Felmas Koranga elated after preseason gong

Kenya Lionesses forward Felmas Koranga is hugely appreciative after bagging yet another individual award, the preseason Sun-Belt Conference Player of The Year for her side, Troy University women’s basketball team.

Entering her third season later this year, Koranga has been setting the world a-light in Junior College thanks to her exploits on the court and out of it and the preseason award, her first, couldn’t have come any sooner.

“I am humbled and grateful for being voted as the preseason SBC Player of The Year. The award gives me humbling chills, being the best of a conference that is so full of talent,” Felmas Koranga told Mozzart Sport.

“The award also reminds me of how great my teammates are because they make me look good. Without them I’m not sure I would have accomplished anything thus far,” she adds.

Additionally, Koranga was also named in the Preseason All Sun-Belt First team following her monstrous performances last season. Koranga led her team, Troy Trojans in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game respectively.

Koranga would also record a season high 25 points and a mind-blowing 24 rebounds in her 2021-2022 season that concluded in her team winning the Sun Belt Conference regular season title and a slot in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

Though intrigued by her inclusion into the first team alongside the conference’s top athletes, Koranga is also aware of her new role in the team, coming into her final year at the institution.

“Being a senior carries with it a lot of responsibilities because it is not only for this season, but it carries forward to the team’s tradition even after I graduate. The big role now is to do things better and impact the team in a positive way,” Koranga noted.

A big piece to Koranga’s success path has been her head coach, Chanda Rigby, a veteran and former junior college standout, who she mentions to be part of the reason for joining Troy two years ago, hailing from Tylor Junior College.

“Troy has great coaches and they are the reason I made the decision to come here. I have learnt so much from them and that is what I portray to the world,” Koranga said.

Rigby, speaking after Felmas was in 2021 named the World Exposure Report NCAA D1 Junior College Transfer of The Year noted that the former had elevated the team’s culture to winning back to back championships, a thing that Koranga is proud of, for the long lasting impact it has to her younger siblings.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and undertaking a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Felmas is keen on education’s role in driving careers forward. She advises the importance of discipline and sacrifice to anyone looking up to her.

“Balancing education and basketball isn't as easy as it sounds. Planning well is key as you have to navigate through different schedules. As a student athlete, time management, avoiding procrastination and being where you’re supposed to be on time will guarantee you consistency,” Koranga mentioned.

The Troy Trojans are set to ramp up their preparations to the new 2022-2023 season scheduled to tip off on November 7 when they visit the Samford Bulldogs at the Pete Hanna Center.