When she is not focused on getting post up position on the basketball court, you can find Shannon Hamp with her eyes focused on the pages of a good book.
The Memphis Lady Tigers senior center developed a habit of reading books by black authors.
“I really gotten into reading African-American literature,” Hamp said. “I like books by African-American authors. If I’m not studying for a class, I’m reading a book. I’m even reading books in the training room right before practice.”
Hamp said escaping into the world of one of her favorite authors is a fun way for here to pass time.
“I just started reading a book by Sista Souja called Coldest Winter Ever. (Books) are just entertainment for me,” Hamp said.
Outside of reading Hamp and her teammates have found some other ways to spend there time.
Hamp shares her love of rap music with some of the other Lady Tigers. She said she and her teammates make up their own lyrics from time to time.
“We play around sometimes and freestyle,” she said. “We have a freestyle session. We might rap a little, nothing serious-just jokes.”
Hamp said freshman Latrice Booker, sophomores Aesha Carter and Raven Rogers give her a run for her money with their music-making.
“We all freestyle when we are on the bus on away trips,” Hamp said. “Sometimes everybody gets in on it.”
She said the freestyle session is just part of the team coming together when they are away from the hardwood.
“I think we have a wonderful relationship off the court, she said. “Off the court we laugh and play all the time.”
On the court, the 6-2 second team All-Conference USA player tries to get teammates to follow her example.
Hamp has given Memphis solid production since her arrival three years ago.
In 88 career games, she scored 977 points, grabbed 409 rebounds and shot almost 53 percent from the field.
She was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team in 1999-2000.
Hamp led the Lady Tigers in scoring last season with 15.1 points per game and said she has enjoyed the individual success but is ready to see her team win more consistently.
“I would love to win a conference championship and play in the NCAA tournament,” Hamp said.
With the C-USA women’s tournament in the Bluff City, Hamp said that playing here would complete her career.
“That would be so sweet to win the championship here in Memphis,” she said. “My whole family would be here. It would be sweet.”
“I have never won a championship, even in high school. This would be a great way to end my (Lady Tiger) career.”
