CCSF Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Wong
Playing on some of the winningest teams in City College of San Francisco women's basketball history, former point guard Kelly Wong has made the most of both her basketball career and post-college life.
A native of San Francisco, Wong attended Lowell High School, not certain if she wanted to continue playing basketball at the next level. However, CCSF head coach Derek Lau made sure she was able to keep her hoop dreams alive.
After averaging 9.5 points per game and just under 6 assists per game her freshman season, Wong helped the Rams finish 21-9 in 2014-15, and helped guide them to a 3rd round playoff appearance in the CCCAA State Championships.
Wong then returned for her sophomore year, playing along side elite scorers like Gabrielle Vigil and Danielle Palmer, with the Rams going undefeated in conference play and finishing 28-4 on to end the 2015-16 season, including an Elite Eight berth in the state finals.
Following her Lady Rams career, Wong moved south to San Luis Obispo, playing Division I basketball at Cal Poly for the Mustangs. At Cal Poly, she averaged 3.5 points per game as a reserve, appearing in nearly every game on their schedule in her two seasons there.
As you were finishing up your high school basketball career, was CCSF a place you had been considering strongly?
Initially, I didn't think of going to City or continuing my basketball career. As I started to hear back from UC's and was out of basketball season for a bit, I felt like continuing my basketball career and that's when community college seemed like the way to go. I didn't talk to that many community colleges but when Coach D reached out and I learned more about the program, it was a pretty easy choice for me. One the best decisions I've ever made!
You played with some pretty talented players during your time at CCSF. What was the competition like during practices and how did it help your game?
The players at city were a lot stronger and faster than what I was used to in highschool. Scrimmages were pretty intense; lots of movement in the half court but also a lot of fast break action. Also a lot of physicality, bumping cutters, and finishing with contact at the basket. It was a great experience playing with teammates that went on to play at 4 years and having alumni mentor us. I feel like they helped me become more physical and smarter with reading the defense.
After City, you went on to attend and play at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. How was the transition to the 4-year level?
The first year was definitely tough trying to get used to the speed of the game. I think the girls were a lot taller too, so passes I could get away with before weren't getting through this time around. At City I was playing more of the point guard role whereas at Cal Poly I transitioned more into a shooting guard. When I was finally able to find my role on the team was when I felt I was contributing most. The weightlifting and physicality I experienced at city was great prep for my time at Cal Poly.
What has life been like after college?
I moved back home after college and was working at a packaging company doing project management. I got laid off in April so I've just been doing some freelance graphic design while I continue job hunting. I don't play basketball as much but I'm always down to get some shots up. I still try to stay active through core power and spin but would definitely be open to coaching or training.
What advice would you give to up and coming basketball players who may have dreams of playing at the college level?
My advice to young athletes would be to be confident in yourself, keep working at your craft, build connections and to keep an open mind. You never know what opportunities or who will open doors for you. As long as you enjoy what you're doing I think that energy will carry over to whatever you decide to do next.
Written by: Aaron Turner
Photo: Eric Sun