Get to Know Q&A's with Cord Stansberry: Vernon Collins

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – As part of a summer internship, Western Carolina men's basketball rising redshirt junior guard Cord Stansberry sat down with several members of WCU's programs and asked each a series of questions in an attempt to allow Catamount Nation to know members of the Catamount athletics program better.

The second installment of Q & A with Cord is with WCU senior forward Vernon Collins. Collins begins his second season with the Catamounts in 2025-26 after seeing action in all 30 games a season ago with 24 starts. Collins connected on a team-high 51% (53-of-104) field goals, while finishing third on the team with 150 rebounds, averaging 5.0 per contest.

Why did you choose Western Carolina University, and what has your experience been like so far?
"I chose Western Carolina because I loved the way that the coaching staff spoke life into my athletic future, and because of the values and morals that they want to uphold within this program. So far, I have enjoyed my experience being a Catamount, and I continue to look forward to what's in store for our future."

Walk us through a typical day in your life as a Division I basketball player.
"My typical day begins with me praying and reading or listening to the Bible as I prepare for the day. Then, I'll eat breakfast with the guys on the team and head over to the gym for my skill workout. Afterwards, I'll eat lunch and go home to relax until lift. After the lift, we'll have team practice, and I'll go to the Athletic Trainer for recovery and ice. Then, I'll go eat dinner with the team and head back home to relax and prepare for the next day."

How do you balance academics, athletics, and your social life?
"Balancing academics, athletics, and my social life doesn't have a specific formula to it. Sometimes, I may need to focus more on an academic assignment, rather than a voluntary workout or hanging out with friends, and vice versa. The main importance is that I prepare and complete tasks in a way that is most beneficial to each aspect of my life. Communication is also important because allowing others to know prior engagements before the date creates more opportunities for better preparation."

What do you love most about being a Catamount?
"What I love most about being a Catamount is the school pride and the close-knit community."

What advice would you give to younger players who want to play at the college level?
"Some advice that I would give to younger players who want to play at the collegiate level is to find your "WHY". As time goes on, eventually, athletes are met with some form of adversity. The "WHY" allows for them to see past their current situation, to play and perform for a purpose bigger than themselves."

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Players Mentioned

#33 Vernon Collins: F; 6' 10"; Senior

#0 Cord Stansberry: G; 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#33 Vernon Collins
: 6' 10"; Senior
: F

#0 Cord Stansberry
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior
: G

Schedule

Players Mentioned

#33 Vernon Collins

#0 Cord Stansberry

Players Mentioned

#33 Vernon Collins

#0 Cord Stansberry