One of the founding mandates of the University of the Virgin Islands as a center of higher learning “whereby and wherefrom the benefits of culture and education may be extended throughout the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and other areas,” is the “stimulation…of the intellectual resources of the People of the Virgin Islands…” Plain and simple, our students are the “why” behind our what. This month, as we celebrate the establishment of the University of the Virgin Islands, we shine a light on one of our many “whys,” a Stellar Student and Star Athlete hailing from the island of St. Croix, who is charting her path Forward to Psychology, Keshara Romain.
“I choose UVI because it was supposed to be my last year of eligibility, so I wanted to be back home where I was born.”
– Keshara Romain
Level of Study & Campus: Junior & St. Thomas Campus
Major: Psychology
Sports: Basketball
Fun Fact: I won 2 gold Medals from playing on the Virgin Islands National Team
“Be on your P’s and Q’s because the island life will take over. Student first and island life after.”
– Keshara Romain
Who is Keshara Romain?
Keshara is a shy girl, trying to figure out life after basketball.
As an athlete, what made you choose UVI?
I choose UVI because it was supposed to be my last year of eligibility, so I wanted to be back home where I was born.
You have, twice, represented the Territory as a member of the USVI Senior Women’s National Team in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Caribbean Basketball Championships. What has that experience meant to you, and what is one highlight of that journey?
It means a lot especially being raised in the states. It shows how my athletic talents were being shown and very much made me confident. I love representing where I came from. The experiences I had was fun. I made newfound sisters that I am now very close with. The highlight was winning gold in El Salvador my first year being on the team.
How do you balance your work/play schedule? Any tips/hacks that you’ve discovered that you can share with your fellow student body?
Having a good work schedule that works for me and balance my time in-between. & making sure I take at least 1 nap.
What has been your favourite part of being a member of the Bucs family?
The community, meeting new people.
Define Success:
Accomplishing the goals that you made for yourself.
What is the most notable piece of wisdom that any UVI instructor (coach or professor) has imparted to you thus far that you implement in your day-to-day life on your UVI journey?
N/A can’t really think of anything right now.
What advice would you give student athletes considering attending UVI?
Be on your P’s and Q’s because the island life will take over. Student first and island life after.
Degree aside, what do you hope to achieve during your time at UVI?
Building life-long friends.
Where do you hope to see yourself 5 years from now?
I am hoping to play overseas somewhere because I would love to continue my basketball career.
