University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Arriel McDonald
2/10/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men'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.
Arriel McDonald
Sport: Basketball
Years: 1990-95
Graduation Year: 1996
Hometown: Flossmoor, Ill.
Occupation: Resident Program Specialist at 180 Degrees Inc.
What is it you miss most about the University?
What I miss most about the U is playing in front of the fans at the Barn. They make you feel like a star while at the same time supporting you whether you win or lose.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
I would advise all student-athletes to highly invest their time into building strong relationships with fellow students and supporters who attend the games. They will need this network base when they finish their college careers.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
My favorite event was the opening game at TCF Bank Stadium because many students from the past showed up and I got a chance to catch up and share old stories.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for the support we received as players even when we didn't deserve it.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means a lot because it gives us opportunity to reflect back on how many Afro American athletes have come before us and to remember the many contributions they made as student-athletes and also in their post-athletic careers.
What occupies your time now?
I am now a high school basketball coach at Providence Academy and working for 180 Degrees Inc.