Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72
Final Score
Women's Basketball
58
at Eastern Kentucky
72
The University of Utah Athletics
Getting To Know U: #35 Ola Makurat
9/26/2019 9:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The University of Utah women's basketball program will tip off its 2019-20 season 35 days from now, taking on the Westminster Griffins for an exhibition game on Thursday, Oct. 31. Today also marked Utah's first day of official practices where UtahUtes.com sat down with redshirt junior Ola Makurat.
Makurat is an athletic and talented shooter that transferred to Utah last season from Liberty. She spent two years with the Lady Flames, leading them to a Big South Title and an NCAA Tournament berth as a sophomore in 2017-18. She played in 64 career games at Liberty, starting in 27.
Makurat also spent time playing internationally as a part of the Polish National Team (U18, U20).
Q: What is your earliest memory of basketball and what was special about that moment?
A: "Ever since I was an infant, my mom used to take me in the baby carriage to the basketball gym. I can recall myself that just after I started to walk the a basketball was always within my reach. I always played around while my mother was training our local men's basketball team."
Q: What was it like growing up in your hometown? Any specific memories that stand out?
A: "The first thought when I think about growing up in my hometown is that the time of adolescence comes to an end too early. The main feature that distinguishes people living in my hometown (from the outsiders) is that they start a family in early adulthood, which follows by taking responsibility for their lives very soon. My parents have always given me space to create my path and make my own decisions. It was still expected of me to be more mature and that led me to the place where I am at the moment. My parents sometimes recall the times when as a little girl, I believe I was eight, I managed to persuade them to take me to another city where I wanted to go to school and practice. At the same time, my dad got a job in the same town."
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Q: How has your family influenced you on and off the court?
A: "Since I managed to persuade my parents to train basketball, they made me realize that they expect me to do my best or not to do it at all. They engraved into me the sense of commitment, passion and sacrifice for what I do. They are also the ones who passed the presence of God on to me. Without faith, none of that would be possible."
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Q: Who would you say you take after most in your family and why?
A: "It's hard to pick just one person. Visually I mainly have taken after my mother and grandmother, and a little after my father. When it comes to personality, despite my thunder, heart and sensitivity, which I took after my father, I am a strong woman just as my mother taught me to be."
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Q: What about the sport of basketball made you fall in love with it?
A: "Based on my concept, love is a feeling that you don't need a reason for, and so is my love for basketball - selfless."
Q: Was there ever a time that you thought college basketball wouldn't be in your future? If so, what made you change your mind?
A: "I remember that day like it was yesterday because it has an immense influence on the woman I became. At the age of 14, I decided to attend the private school under the Polish Basketball Association, which was the most prestigious school for female basketball players in Poland. I was full of energy, dreams, and faith. And all of a sudden, I felt like everything fell apart because I got diagnosed and I had to face the perspective of knee surgery. Two years after the same nightmare happened again. I found out that I needed surgery for my other knee. At that time, my American dream was just abstract thinking. Back at the time, I didn't know what kind of step I should take to get closer to make my dream come true. Fortunately, God works in mysterious ways."
Q: What is your dream job, and why?
A: "At this point in life, I haven't decided yet, but what I am confident of is that my future trade has to consist of three components: It ought to challenge me, give me satisfaction and opportunity to affects people's lives."
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Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: "I love watching romance and melodrama movies. I always cry like a baby."
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Q: What about the University of Utah made you want to continue your career here?
A: "I decided to transfer to Utah last year. I got to know many coaches and players during the whole process. I am not going to lie, I was pretty stressed about picking a new school. It was a big decision. I knew exactly what I was looking for, and I remember my first talk with Coach Rob. It felt so natural. I was very excited about the visit. When I first got on campus, I knew there was something special about the program and the people that make this place home. I loved the professional environment, coaching staff's vision, mountains, and of course, the team. Being here made me happy and excited about the future. Today, I can say that I belong here and I am proud to be a Ute."
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Q: What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Utah so far?
A: "I couldn't play last season due to NCAA transfer rules, however, that season was one for the books. I am grateful for being able to wear a red shirt with Julie. We grew together. I am thankful for that. And of course, being able to be a part of this team. I have to say that I met some great people here in Utah and they've made that experience unforgettable."
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Makurat is an athletic and talented shooter that transferred to Utah last season from Liberty. She spent two years with the Lady Flames, leading them to a Big South Title and an NCAA Tournament berth as a sophomore in 2017-18. She played in 64 career games at Liberty, starting in 27.
Makurat also spent time playing internationally as a part of the Polish National Team (U18, U20).
Q: What is your earliest memory of basketball and what was special about that moment?
A: "Ever since I was an infant, my mom used to take me in the baby carriage to the basketball gym. I can recall myself that just after I started to walk the a basketball was always within my reach. I always played around while my mother was training our local men's basketball team."
Q: What was it like growing up in your hometown? Any specific memories that stand out?
A: "The first thought when I think about growing up in my hometown is that the time of adolescence comes to an end too early. The main feature that distinguishes people living in my hometown (from the outsiders) is that they start a family in early adulthood, which follows by taking responsibility for their lives very soon. My parents have always given me space to create my path and make my own decisions. It was still expected of me to be more mature and that led me to the place where I am at the moment. My parents sometimes recall the times when as a little girl, I believe I was eight, I managed to persuade them to take me to another city where I wanted to go to school and practice. At the same time, my dad got a job in the same town."
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Q: How has your family influenced you on and off the court?
A: "Since I managed to persuade my parents to train basketball, they made me realize that they expect me to do my best or not to do it at all. They engraved into me the sense of commitment, passion and sacrifice for what I do. They are also the ones who passed the presence of God on to me. Without faith, none of that would be possible."
Â
Q: Who would you say you take after most in your family and why?
A: "It's hard to pick just one person. Visually I mainly have taken after my mother and grandmother, and a little after my father. When it comes to personality, despite my thunder, heart and sensitivity, which I took after my father, I am a strong woman just as my mother taught me to be."
Â
Q: What about the sport of basketball made you fall in love with it?
A: "Based on my concept, love is a feeling that you don't need a reason for, and so is my love for basketball - selfless."
Q: Was there ever a time that you thought college basketball wouldn't be in your future? If so, what made you change your mind?
A: "I remember that day like it was yesterday because it has an immense influence on the woman I became. At the age of 14, I decided to attend the private school under the Polish Basketball Association, which was the most prestigious school for female basketball players in Poland. I was full of energy, dreams, and faith. And all of a sudden, I felt like everything fell apart because I got diagnosed and I had to face the perspective of knee surgery. Two years after the same nightmare happened again. I found out that I needed surgery for my other knee. At that time, my American dream was just abstract thinking. Back at the time, I didn't know what kind of step I should take to get closer to make my dream come true. Fortunately, God works in mysterious ways."
Q: What is your dream job, and why?
A: "At this point in life, I haven't decided yet, but what I am confident of is that my future trade has to consist of three components: It ought to challenge me, give me satisfaction and opportunity to affects people's lives."
Â
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: "I love watching romance and melodrama movies. I always cry like a baby."
Â
Q: What about the University of Utah made you want to continue your career here?
A: "I decided to transfer to Utah last year. I got to know many coaches and players during the whole process. I am not going to lie, I was pretty stressed about picking a new school. It was a big decision. I knew exactly what I was looking for, and I remember my first talk with Coach Rob. It felt so natural. I was very excited about the visit. When I first got on campus, I knew there was something special about the program and the people that make this place home. I loved the professional environment, coaching staff's vision, mountains, and of course, the team. Being here made me happy and excited about the future. Today, I can say that I belong here and I am proud to be a Ute."
Â
Q: What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Utah so far?
A: "I couldn't play last season due to NCAA transfer rules, however, that season was one for the books. I am grateful for being able to wear a red shirt with Julie. We grew together. I am thankful for that. And of course, being able to be a part of this team. I have to say that I met some great people here in Utah and they've made that experience unforgettable."
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Players Mentioned
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