Skylar Treadwell, a Bellarmine M.Ed. alum and former Knights women’s basketball student-athlete, is continuing her athletic career on the international stage, currently playing professionally in Peja, Kosovo. In this Q&A, Treadwell reflects on her Bellarmine experience, the transition to professional basketball overseas, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Why did you choose Bellarmine for your degree?
I chose Bellarmine University because it offered a master’s degree that aligned with my academic interests and career goals. After meeting with the admissions team and my academic advisor, I learned they were willing to work with me to help me complete my degree in one year, which was important to me as I prepared to pursue professional basketball after my college career. The opportunity to continue competing at a high level while earning my master’s degree made Bellarmine the ideal fit for me both academically and athletically.
What was it like finding out you’d be playing professionally overseas, and what was going through your mind?
Finding out that I would be playing professionally overseas was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It had been a dream of mine since my freshman year of high school, so it felt unreal that it was finally coming true. I was grateful for the opportunity to get paid to play the sport I love and to experience new countries and cultures. At the same time, I was nervous about being so far away from the people I love, but I knew it was what I wanted to do to grow both personally and professionally.
What’s been the most surprising part of living and playing internationally so far?
One of the most surprising parts of living internationally has been how people rely heavily on walking and public transportation instead of driving, no matter the weather. Playing overseas has also been an adjustment, especially with the differences in rules, practices, and game-day routines compared to the NCAA. FIBA rules vary in several ways, and practices tend to be shorter and more focused on live competition rather than extended fundamental work. Game days are different as well, with less time spent at the venue and shorter warm-ups before tip-off. In addition, there is more downtime than I was used to in college, where my time was filled with classes and studying. Now, I’ve learned to stay engaged by exploring the city and country, reading, and finding ways to entertain myself with more limited options. Adapting to these changes has been a valuable learning experience and has helped me grow both on and off the court.
How did your time at Bellarmine prepare you for competing at the professional level?
My time at Bellarmine prepared me for the professional level largely because of the guidance and support I received from Coach Monique Reid and the entire previous coaching staff at Bellarmine. Coach Mo, who played overseas herself, went above and beyond to prepare me for the next level by putting me through extra workouts, working me out after the season and throughout the summer, helping me connect with an agent, and teaching me valuable lessons about what it takes to succeed internationally. She shared her personal experiences and gave me insight into the expectations of playing professionally. The entire coaching staff pushed me every day and never allowed me to become comfortable, holding me to high standards because they believed in my goals.
They prepared me for the intensity, discipline, and accountability that come with playing overseas, and their commitment to my development played a major role in helping me succeed at the professional level.
What’s the biggest difference between college basketball and the professional game overseas?
The biggest difference between college basketball and the professional game overseas is the level of physicality and the overall approach to defense. Playing as an American overseas, you often experience much more physical contact, and many times those fouls are not called the same way they would be in college. You have to learn quickly how to play through contact and stay composed without relying on the whistle. In addition, the defensive mindset is different. In college, there is a strong emphasis on team defense, discipline, and executing detailed defensive schemes. Overseas, the focus is often more on offensive production, especially scoring, and teams tend to value how many points you can contribute. This shift requires you to adjust your mindset, become more aggressive offensively, and find ways to impact the game even when defensive systems are less structured. Adapting to these differences has helped me grow and become a more versatile and mentally tough player.
What does it mean to represent Bellarmine University on an international stage?
It means a great deal to me to represent Bellarmine University on the international stage. I take a lot of pride in showing that coming from a mid-major program does not limit your opportunities or your ability to reach the professional level. Representing Bellarmine overseas helps bring recognition to the university and highlights the strength of its basketball program and coaching staff. It shows that if you are willing to work hard, stay disciplined, and trust the process, you can still achieve your goals no matter where you start. I hope my journey encourages other student-athletes at Bellarmine and similar programs to believe in themselves and understand that they, too, can compete and succeed at the highest levels.
What advice would you give current Bellarmine student-athletes who dream of playing professionally?
My advice to current Bellarmine student-athletes who dream of playing professionally is to stay committed to putting in extra work every day and constantly striving to improve. Success at the next level requires more than just talent; you have to be disciplined, consistent, and willing to train beyond regular practices. Make sure you are in top physical shape and mentally prepared, because overseas teams expect you to arrive ready to perform right away. It’s also important to take care of your body, stay focused on your goals, and remain coachable throughout your journey. Once you achieve your goal of playing overseas, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Your daily routine can become repetitive, so make an effort to explore the city, learn about the culture, and step outside your comfort zone. Doing so will help you stay motivated,
What goals do you have for this season or your professional career?
My main goal this season is to help my team reach the playoffs and compete for a league championship. I want to be a consistent and reliable player who contributes on both ends of the court and does whatever it takes to help my team succeed. Along with team success, I am focused on continuing to grow as a leader by communicating more, setting a positive example through my work ethic, and supporting my teammates on and off the court. Personally, I am committed to improving my overall game each day, whether that means becoming more efficient offensively, strengthening my defense, or developing my basketball IQ. In the long term, my goal is to continue building my professional career.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play professionally overseas, and I know I would not be in the position I am in today without Bellarmine University and the incredible support of the coaching staff. They believed in me, invested in my development, and prepared me both on and off the court for the next level. I also appreciate that the entire coaching staff continues to stay in touch with me, following my career and checking in personally, which means a lot. I am also thankful to have a supportive family, especially my mom and grandparents, who, even though I am thousands of miles away, never miss a game and have always encouraged me, even when they cannot be there in person. From the guidance and training to the encouragement and high expectations, everything my family and coaches poured into me helped shape who I am as a player and as a person. I am proud to represent Bellarmine and grateful for everyone who has supported me as I continue to pursue my dreams.