Nov. 7, 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.
One of just two UCF players to start each of the team's Conference USA games in 2007-08, sophomore guard Marshay White also led the team in scoring in league games, averaging 11.9 points per contest. As a point guard, the transition to college basketball may have been the hardest for White. However, her numbers prove she adjusted quite well while gaining valuable experience playing nearly 30 minutes per game.
"I think we all improved as a team," said White. "We got better each and every game that we played, and I think in conference it really started to show."
For the season, White had 27 starts and played in each of the team's 30 games. She averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
"Marshay is someone who our team will look to for leadership," said head coach Joi Williams. "She attacks the rim aggressively and creates scoring opportunities for her teammates."
White will likely play both guard positions this season, but says she enjoys being a point guard and the coach on the floor.
"My role is to be the leader," said White. "I am the coach on the floor and everything starts with me. My job is to know where my teammates are supposed to be, and know their strengths and play to those. I would say my favorite part [of playing point guard] is bringing the energy and fire and bringing the best out of my teammates."
While White enjoys that leadership role and being the point guard, she proved last season she can provide scoring when it is needed. She registered a team-high 99 assists, but also led the squad in three-pointers made and got to the charity stripe 115 times.
"Whatever it takes to win the game, I just want to get the job done," she added. "Whether it is scoring or getting the ball to my teammates."
Fans will get their first chance to see White 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.
After the season opener at Colorado on Nov. 16, the home opener takes place on Friday, Nov. 21, when UCF welcomes Florida A&M to UCF Arena 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 Marshay White
- The best thing about being a Knight is...wearing black and gold
- I am most looking forward to...going to the Virgin Islands
- My first memory of playing basketball is...playing on the high school team when I was nine years old
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...determined
- My favorite sport to play besides basketball is...golf
- My favorite sport to watch besides basketball is...football
- My favorite movie is...Love and Basketball
- The advice I would give to a youngster is...stay in school and follow your dreams
- My favorite cartoon characters is...Scooby Doo
- My favorite dream car is...BMW
- My favorite midnight snack is...Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- My favorite thing to do during free time is...watch television
- The person I most admire is...my brother Gary because he taught me everything I know
- If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be...Barack Obama
- The one superhero ability I would like to have is...invincibility