Oct. 29, 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.
As the Knights gear up for their exhibition game against Rollins College on Sunday, Nov. 4, redshirt freshman Chelsie Wiley steps into the spotlight. A native of Riviera Beach, Fla., the guard discusses her return from injury, her decision to pursue basketball and her dream of running her own business.
What does the team's motto "Prepare and Compete" mean to you?
You have to compete in everything you do and prepare if you want to be successful in life. That is what it means to me. Just prepare and compete in everything you do - in life and in basketball.
How has the team started to come together?
It is coming together on the court. We've started to pass more instead of looking for our own shot first. We're finding that extra pass or looking for the post inside.
What are you looking forward to most this season?
I am looking forward to the season-opening game because I've waited two years to get my chance to play.
What is it like to get back out on the court after two years of dealing with injuries?
Like a breath of fresh air. I said, "Thank the Lord I can play again." I loved being back out on the court, every bit of it.
What kind of advice would you have for someone who might being going through an injury?
I would say just be patient because it is going to take time to recover. Nothing is going to happen overnight. Surround yourself with positive people, stay strong and keep your thoughts positive.
What is the best part of being on this UCF women's basketball team?
The lessons that you learn on the court that can help you through life, like staying focused and never allowing distractions to keep you away from what you want in life. You learn to prepare and compete and always keep a positive attitude.
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 would love to visit kids in a hospital, just to brighten their day and make them smile.
You were a two-sport athlete in high school, playing softball and basketball. What made you decide to focus your attention on basketball?
I love basketball. It's my heart and it's been my life since I first picked up at ball when I was five-years-old.
Softball was just something else to do with my time. I was good at it. I just had to pick the thing that I loved and that I knew I would be happy with. That was basketball.
What type of career are you looking to pursue?
I would like to own my own business one day. I want to be able to keep my own hours and not worry about anyone yelling at me.
Sunday's game against Rollins College tips off at 2 p.m. Admission to the contest is free.
Season tickets are also available for the women's basketball team's debut season at the new 10,000-seat 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.