The Georgia Southern women's basketball team opens up the 2017-18 season next week with its first exhibition contest, hosting Fort Valley State at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st.

Senior forward/center Sierra Butler is one of the team captains on the squad this season, and we sat down with her to learn a little more about the Norcross, Ga., native with 5 Questions.

Question 1: Why did you choose Georgia Southern University to pursue both you collegiate basketball career and your degree?

"I came to Georgia Southern because I felt the family atmosphere here. I didn't want to be around the city, mixed in with a lot of people. Here, I felt like I was a part of the family. I really love the tradition, the campus was very nice, the weather was nice - I didn't want to go up north or far from home. The coaches brought that family feeling. I just wanted to be part of something like that."

Question 2: What's one thing that people don't know about you?

"I play the viola. I have been playing since middle school. I have one at my house, and I usually just play the songs that I learned when I was in my school's orchestra."

Question 3: Who is the one person in your life that you look up to the most?

"My older sister, Patrice. We played two seasons together, and now she's playing overseas in France. I look up to her because she's always doing the right thing. Everyone says we're different, like day and night. Well, I guess I'm the bad sister and she's the good one! Her GPA's always on point. In basketball, she never did anything wrong it seems like. She was almost perfect. I love looking up to her, and if I need advice I go to her first. I really go to her more than my Mom, but she always gives me good advice, tells me when I'm doing wrong. She keeps me in line. This is the transition I'm going through too, not playing with my sister, because now I'm the leader, I'm the captain, but I've been used to following her since I came here."

Question 4: What is your favorite late night snack?

"Cheetos puffs. I can eat the whole bag. All I need is a bag of Cheetos puffs or hot Cheetos fries. I always keep some with me."

Question 5: What is a song, phrase or saying that you use to get through a particularly tough day?

"I have a song, it's from an album by Sounds of Blackness, the song title is "Hold On (Change is Coming)." Basicallly, the song is about when things aren't going your way, don't stress out, change is going to come, just believe in God. It's a gospel song. It's good upbeat music and when I'm having a bad day, I turn that on. Sometimes I just listen to it before a game. It's one of my favorite songs."