Michigan State University Athletics
New Kid On The Block
1/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 9, 2007
Throughout her 18 years, Allyssa DeHaan has grown used to long, curious stares and silly questions - "How's the weather up there?" - but the Michigan State center, who stands at 6-9, has never lost her sense of humor or her sense of self.
When the highly touted freshman first set foot on campus in July, DeHaan knew the questions were inevitable. Despite being decked out in Spartan's women's basketball gear, many curious onlookers wondered if she played sports.
"A gymnast," she once quipped.
Wait - a 6-9 gymnast?
The tall tale isn't completely misleading.
DeHaan's athletic life actually began with gymnastics in preschool. She also tried ballet, ice skating, swimming, tee ball and volleyball before ever picking up a basketball in fifth grade. When some parents of AAU players walked into the gym and saw her doing gymnastics, they asked her to join their team.
That's all it took.
For the complete feature, please visit the story at: BigTen.org.
