University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Leslie Hill
2/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Leslie Hill
Sport: Basketball
Years: 2000-04
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Occupation: Full-time mom / business owner
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
The comradery between my teammates. Hanging out with one another in our apartment cracking jokes, eating and watching our shows. And the away games cuttin' up on the bus.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
You can only control two things: your action and your attitude. If you master those two things you'll be in the best position to win in any area.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
I was the color analyst for the Big Ten Network covering the Purdue vs Gophers women's basketball game at the Barn. It was really special to return to my platform and commentate on the very program in which I played. As a broadcaster you have to be unbiased and I kept making the mistake of saying "we" instead of the Gophers... pretty funny.
What are you grateful for?
A lot! Most importantly I'm grateful for my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's because of His strength, wisdom and love for me is why I can be the wife, mom, daughter and friend that I am.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
With division being prevalent within the African-American community itself, Black History Month provides many reasons to focus on something positive. To be able to look at those who have gone before who stood for peace, love and unity is a great reminder that is much-needed today.