March 6, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - When seniors Francine Houston and Celeste Hudson say goodbye to the UCF women's basketball program, they will leave behind a legacy that won't soon be matched. The duo is arguably the most successful pair of three-point shooters in the Golden Knights history.
Hudson arrived on campus in the fall of 2002 and made an immediate impact on the team, playing in all 27 games. She hit 42 of her 102 chances from three-point range that year and knocked down six of 12 at Florida Atlantic, a performance that still ranks among the top 10 in UCF's record books.
Capping off her career this season, Hudson owns two of the top 10 spots for most threes made in a season and is also second all-time in threes made in a career and threes attempted in a career. She has made her mark other career lists as well, including most assists and most steals.
Hudson downplays her personal achievements for one more important. "When I step out and play, I just focus on playing that game," she said. "Coming to a Division I program like UCF, you want to do your best. Anytime you can reach the top ten in scoring, most assists or three pointers it is definitely an accomplishment. I'm proud of myself, but right now I'm not focused on individual things. I am just trying to focus on winning. It's all about the team."
Of course, there was one milestone that she wasn't aware she was even approaching until it was well within her reach - the 1,000-point club. In fact, UCF assistant coach Saudia Roundtree alerted her when she was just 15 points shy of the mark.
Hudson became the 10th UCF player to earn her 1,000th point when she hit a short jumper with 12:49 remaining in the first half at Tulane. UCF recognized the Altamonte Springs native after the win over Tulsa on Feb. 4.
"I didn't want to show too much emotion, but inside I was so happy," Hudson remembered. "To receive the ball from Coach Striegler after a great win against Tulsa, that was awesome in itself. I am proud of myself, but I'm proud of my team, too, because my teammates and coaches are the ones who helped me accomplish what I have."
It was in that same game against the Golden Hurricane that Houston nearly overshadowed Hudson's feat as she knocked down a school record eight three-pointer en route to scoring 34 points.
"I didn't even know I had eight threes. I didn't even know I had that many points," said Houston. "It felt good to know that I will leave something behind. I have only been here for three years but I have accomplished so much."
For Houston, who transferred to UCF from Florida State in 2002, the statement couldn't be more truthful. Although she started her first season with the Black & Gold strong, she became discouraged as it persisted because opponents learned about her talent for knocking down shots from the outside.
"They started to face guard me and double team me," said Houston, who on most days likes to take between 500-800 three-point shots during practice. "Coach Striegler tried to create that same game atmosphere in practice, so she had the scout team double up on me and face guard me. I don't get as frustrated any more. When I see an open shot, I've got to knock it down."
She twice broke the school record for three-pointers made in a game this season, and also owns the records for most in a season and in a career. The latter mark she more recently claimed after chasing Hudson for most of the current year. Houston also joined UCF's 1,000-point club in the second half of the game at Memphis on Feb. 17.
Still, despite all they have accomplished, Houston and Hudson would have traded the individual accolades for team success. "My main goal is not breaking records," said Hudson. "Coming into this year, we were set on winning basketball games and achieving our goal of being in the middle of the conference."
They are also focused upon graduating with degrees in criminal justice. Although both would love to continue pursuing basketball, Hudson is looking toward a job in real estate. Houston, meanwhile, has a career plan in mind.
"I would love to have the opportunity to go oversees and play a few years. Then I'll come back home and try to join the U.S. Marshalls," said Houston. "I want to hunt down fugitives."
With her determination she has show in chasing down records, she is certain to succeed.