and having success on the court. She has a great attitude and is very level-headed for us out on the floor. She stays the course and is able to run the point and can play the one, two, or three position."
White notes that Aikens' versatility is a huge advantage for Fresno State, "She brings a versatility to the team with her size and athleticism, she is able to play multiple positions and really help us offensively or defensively."
With the Bulldogs riding a four-game winning streak, and with the majority of the Mountain West season left to be played, Aikens knows it is important for the 'Dogs to stay focused.
"We need to continue to stay focused and together as a team on and off the court. We need to try and do everything together as a team."
White certainly agrees and knows Aikens has made a home for herself in Fresno State's rotation.
"I think consistently having her rotate in the lineup is important. Having her stay healthy and take it one game at a time, hopefully she will continue to find success."
White has seen that tireless work ethic not only play out on the basketball court, but in the classroom as well.
"She is a great person and does very well academically and will graduate in four years. From the day we got here, she has been a very solid worker, earning herself a spot in the lineup through that hard work."
With graduation on the horizon, Aikens is still undetermined about where her future may lead her. With the possibility of continuing to play internationally or attend graduate school looming, one thing is certain.
After many years of continually having to move and adjust, for the next few months at least, Aikens has found a home in the Bulldogs' rotation.
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