Ferris State junior guard/forward Tricia Principe will travel to Glasgow, Scotland for a two-month graphic design internship this summer.
Principe, a native of Kalamazoo and graduate of Mattawan High School, said she studied abroad in Europe the past few summers and loved it.
“I decided on Glasgow because I have a friend that lives there that could help me out and be a good contact,” said Principe. “I searched online for all the graphic design companies in Glasgow and sent emails and called many of the companies.”
Principe landed an internship position at 55 Degrees, a company that builds websites and specializes in overall systems architecture for online digital media.
Education is not the only facet of life that Principe is dedicated to. She earned the team’s Hardest Worker Award as a freshman. Last season Principe led the nation in free-throw percentage by sinking 92.5 percent of the 93 free throws she attempted.
While graphic design is very important to Principe, she said it is not in her immediate plans after graduation. She plans on graduating in May 2012.
“My goal is to play professional basketball overseas so that I can continue my career,” said Principe. “After my basketball career is over, I will then hope to work as a designer.”
Through 14 games this season, Principe has averaged 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Only senior forward Tiara Adams averages more in either category. Principe also leads the team in free-throw percentage, shooting 88.9 percent from the charity stripe this season.
Principe led the Bulldogs in scoring last season, averaging 11.6 points per game. She was also second on the team in rebounds with 5.2 rebounds per game a season ago.
She attributes two main reasons for her continued improvement as a basketball player. The first reason she said is her experience as she plays more games. Principe cites her teammates as the other reason for her success.
“My teammates do a great job of setting me up and putting me in good situations to score, and I definitely couldn’t be doing what I do without them.”
Principe said it takes dedication to consistently perform at a high level on the court and in the classroom.
“It is very hard balancing the two because you can never fully put your energy into just one,” said Principe. “You have to be extremely focused on what you are doing and really know your priorities.” n