Georgian basketball player shares what it takes to be a student athlete
April 6, 2023
Playing basketball at the collegiate level had always been a dream for Kory Hook, an Electrical Engineering Technology student. When she got the chance to represent the Georgian Grizzlies on the court, she knew she had to take the opportunity.
For Kory, basketball is a big part of her college experience, and she’s had to master balancing her sport and education. Being a student athlete isn’t easy, but Kory says the success and achievements she’s gained along the way has made all her sacrifices worth it.
We spoke with Kory about her experiences with basketball and how she’s been able to excel at Georgian, both on the court and in the classroom.
How long have you played basketball, and how did you get into the sport?
I grew up around the sport and in the gym with family, and I learned to love basketball. My father is a high school gym teacher and has been a basketball coach for most of his career. My older cousin went to Laurentian and played basketball on a scholarship, and another very influential person in my life also went to the United States on a full scholarship at a Division 2 school. I started playing basketball in Grade 3 for the Barrie Royals, and later played AAU (summer basketball) in the U.S. with a team called Drive North.
In Grade 9, an organization called ‘A’ Game asked me to play for their summer team, which was a big eye-opener for me. We played at big tournaments in Atlanta, Indiana and Kentucky with 81 courts under one roof. After playing for ‘A’ Game in the summer of 2019, I made the move to play for the Durham City Chameleons for my regular season. The pandemic hit part way through our season in 2020, so I had to drop my dream of going to a school in the U.S. as many Canadian athletes had to do.
Was sport an influencing factor when choosing Georgian for your studies?
My goal since I was younger was to play college-level basketball. My academics always come first, but basketball is such a big part of my life that it affects almost every decision I make. I never felt like I lived up to my potential in the sport during high school and I couldn’t walk away without seeing what else basketball could do for me.
Why did you decide to pursue the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Georgian?
I was familiar with Georgian College because a previous coach of mine, Todd Talbot, knew our family (he coached my brother for two years) and he had been inviting me to scrimmage with his team since I was in Grade 8. In 2021, Todd heard I was staying in Canada and offered to have me play with him while I decided what my next step was going to be, and I decided to come to Georgian to pursue the skilled trades. The problem was that I made my decision late so the program I wanted was full.
I originally thought I wanted to be an accountant because I really liked math in high school. After taking a full year of the Business – Accounting program, I figured out that I needed something more hands-on. I had my mind set on welding, but I decided to switch to the Electrical Engineering Technology program because it combines the challenge of physics and math with the hands-on work of creating and fixing circuits.
How are you able to balance the demands of school with your sport?
Time management is something that I’ve had to develop throughout my education. I’m very disciplined in the fact that I prioritize academics. I work ahead in my classes so I don’t fall behind with such a busy schedule. This year I’ve been able to socialize and keep a part-time job while living at home.
What does a day in your life look like when you’re in season?
Normally I get up at 7 a.m. and eat, then I drive 20 minutes to campus for my classes which are two to three hours long. I have my lunch after class and then I go to the library to start homework. Then, I go to the gym and run for 30 minutes with one of my teammates, followed by practice for two hours and cardio for one hour. I get home at 8:30 p.m., eat and do any other homework I have left. I try to get to sleep by 11 p.m.
What do you think is the most challenging part about being a student athlete?
Prioritizing family, school and basketball before socializing and work in that order has been hard to follow sometimes. As a student athlete there are a lot of things I miss out on, but I remember how much I missed playing ball during the pandemic so I’m making the most of these years that I can play because I love the game.
What do you think is the most rewarding part about being a student athlete?
I get such a feeling of accomplishment when I can get good grades and play basketball well. I know that I’m responsible for my actions and outcomes, and I push myself to be really good at both.What do you love most about playing basketball?
The thing I love most about basketball is being able to push myself to always be better, while at the same time feeling free on the court. When I play basketball, I’m always competing with myself because I want to be better. I watch other people play and I think to myself how I can try and beat them or visualize driving through and scoring or even making those aggressive plays.
What’s your greatest memory so far with Georgian’s basketball team?
Playing against Loyalist College, we all stepped up and made some awesome plays. Each of us had a good game and it felt like we were playing like a team.
What advice would you give future student athletes?
It’s easy to fall behind in academics when starting new courses and meeting new people. Socializing with the team and new friends can distract from the work that has to be done for school. All of it seems important, so balancing everything may be harder than you think. Surround yourself with people who will keep you on track.
A perfect example of what it means to be a Georgian Grizzly
After completing my first season as Head Coach of the Georgian Grizzlies Women’s Basketball program and reflecting on my two decades of being in this profession, I can say that when Kory Hook completes her collegiate basketball career, she will be among the greatest student athletes I have ever had the honour of coaching.
Brian Hutton, Head Coach Georgian Women’s Basketball program
Kory is an outstanding example of what it means to be a collegiate student athlete, not just because of her tremendous athletic ability as one of the top players in our league, but because of who she is as a person and teammate.
She’s a caring and empathetic leader who constantly supports her teammates to become the best they can be. She knows when to use her voice, but also when to step back and allow others to be heard. Kory is hard-working, humble, focused and has a hunger to improve, all things I value as a coach. As talented of an athlete Kory is, she’s 100 times a better person and an incredible representation of a Georgian Grizzly.
Become a Georgian Grizzly!
As a college student, one of the best ways to get involved, meet new people and show some school spirit is by joining or supporting your varsity athletics teams.