Oct. 25, 2007
Leading up to the UCF women's basketball season opener against Texas Tech on Nov. 9, UCFAthletics.com will continue to introduce fans to the Knights in a series of feature interviews. Today's conversation spotlights freshman forward/center Tia Lewis. The native of Poulin, Ga. talks about her teammates, and what influenced her to become a Knight.
What does the team's motto "Prepare and Compete" mean to you?
It means we have come into the gym everyday and be ready to compete and make each other better. Doing that will help make us ready physically and mentally to compete against other teams.
How has the team started to come together?
We started coming together during the summer. The more time we have had around each other, the closer we have become.
I knew some of the girls from when we use to play against each other at the state championships. Now instead of playing against them, they are my teammates.
What are you looking forward to most this season?
I'm looking forward to the traveling. Many of the cities where we are going to play I've never seen.
What is the best part of being on this UCF women's basketball team?
For me, it's all about just being a student-athlete altogether. I'm not here for me, but I'm a part of a team. I like helping my teammates get stronger.
What influenced your decision to come to UCF?
The city is just so beautiful and sunny. The school colors are also the same as my high school - gold and black.
How does collegiate basketball differ from high school basketball?
College basketball is much more demanding. There is so much to learn and you have to learn it quickly.
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'd like to work with the elderly. I helped out my grandfather a lot after he broke his hip and was unable to do too much for himself. When I was growing up, my mom worked in a nursing home and I liked going there to help her out.
What are you interested in pursuing for your degree?
Right now I am unsure. I think I would like to major in interdisciplinary studies. I want to combine coaching and communications with one other subject.
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.