Lovely Tua-Link, from Chicago, Illinois, began playing basketball in the third grade, and the game has since served as her escape from the world, providing a sense of peace and camaraderie as part of a team. She graduated from Joliet Central High School, redshirted her freshman year at Governors State University (NAIA), and went on to complete her second year at Joliet Junior College. Despite joining in the second semester, she averaged a double-double and earned First Team All-Conference honors, helping lead her school to its first regional championship in over 10 years. She also contributed to a seventh-place finish in the national regional tournament.

Lovely aspires to remain in sports, either as an athletic trainer or a coach. Outside of athletics, she enjoys drawing and participating in adventurous activities with friends and family. She chose Virginia University of Lynchburg because she was inspired by Coach Walker’s passion and vision for the program, as well as the opportunity to be part of building something special. She also values the school’s strong sense of community, which she sees as a unique and supportive environment.