Meet The Husky Freshmen: Aarion McDonald
September 27, 2016 | Women's Basketball
The University of Washington women's basketball program welcomed four talented freshmen in 2016-17. GoHuskies.com will introduce a member of the Husky freshmen class each week this fall.
At 5-foot-7-inches, Aarion McDonald is a speedy and tenacious point guard with the ability to not only score, but also rebound, pass and defend. McDonald shined in her two years at Brookside Christian, leading the Knights to a Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV title last season, following a NorCal championship run as a junior. The Tracy, Calif. native racked up 1,451 points, 531 rebounds, 359 assists and 372 steals in just two seasons at Brookside Christian.
McDonald played at Bullard High School as a freshman before transferring and having to sit out her sophomore year per transfer rules. Last season, the point guard averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, six steals and six assists. As a junior, she averaged 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists and six steals, leading Brookside Christian to a CCAA title, Sac-Joaquin Section finals run, NorCal championship and CIF State finals appearance.
During Washington's trip to Australia this summer, McDonald scored in double figures in each of the three games played. In the first contest, the freshman scored 17 points before putting up a double-double in the second game with 19 points and 10 assists. In its toughest test against Sydney, McDonald finished with 14 points and four assists.
Q: Why did you choose the University of Washington?
A: I chose the University of Washington because it has high academic standards and the school is very diverse. Basketball wise, I love the coaches and players because they make me feel like I have a family away from home. I also wanted to get out of California and Seattle's weather was a plus for me. Most importantly, I feel safe on campus.
Q: How would you describe your game?
A: Fast, can create for others/self, tenacious defense, explosive, can attack the rim and can finish with contact
Q: Why did you choose the number you wear?
A: Isaiah Thomas is one of my favorite players and he wore #2 at Washington
Q: What is one random fact that people wouldn't know about you?
A: I love to wear dresses
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: I want to become more vocal as a point guard and win the Pac-12 Conference
Q: What is the best moment of your basketball career so far?
A: Hitting a buzzer beater against Pinewood High School
Q: What are your hobbies outside of sports?
A: Shopping, eating, watching Netflix and hanging out with loved ones
Q: What is your dream job (not including playing basketball)?
A: Becoming an actress
Aari in her own words: I am goofy, loving and helpful. I am quiet, but once I feel comfortable around someone, I love to crack jokes and dance. I am the youngest of six. I love to shop, eat, watch Netflix and hang out with family and friends. Besides basketball, I love to play and watch volleyball. My biggest supporters are my parents and grandparents and without them, I wouldn't be the young lady I am today.
McDonald File:
Full name: Aarion Shawnae McDonald
Birthdate: August 20, 1998
Birthplace: Fresno, California
Major: Undecided
Nickname: Aari (Air-ree)
Biggest guilty pleasure: I watch old TV shows from the '80s and '90s
Favorite subject in school: Writing
Favorite TV show: Power
Favorite movie: War Room
Favorite place you've traveled: Atlanta
Favorite musical artist: Eric Bellinger
Pregame superstitions: Eat a lot of candy
McDonald and the Huskies will play two exhibition games against Central Washington (Oct. 29) and Concordia (Nov. 2) before officially opening the season against Eastern Washington on Nov. 11. For more information about tickets, click here.
At 5-foot-7-inches, Aarion McDonald is a speedy and tenacious point guard with the ability to not only score, but also rebound, pass and defend. McDonald shined in her two years at Brookside Christian, leading the Knights to a Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV title last season, following a NorCal championship run as a junior. The Tracy, Calif. native racked up 1,451 points, 531 rebounds, 359 assists and 372 steals in just two seasons at Brookside Christian.
McDonald played at Bullard High School as a freshman before transferring and having to sit out her sophomore year per transfer rules. Last season, the point guard averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, six steals and six assists. As a junior, she averaged 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists and six steals, leading Brookside Christian to a CCAA title, Sac-Joaquin Section finals run, NorCal championship and CIF State finals appearance.
During Washington's trip to Australia this summer, McDonald scored in double figures in each of the three games played. In the first contest, the freshman scored 17 points before putting up a double-double in the second game with 19 points and 10 assists. In its toughest test against Sydney, McDonald finished with 14 points and four assists.
Q: Why did you choose the University of Washington?
A: I chose the University of Washington because it has high academic standards and the school is very diverse. Basketball wise, I love the coaches and players because they make me feel like I have a family away from home. I also wanted to get out of California and Seattle's weather was a plus for me. Most importantly, I feel safe on campus.
Q: How would you describe your game?
A: Fast, can create for others/self, tenacious defense, explosive, can attack the rim and can finish with contact
Q: Why did you choose the number you wear?
A: Isaiah Thomas is one of my favorite players and he wore #2 at Washington
Q: What is one random fact that people wouldn't know about you?
A: I love to wear dresses
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: I want to become more vocal as a point guard and win the Pac-12 Conference
Q: What is the best moment of your basketball career so far?
A: Hitting a buzzer beater against Pinewood High School
Q: What are your hobbies outside of sports?
A: Shopping, eating, watching Netflix and hanging out with loved ones
Q: What is your dream job (not including playing basketball)?
A: Becoming an actress
Aari in her own words: I am goofy, loving and helpful. I am quiet, but once I feel comfortable around someone, I love to crack jokes and dance. I am the youngest of six. I love to shop, eat, watch Netflix and hang out with family and friends. Besides basketball, I love to play and watch volleyball. My biggest supporters are my parents and grandparents and without them, I wouldn't be the young lady I am today.
McDonald File:
Full name: Aarion Shawnae McDonald
Birthdate: August 20, 1998
Birthplace: Fresno, California
Major: Undecided
Nickname: Aari (Air-ree)
Biggest guilty pleasure: I watch old TV shows from the '80s and '90s
Favorite subject in school: Writing
Favorite TV show: Power
Favorite movie: War Room
Favorite place you've traveled: Atlanta
Favorite musical artist: Eric Bellinger
Pregame superstitions: Eat a lot of candy
McDonald and the Huskies will play two exhibition games against Central Washington (Oct. 29) and Concordia (Nov. 2) before officially opening the season against Eastern Washington on Nov. 11. For more information about tickets, click here.
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