Nov. 4, 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.
Sophomore Leah Paige has big expectations for the 2008-09 season. Like many of her teammates, the 6-0 forward was amongst a group of freshmen that played a nation-leading 91 percent of the UCF minutes in 2007-08.
"For the team, I just know that we have the ability to do well, and I just want us to do it," said Paige. "I don't want us to get close or almost there and fall short. Personally, this year I would like to get on the court a lot more and be a presence defensively."
Paige played in 10 games as a freshman, averaging 0.4 points and 1.0 rebounds per contests. Despite that limited playing time a season ago, head coach Joi Williams sees a lot of potential in Paige to contribute this season.
"Leah has the potential to really help us in the post," said Williams. "She runs the floor well and crashes the boards. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious."
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Paige says she has grown and improved a lot since her freshman season. She believes the experience gained by her and her teammates will pay off in 2008-09.
"Going from freshman to sophomore year is different," said Paige. "You expect more and are ready for more. Nothing is a surprise anymore like it was last year. The deer caught in the headlights look is gone, and we will be more mentally ready for things coming at us."
Fans will get their first chance to see Paige and the UCF women's basketball team in action this Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m., when the Knights host DT3 for an exhibition game prior to the UCF-Southern Miss Homecoming football game. Admission to the women's basketball exhibition is free.
The Knights open the regular season at Colorado on Nov. 16. The home opener on Friday, Nov. 21, hosting Florida A&M at 7 p.m. at UCF Arena.
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 Leah Paige
- The best thing about being a Knight is...the way we get along
- I am most looking forward to...graduating from college
- My first memory of playing basketball is...going to practice wearing my cheerleading outfit
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...diva
- My favorite sport to play besides basketball is...volleyball
- My favorite sport to watch besides basketball is...tennis
- My favorite TV show is...Nip/Tuck
- My favorite movie is...The Notebook
- My favorite book is...What's Done in the Dark
- My favorite sports team is...the Indianapolis Colts
- The advice I would give to a youngster is...take academics seriously
- My favorite cartoon character is...Fred Flintstone
- My favorite thing to do during free time is...clean up
- The person I most admire is...my mother because she is strong