Nov. 10, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's basketball team is less than one week away from the start of the 2008-09 season. As the season opener at Colorado approaches on Sunday, Nov. 16, UCFAthletics.com now introduces the last of the 14 players on the Knights' roster this season. The series ran from Oct. 22 through Nov. 10.
As a redshirt sophomore, Chelsie Wiley is the veteran on the young Knights' roster. Now in her third season on the UCF campus, the Riviera Beach, Fla., native is the lone player on the squad who has been Orlando longer than second-year head coach Joi Williams.
After redshirting in 2006-07, Wiley had a strong freshman campaign. One of the numerous freshmen that combined to play a nation-leading 91 percent of the UCF minutes, Wiley started 25 of the team's 30 games and averaged 8.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per contest.
"We look for Chelsie to build on a strong freshman season," said Williams. "She can score in a variety of ways and also is a good defender."
If the team's exhibition game against DT3 is any indication, Wiley is primed to for another strong season in 2008-09. Wiley poured in a game-high 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting against DT3.
"I think playing so much last year is going to help me a lot," said Wiley. "It has given me experience and I am more comfortable with the offense and the defense so I know the little things that I can and can't do."
The aggressiveness that Wiley possesses translates into numerous trips to the charity stripe for the sophomore. Last season, Wiley attempted 98 free throws and connected on 68 for the 69.4 percent.
"For my team I just want to get our name on the map and hopefully get to the championship of Conference USA," said Wiley. "For me, I just want to fulfill my role and contribute to the team. I want to bring energy to the team and rebound defensively. On offense, I just want to attack the basket."
The Knights opener at Colorado on Sunday is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. eastern time. Wiley and UCF return to UCF Arena for their home opener on Friday, Nov. 21, hosting Florida A&M at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for 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 Chelsie Wiley
- The best thing about being a Knight is...meeting different people
- I am most looking forward to...playing the season
- My first memory of playing basketball is...crossing over my cousin at age five
- My first pair of basketball shoes were...Nike Shox
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...unpredictable
- My favorite sport to play besides basketball is...softball
- My favorite sport to watch besides basketball is...football
- My favorite TV show is...The Cosby Show
- My favorite movie is...The Color Purple
- The advice I would give to a youngster is...Put God first, everything else will come
- My favorite cartoon characters is...Bugs Bunny
- My favorite dream car is...Rolls Royce
- My favorite thing to do during free time is...listen to music
- The person I most admire is...my mother
- If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be...Oprah Winfrey
- My favorite sports team is...the Houston Comets