Oct. 22, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's basketball team is working furiously to get set for the 2008-09 season. As the season opener at Colorado approaches on Nov. 16, each of the 14 players on the Knights' roster this season will be introduced to the fans each weekday on UCFAthletics.com. The series will run from Oct. 22 until Nov. 7.
When UCF needs an outside shot, it is no surprise when the coaching staff calls on sophomore Jelisa Caldwell (Macon, Ga.). Caldwell embraces her role as a shooter, and she sees the benefit that she can bring to her teammates on the court when she is knocking down shots from the outside.
"My being a three-point shooter helps our inside and outside players," said Caldwell. "Especially when I am on, it draws the defensive players out on the perimeter which can open things up inside and for our other perimeter players to penetrate. When the defense collapses inside the posts can kick it back to me for a three-point shot."
In her freshman campaign, Caldwell made 10 starts in her first season with the Knights and played in each of the team's 30 games, averaging 5.6 points and two rebounds per game.
"Jelisa is a solid guard who can play numerous positions," said head coach Joi Williams. "She is an accurate shooter who can stretch the defense and open things up inside."
Along with the other seven returning members of her sophomore class, Caldwell expects to see the benefits this season of getting valuable playing time in 2007-08.
"Getting to play as a freshman gave me more of an understanding of the game," said Caldwell. "When I go in, especially in late game situations, I will not be as nervous and will be ready to perform."
The Westside Macon High School product knocked down 23 triples as a freshman, including a season-best four against SE Louisiana on Dec. 15, 2007. Caldwell knows her primary role is as a shooter, but she also worked hard to improve other aspects of her game in the offseason.
"I think I improved my confidence tremendously in the offseason," she said. "Getting the belief in myself not only helps me to take and make shots, but also to be aggressive in getting to the basket."
Season tickets to watch Caldwell and the UCF women's basketball program are currently on sale through the UCF ticket sales office. For more information about the arena's premium seating options, including club seats, group discounts, courtside tables and suites, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or visit the women's basketball ticket page at UCFAthletics.cstv.com/tickets/w-baskbl-tickets.html.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Knight Life with Jelisa Caldwell
- The best thing about being a Knight is...traveling to different places
- I am most looking forward to is...winning a C-USA title
- My first memory of playing basketball is...being knocked down when playing with the boys
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...determined
- When I am finished playing basketball I plan to...manage a sports team
- My favorite sport play besides basketball is...softball
- My favorite sports to watch besides basketball is...football
- My favorite TV show is...SportsCenter
- My favorite book is...In Fear of Losing by Ericka Simpson
- My favorite cartoon character is...Pooh or Bugs Bunny
- My favorite movie is...Harry Potter
- My favorite midnight snack is...fruit
- My dream car is...Mercedes Benz or BMW 720i
- If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be...Jesus
- My favorite thing to do during free time is...sleep and listen to music