Sports

Success Before Self: Dorothy Adomako poised to lead by example

November 11, 2016


Photo Credit: Georgetown Sports Information

When Head Coach Natasha Adair sat down with junior guard Dorothy Adomako for her individual meeting this offseason, she could not help but reflect on Adomako’s leadership skills and sense of confidence.

She remembers Adomako saying, “Coach, whatever I need to do for this team,” rather than focusing solely on herself. Adomako is an essential player for the women’s basketball team and a key component of the team’s growth over the past two years. Regardless of her past accomplishments, she has committed all of her energy to focusing on the future by driving herself to work hard at and outside of practice as well as placing faith in her teammates’ abilities to do the same this coming season.

Even before Adomako started playing for Georgetown, it was clear that she had great potential. After leading Cosby High School to a 25-0 record in her senior year, she was named the 2014 Gatorade Virginia Girls Basketball Player of the Year as well as Regional and District Player of the Year and All-Metro Player of the Year for the second time.

Adomako only added to her success after being recruited to play for Georgetown. In her freshman year, she was named the Big East Freshman of the Year after leading the team in both points (12.9) and rebounds (6.7) per game.

As a sophomore, Adomako continued to grow and was named to the Preseason All-Big East Team and earned a spot on the Big East Weekly Honor Roll several times throughout the season, most notably for her strong performances in games against Towson and Villanova.

This year, as a junior, Adomako has been named to the Preseason All Big East team for the second time in addition to earning unanimous Big East conference preseason honors. When asked how these achievements will impact her game going forward, Adomako has made it clear that although it is exciting, awards aren’t her main focus going into the season.

“It’s very motivational, it’s just, I can’t really think hard about the award I got,” said Adomako. “I just have to work hard. We haven’t started playing yet, so there’s a lot for us to do.”

Even last year, when Adomako was asked about her accomplishments as freshman on the team, she told the Voice that she could not let success get to her head.

“I have bigger goals—being the Big East Player of the Year and just helping my team win as much as possible,” Adomako said.

The guard’s down-to-earth attitude regarding her successes is a crucial part of her strength as a leader on the team. She is constantly looking to the future and putting her effort into individual and team improvement.

Georgetown has seen enormous growth over the past couple of years, benefiting from a feeling of familiarity. Adomako said, “Last year we had five returners come in as the starting five; this year we have four, and having the same consistent coach is always great, and we’re just looking to grow from here.”

The guard’s actions speaks louder than her words. Adomako does not just talk about advancement, but has taken steps towards improving the less-polished aspects of her game. She has continued to work hard in the offseason, specifically on extending her shooting range and learning to be more efficient and consistent. If the team is to improve and earn the rewards she has envisioned, Adomako’s offseason improvements will need to translate to on-court success.  

Adomako’s ability to play her leadership role effectively this season will dictate how high her team’s ceiling will be this season. In the past, she has led her team to many victories and is expected to continue to do so this year, but as a junior, she will be an even more important role model for the younger players on the team.

“She’s just really, really taken on that leadership role.” Adair said. “She’s really been charged with the vocal piece of leadership. Picking up one of the younger ones and taking them under her wing, because again, she will leave a phenomenal legacy here, and we want to make sure she does it the right way and she’s prepared as she transitions to the next level.”

Off the court, Dorothy is a motivated student, majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. When asked about her other interests, Dorothy excitedly told the Voice that she worked for Nike this summer and had the opportunity to Facetime with Kevin Durant. It is clear that her heart is invested in the game of basketball.

“I do want to play ball after college,” Adomako said.

Adomako is passionate about her team, always considering how she can help her teammates advance. Her words and actions show that she is committed to working hard to help her team continue taking strides this season. Behind Adomako’s strong leadership, the women’s team has high hopes for its 2016-17 season. Though the team has grown during her time as a player, Adomako’s sights are always set on what can still be accomplished.

“This year, we’re looking to go to the NCAA Tournament and play in the Big East Championship.”


Brynn Furey
Brynn is a Contributing Editor for the Voice. She's a huge proponent of pop punk, capybaras, and world peace.


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