Ericka Russell

Classroom

Russell graduated in three years, earning Cum Laude honors with her 3.51 GPA in Business Administration. Russell is now pursuing a graduate degree in Sports Management with a 4.0 GPA. She has earned numerous accolades for her academic success throughout the years, including thrice being named to the SEC Academic honor roll, a three-time Black Scholar Athlete, Commerce & Business Administration Scholar Athlete and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Russell was also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies.

Character

Russell has compassion and pride in all that she does and exhibits a drive for excellence. She is extremely loyal and trustworthy, making her a great person off the court as well as a fantastic teammate. She is very hard working as you can count on her to be the first person in the gym and the last person out of the gym. Her positive outlook allows Russell to see the good in every situation. In addition, she exhibits a humble attitude, never looking for the attention or prize for her efforts, but instead always trying to do what is best.

Community

Russell has always been involved in the Tuscaloosa community. However, the aftermath of the tornado that rocked Alabama on April 27 made her want to do even more. During the summer, Russell spent time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, building houses for people that lost theirs in the storm. In addition, she formed a group called Russell Relief that collected various school supplies, including backpacks, books and pencils, and distributed them to local schools that were hit by the tornado. As part of the women’s basketball team, she participates every year in the Fifth Grade Fastbreak program, which is designed to provide athletically-related educational incentives to local fifth graders. Other areas of service for Russell include an Easter Seals Walk, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Project Angel Tree and Read Across America.

Competition

Russell has started in all but 11 games in her career for the Crimson Tide. Russell enters her senior season just 11 points shy of 1,000 career points. Following her freshman season, Russell was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.