UNCW basketball player becomes first-generation college graduate
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – After five years of hard work, Jania Hall has done something no one in her family has managed to do before.
The now former member of the UNCW women’s basketball team became a first-generation college graduate, receiving a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications in the Spring of 2025. Before transferring to the Seahawks, Hall received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration after spending four years at Monmouth University.
(Photo: Jania Hall)
Hall and her mother, Gina Kennedy, knew that basketball was going to play a massive role in pursuing a higher education.
“Growing up, money wasn’t very fortunate to us,” Hall said. “So I knew I had to find a way to get my education. It wasn’t going to be easy. I was very passionate towards the game of basketball, so I just really honed in on it. I really drove to get better and it led me here. Without basketball, I wouldn’t have been where I am today.”
(Photo: Jania Hall)
“When she brought it to my attention, I always knew that it was there,” Kennedy said. “She has always had that determination, that leadership. I knew that she would be able to do it.”
Hall is the third-oldest of 12 siblings. Her accomplishments have inspired others in her family to follow a similar path.
“My youngest, he is actually graduating this year and he’s going to college next year,” Kennedy said. “I am so excited and he’s definitely following in his big sister’s footsteps.”
(Photo: Jania Hall)
Despite all she accomplished on the court, Hall believes one feat in the classroom stands out above the rest.
“My very last semester, I ended with a 4.0 GPA,” Hall said. “I’m very, very proud of that. I haven’t ever had a 4.0. So I made sure that I finished out strong. I just want to carry that mentality with me wherever I go.”
(Photo: Jania Hall)
Hall has advice for others who also hope to receive a college degree.
“Don’t take anything for granted,” Hall said. “Keep working hard for what you want because the only person that can really stop you is you. Keep giving everything your all. Be the best you that you can be. Work hard in anything that you do and you’re going to be able to accomplish anything that you want.”
Rather than jump straight into the workforce, Hall signed with an agency with the hope of playing professional basketball overseas. While no destination has been determined yet, some locations that have been discussed include Germany, Portugal and Kosovo.
