Mount St. Mary’s women’s basketball senior Alana Powell recently chatted with PressBox about starting her college career at CCBC Essex, what clicked for her last season and more. The 5-foot-8 guard averaged 8.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 2025-26, scoring double-figure points 11 times in the Mountaineers’ final 18 games. Powell is a native of Haymarket, Va., and graduate of Osbourn Park High School.
PressBox: How did you first become interested in basketball?
Alana Powell: I grew up around a bunch of boys. I’ve got multiple brothers. They’ve always played sports. My mom, [Karen], played a little bit [of basketball]. My dad, [Torey], played a little bit. But I always wanted to do what my oldest brother did, and he was the only one who did play basketball. I got a lot of it from him, I would say, but my parents and my brothers have continued to push me to play throughout the years.
PB: Who was the biggest influence on your game growing up?
AP: My biggest influence I would definitely say is my family just because — and I mean this wholeheartedly — I don’t think my parents have ever missed a game, home or away, except for when I was at Omaha. But even at the Mount, they don’t miss a game. They’re always there — traveling, AAU, you name it, haven’t missed a beat. So I would definitely say my family.
PB: Why did you choose to start your college career at CCBC Essex?
AP: Honestly, coming out of high school I didn’t have any D-I offers. I had a D-II, some D-III, but I knew that wasn’t really what I wanted. My parents have always been a big advocate to reach for what you want. Even telling my parents I was going JUCO, they weren’t very fond of it. They were like, “Are you sure?” I had some offers, but none D-I. My coach there, Mike Seney, he was a big influence in me picking that school, just the love that he showed when he was on the phone with me, just showing me around and really getting to know my parents throughout the recruiting process I think was the biggest thing. Plus it was close to home, which was nice.
PB: CCBC Essex is an extremely successful program. What’s the secret sauce?
AP: The secret sauce is honestly the swag that comes along with the ability to be free in that environment. Coach Mike is very big on just be you. It’s better to put the ball in the air than to turn it over. He’s a confidence booster. The secret sauce is really just having fun. Having fun, I believe that’s why we were so successful.
PB: Why did you choose to go to Omaha after that?
AP: I had been close to home. I had a few offers coming out of JUCO. The biggest thing for me when I pick somewhere, especially the Mount, is the love and relationship I can build with whoever’s trying to recruit me on to their campus just because I think the program runs smoother from player-to-coach development and relationships in general. When I went to Omaha, Ansar Al-Ameen [was an assistant coach]. He worked with some big NBA players like LeBron and Kobe, Jalen Brunson. He still calls me to this day, just encouraging words. He wanted me there.
PB: Why did you transfer to the Mount after that?
AP: After that season at Omaha, our staff actually had been fired, and I didn’t really have the season that I wanted to have. I was kind of just looking for different options. I was really far away from home. It was really my first time going that far away from home where I didn’t really see my parents. Coming to the Mount, [head coach Antoine White was] super loving. He had a great staff. I loved the players on my visit. I liked that the campus is small and that we’re a basketball school. I really enjoyed that about the Mount. I love how close-knit everybody is. It just feels like a loving community. I feel like I thrive in that type of environment.
PB: What have you learned about yourself as a player and person having been at three different schools in your college career so far?
AP: The winters are cold out there [in the Midwest]. It’s not as bad here, but it is pretty cold. I’ve learned to advocate for myself. I think I’ve learned to have those hard conversations that can be uncomfortable for both parties. I’ve learned how to be a leader on and off the court. I’ve also learned how to, I don’t want to say network but just make friends in general — be out, go see people, not be afraid be confident and step up boldly to whatever I have to conquer that day. Being a student-athlete in general is what has allowed me to be a better person. That’s what impacted me.
PB: You played well toward the end of the 2025-26 season. What clicked?
AP: I was coming into a new school for the third time. With that, you want to step up boldly, but that comes with not even just nerves but excitement. I’m a big team player. I want to be whatever I have to be for the team, so whatever the case may be — whether I’ve got to score 30 points, I’ve got to get 10 steals, I just try to be whatever I’ve got to be that day for us to be successful. We lost our center and halfway through the season we lost a big piece in Gabrielle Kennerly with her knee. She was our point-getter. She was our energy booster. She was our captain. I knew where we were, and I had the conversation with Coach [White]. I feel like we just got on the same page of like, this is what we needed to be. Me being a team player, it was easy for me to adapt to that.
PB: What’s your favorite thing about the Mount?
AP: Honestly, my favorite thing about the Mount is probably how small it is. I know that sounds crazy, but I enjoy the fact that I walk the campus and I’m waving hi to people on the way to class and the lunch ladies know our names. I’m able to just come in everybody’s office and say what’s up. Everybody’s super friendly. I would say what makes the Mount is the people. That’s what I most enjoy.
PB: What advice would you give to younger players who are looking into the JUCO route?
AP: My advice to the JUCO players would be to understand what you’re going into. You’re not going to have the facilities. Maybe even the court quality is a little different. I remember my first practice at JUCO wasn’t even at CCBC Essex. We took two vans to CCBC Dundalk or Catonsville. We practiced there from like 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. It was something you’ve never heard of. Our parents were texting us and stuff. I would just say to younger players, know what you’re getting into but also have so much fun because JUCO is like nothing else. It’s so hard to explain, but the rules are just different and the people [are a unique mix]. It’s a fun experience. I would just say enjoy it and know that you’re going to have to put the work in.
PB: Why are you majoring in business finance?
AP: I like to keep my circle small. I like to make sure my family’s OK. I plan to be half adviser, half something else. My ultimate goal is to have us on a compound where we’re just all together and I’m able to help take care of whatever the finances are, be able to build this family-type business. Investments and trades also interest me, but I haven’t really picked a route completely yet.
Photo Credit: Savannah Short
Issue 301: October / November 2026
Originally published Oct. 14, 2026