For Aaliyah McQueen, the road to the University of Detroit Mercy has been anything but conventional. Her journey, spanning multiple universities and countless challenges, tells a story of perseverance, self-discovery and an unyielding love for the game.
McQueen’s basketball journey began at the University of Illinois, where she competed in the Big Ten conference.
“Playing in the Big Ten allowed me to experience things I never imagined while playing the sport I love,” she recalls.
From there, she transferred to Oakland University, enjoying two years of playing in front of family and friends while working on personal growth. Later, at Madonna University, she truly began to shine.
“It was time to let people see how much I had invested in myself,” she says.
Yet, one recurring challenge followed her at each stop: being the underdog.
“They didn’t understand me as a person, which made it hard to understand the way I play,” McQueen said.
Her love for basketball started early, with her father being her first coach and inspiration.
“He put a ball in my hand when I was two years old,” she remembers fondly.
But when her father passed away, basketball became more than just a game—it became a way to honor his memory.
“Since then, I’ve taken basketball to another level every year,” she said
Her multiple transfers were tough at first but taught her resilience.
“Things happen for a reason,” she said.
The key lessons? Be open to change, adapt, and stay true to yourself. Transitioning between different team cultures and coaching styles wasn’t always easy. McQueen embraced it by building relationships with teammates and learning from returning players’ experiences. One game at Madonna University stands out in her memory—a 41-point, 15-rebound performance against Cornerstone.
“I cried almost the whole way home after losing. I’d never wanted to win a game as badly as I wanted that one,” she shares.
Through her varied collegiate experience, McQueen has grown both as a player and a person.
“It has shown me how to handle certain situations, taught me about myself, and guided me down the right path,” she says.
One of her biggest obstacles has been learning not to care about everyone else’s opinions.
“Sometimes, people critique without really understanding you or your game,” she said.
Teammates and coaches have also played a crucial role in her development.
“They’ve helped me create memories that feel like once-in-a-lifetime moments,” she says.
One piece of advice that’s stuck with her?
“When things start to go sideways, that’s when staying positive matters the most,” she said.
As a graduate transfer, McQueen is bringing a wealth of experience to Detroit Mercy.
“I think I can bring leadership and help build a solid foundation for the future,” she says.
Her goals for the season are ambitious: to improve physically and mentally, embrace a consistent leadership role, and lead her team to a championship.
“I want to become that elite team everyone counted out,” McQueen said.
As her college basketball career draws to a close, McQueen is focused on making the most of her final season while contemplating the future.
“After college, I plan to play overseas for a few years and eventually become a clinical psychologist in Flint, Mich., or Atlanta,” she says.
Beyond basketball, her passion for coaching younger athletes has grown.
“A kid once told me I motivated her to keep playing basketball,” she said. “Moments like that make me think about coaching more seriously.”
Through her journey, McQueen hopes to inspire others, especially young athletes facing similar challenges. Her advice?
“Choose the right school for you, no matter how many transfers it takes,” she said. “Surround yourself with people who will push you both as an athlete and as a person.”
As she wraps up her college career, she wants her legacy to be one of encouragement.
“Basketball teaches you about life and opens doors for success,” she said. “I hope to show younger girls that sports can make a difference.”
McQueen’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion—a story that resonates far beyond the court.
