While University student-athletes are primarily looked at for their talents on the court or field, they are much more than numbers on a jersey .
Senior forward Akilah Bethel and junior forward Alexis Hyder have more in common than being sports administration majors and serving as pillars for the LSU women’s basketball team.
The two have grown closer in the past year as they rap, sing at karaoke, eat and participate in their other favorite sport — shopping.
Bethel and Hyder said outside hitting the books and court, they like to scour the racks of Forever 21. Yet, they have opposite clothing selection strategies.
“In my mind, I know what I want,” Hyder said. “If it’s not there, I’m not getting anything. I’ll carry it around the store before I commit if I didn’t plan on buying that when I walked in there. This one [Bethel] right here picks up everything and she’s like ‘Oh, I’m going to try this on, I’m going to try that on.’”
Their personal styles differ as well. While Bethel aims for a more mature look, Hyder chooses to shop by occasion. LSU coach Nikki Fargas said she encourages the women, no matter what they wear, to wear it well.
“Whether it’s being a lady in your Nike gear — because they’ve done such a good job of supporting LSU athletics — that’s important you wear that Nike gear as a lady,” Fargas said. “Fashion is not about picking what’s on a mannequin but about expressing who you are and what you like to wear while keeping in mind you’re representing yourself as a young lady.”
Along with scouring the racks, Bethel and Hyder lead the team in entertainment at home and on the road. Bethel remembers one particular night where Hyder left her hanging when she handed her the mic to a song she didn’t know the words to.
“It was one song,” Bethel said. “I wanted a certain song. [Hyder is] like ‘Oh, no, let’s sing this song, and hands me the mic.”
Bethel said she likes music from the ’90s like Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Faith Evans. Hyder said she enjoys music from the early ’00s like Monica, Usher and Aaliyah. Both women gushed over India Arie.
Between practices and study sessions, the pair also has different tastes in TV shows as Hyder couldn’t choose between “Scandal” or “How to Get Away with Murder.” Bethel said she liked “Love and Hip Hop.” Both said “A Different World” was a good throwback show overall to watch.
Despite their differences, the two women share some favorites and know how to have fun together.
In LSU’s last game on March 3 against No. 13 Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Tournament’s second round, Hyder scored 23 points. Bethel scored, 17 points, and tallied 10 rebounds.
Both Hyder and Bethel extend their work hard on the court into the classroom.
Hyder will graduate early in May and potentially pursue master’s degree, Fargas said. Bethel will also graduate in May.
As for celebration meals, the two women have different choices for favorite restaurants as well.
“Hers is Chipotle,” Bethel said. “I like T.G.I. Fridays.”

Gallery • 19 Photos

Javier Fernández

LSU senior forward Akilah Bethel and junior forward Alexis Hyder spend their free time on Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2016 in the PMAC.