Nov. 5, 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.
Coming from the Orlando area in nearby Rockledge, Fla., Aisha Patrick decided to stay close to home and bring her talent to UCF, picking the Knights over schools such as UAB, Southern Miss and most notably Florida.
"I liked the players I met," Patrick said of her decision. "I liked the campus and the coaches, and I think this is a program and a school on the rise. It was not really important for me to go to school in Florida, but it is good that I am close to home on a campus that just isn't any old school. It is a big college with a good program."
At 5-9, Patrick has the ability to play both guard positions for head coach Joi Williams. As a high school senior, she was named both first-team all-state and the district player of the year after averaging 19 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.2 steals per contest.
Patrick says she has improved and learned a lot since coming to campus, and knows that as a point guard she must mature quickly.
"As a freshman, I was not too familiar with all of the plays at first, but a point guard's job is to know the plays, what everyone's position is, and when to pass the ball to this player and when not to pass it based on their strengths," the former Rockledge High School player said. "I think I have improved my shooting off the dribble, my ball handling and making decisions since I got to campus."
As a newcomer that is expected to contribute immediately, Patrick says defense is what she enjoys the most about her game, and hopes she can help the team on that side of the ball.
"My goals are just to do my part, play defense, contribute to the team and bring something they didn't have in the past," Patrick said. "My defense is my biggest strength on the court. I love to stop the ball and force a turnover and get an easy layup on the other end."
Fans will get their first chance to see 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.
Patrick will make her collegiate debut when 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 Aisha Patrick
- The best thing about being a Knight is...my teammates and coaches
- I am most looking forward to...my years of college basketball at UCF
- My first memory of playing basketball is...I would always travel
- My first pair of basketball shoes were...Reebok with the pump on the tongue
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...confident
- My favorite sport to play besides basketball is...track and field
- My favorite sport to watch besides basketball is...track and field
- My favorite TV show is...Baldwin Hills
- My favorite movie is...Love and Basketball
- The advice I would give to a youngster is...do your best in the classroom
- My favorite cartoon character is...Minnie Mouse
- My favorite dream car is...Mercedes-Benz
- My favorite thing to do during free time is...hang with friends
- The person I most admire is...my mom because she is very supportive
- What I like most about Orlando are...the theme parks