Oct. 18, 2007
Leading up to the UCF women's basketball season opener against Texas Tech on Nov. 9, UCFAtheltics.com will introduce fans to the Knights in a series of feature interviews. Today the series continues with Emma Cannon. The freshman forward discusses her new teammates and how an old friend from her native Rochester, N.Y. joined her at UCF.
What does the team's motto "Prepare and Compete" mean to you?
I believe because so many on this team are freshman that we have a lot people doubting us. In order for us to win game and get to the next level, we have to prepare. We have to practice hard and go hard all the time.
How has the team started to come together?
Most of the freshmen have been together since summer. We're actually become closer and closer. I went home one weekend and I missed them already. We were texting back and forth all weekend.
We're starting to become a family and learn each other's game which will make it easier for us to play together.
What are you looking forward to most this season?
I am looking forward to winning a championship, our first one as freshmen, and proving people wrong.
UCF head coach Joi Williams and the rest of the staff have already begun to involve the team in community service. What charity or social cause would you like to help?
I don't mind doing anything to help out, but I really like working with kids. Anything dealing with kids I'm down for.
What did the honor of becoming a Young Black Scholar mean to you?
I was excited because doing well in school is important to me. My father and mother came to see me receive the award. I was happy to be recognized for all the work I'd done.
How important is it to have your former teammate Marshay White with you at UCF?
She has made it a lot easier. Going into a new place you don't know what to expect, but to have your best friend along with you is a gift. I feel blessed to have her here with me. We've know each other since sixth grade and have played on a lot of the same teams growing up - AAU, high school...college.
Did you influence one another's decision during the recruiting process?
Most of the colleges that were recruiting one of us were recruiting the other as well. We had it somewhat planned out that we would go to college together. If it happened a different way, we would have just let it happen. This way was definitely better.
Check back as the series continues on Tuesday, Oct. 23 when freshman guard Angelica Mealing moves into the spotlight.
Season tickets are available for the women's basketball team's debut season at the new UCF Arena and can be purchased by calling 407-UCF-1000 or by surfing to UCFAthletics.com.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics.