By Cristhian Plasencia/Asst. Sports Director
With her collegiate basketball career officially over, former Panthers’ forward Kiandre’a Pound will now adjust to her new phase in life, becoming a full-time mother.
Pound redshirted the 2014-15 season with a medical hardship waiver due to her pregnancy. In March 2016, the former Panther welcomed her daughter Kynsley.
“It was love at first sight. The way she laid on me when she was born is the same way she lays on me till this day,” said Pound. “I felt like a new me was basically born.”
On the court, “making it to the next play” was Pound’s train of thought during games. The senior standout passion revolves around Kynsley. Generally, athletes incline in binge watching basketball and obsessively watching film, but Pound’s priorities are elsewhere.
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 10: FIU forward Kiandre’a Pound (1) boxes out in the first half as the University of Miami Hurricanes defeated the FIU Golden Panthers, 77-69, on November 10, 2017, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo courtesy of FIU Athletics)
“Playing against Rice, I would imagine them doing something to my daughter. She’s my rock that keeps me up to par,” said Pound. “At times in life, we need that spark and energy from our love ones. Knowing that Kynsley is safe and healthly, reminds me of gratitude.”
Kynsley enjoys her countless time with her mother at the park, and infatuated with ice cream on a sunny day. Kiandre’a teaches her daughter the importance of fitness, but at the same time, showing her to have fun. Kynsley will soon start gymnastics, in efforts of keeping her active.
As a parent, nothing in the world brings more joy than their own child speaking or walking for the first time.
“My daughter’s first words were momma. It brought tears in my eyes,” said Pound. “The first time she walked was at the doctor’s office. I kept recording her walk as it was a moment that I didn’t want to fadeaway.”
Forward Kiandre’a Pound (1) handles the ball in the second half against the University of Miami on November 10, 2017, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo courtesy of FIU Athletics)
Sans of late night games and long afternoon practices, Pound gets to go to bed earlier and has spare time to study through the day and now she can mother her child.
“Our relationship is complete. She tries to make me laugh throughout the day. We are inseparable,” said Pound. “We’re honest and transparent with each other. She knows when I’m having a bad day; at times, she would rub my back to cheer me up.”
Kiandre’a started in 28 games for the Panthers and finished her career as a Panther with 12.9 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game.
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