Markeisha Gatling was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina by her parents Marvin and Cheryl. Attending high school at Athens Drive, Gatling scored the second most points in school history and recorded a North Carolina single-season record with an incredible 74.1 field goal percentage.
After graduating from high school, Gatling attended Gulf Coast Community College (GCCC) for two years, where she was ranked as the seventh overall junior college player in the nation. During her final year at GCCC, Gatling averaged 11.8 PPG and 9.2 RPG, helping her team to a 24-5 overall record.
After her sophomore year, Gatling transferred to NC State, where she majored in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. During her senior season, Gatling averaged of 17.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, including an NC State single-season record 66.3 field goal percentage. Gatling also holds the record for highest career field goal percentage, with a mark of 62.8. For her efforts, Gatling was named to the All-ACC First Team and was an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention.
Following her senior season, Gatling was selected 10th overall by the Chicago Sky in the first round of the 2014 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm. Following her selection, Gatling averaged 3.7 PPG and 2.4 RPG as a rookie for the Sky while continuing her incredible shooting, making 64.8 percent of her shot attempts.
Markeisha recently sat down with Sky Communications staff to answer some questions about her off-season and her goals for the upcoming season
What were some highlights of your offseason?
Being on number two team in league, helping them get to the finals.
What is your biggest point of emphasis for improvement this season?
Scoring and working on my defense.
What will be your biggest challenge this season?
Getting used to more playing time.
You have a few tattoos, which is your favorite?
One on my right shoulder, “I can do all the things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Which opposing WNBA city is your favorite?
Washington D.C. because its close to home and my family can come and watch me play
What causes are you passionate about?
Breast health awareness as my aunt passed away from it.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
All the senseless killings, especially in Chicago.
If you had your own foundation, what would it benefit?
At risk children to give them a safe environment where they can flourish.
As a player in the WNBA, how do you want to make an impact on the league and where do you see it going?
I want to be recognized as one of the best centers once I’m done and impact-wise I just want to be in Chicago and bring a championship.
Who inspires you?
My mom, most definitely.
If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?
Lebron James, I’m a big fan.
What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for giving back to children in my area who need assistance. In a few years I want to start my own youth recreation center to provide a place for at-risk kids to come to and feel safe.
Who in women’s basketball inspires you the most?
Lisa Leslie. Since I started playing basketball when I was nine, I’ve always looked up to her.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
Why did you start playing basketball?
My Dad really wanted me to play, at first I wasn’t such a fan I grew to like it as I got older.
What is your personal mission statement?
“I can do all the things through Christ who strengthens me”
What’s your favorite foreign city?
Krakow (in Poland).
What’s your favorite WNBA moment?
My favorite moment is definitely when I was drafted.
What sport would you have played besides basketball?
Volleyball.
Follow Markeisha on Twitter (@keishagatling) and catch her and the rest of the Sky in action as they take on the Indiana Fever in the season opener on June 5th!