April 7, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - This Friday, four individuals will be inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the J. Rolfe Davis Recruiting Room at Bright House Networks Stadium. The event is part of UCF's Hall of Fame Weekend, which includes the spring football game Saturday.
The best way to enjoy the weekend is by purchasing the Hall of Fame Pass for only $60. The pass includes a ticket to the hall of fame ceremony and dinner, the Bubbalou's Pregame Pig-Out and UCF Football Legends Barbecue Saturday, the spring game, priority placement for the postgame autograph session, a weekend pass to the baseball series versus Tulane and a weekend pass to the softball series against Marshall.
To purchase a Hall of Fame Pass, contact Misty Knight in the Golden Knights Club office at (407) 882-1289.
Former UCF women's basketball star Chariya Davis will be inducted into the hall of fame Friday along with Sylvester Bembery (football), Bennie Shaw (men's basketball) and Bob Spitulski (football).
Davis was a four-year standout for UCF from 1995-99. She helped lead the Knights to NCAA tournament appearances her freshman and senior year and is still the black and gold's career record holder for assists (531) and steals (284).
Much like the UCF women's basketball team this year, in 1995-96 the Knights only had an average record during the regular season (15-14), but soared in the conference tournament where Davis helped lead the Knights to their first NCAA Tournament. In her senior season she led UCF back to the NCAA's, winning A-Sun Player of the Year and conference tournament MVP honors.
She is currently a high school coach in northwest Florida and has been able to use her experiences and achievements to encourage her players.
"Something I can always relate to my players is the things that I have achieved over my career in basketball. It helps to tell them that it takes a lot of hard work to do these things and it is achievable if you work hard. It lets them know that I've done the work I am asking them to do."
The UCF athletics communications staff recently caught up with the future UCF hall-of-famer.
What does being inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame mean to you?
"It means everything! It's a great deal, and a great honor. It means a lot to be in the hall of fame."
What are some of your best memories playing basketball at UCF?
"Going to the NCAA's twice, winning conference championships in '96 and '99 and still being able to claim the records for most steals and assists."
In retrospect what do personal achievements like those as well as A-Sun Player of the Year and tournament MVP mean to you?
"They mean a lot. I'm actually coaching high school now and something I can always relate to my players is the things that I have achieved over my career in basketball. It helps to tell them that it takes a lot of hard work to do these things and it is achievable if you work hard. It lets them know that I've done the work I am asking them to do."
Did you get a chance to watch this year's UCF women's basketball team?
"I got to watch them twice and got to bring my team for one game."
What did you think of the success of this year's team, winning the conference championship and making the NCAA Tournament?
"It had been a while since UCF had been there. It shows where the program is going and how far it has come."
Are you planning to continue coaching women's basketball?
"I actually never thought that I would be coaching, but it has turned out to be exciting for me. I may want to get into college coaching but I am loving it at the high school level. I want to continue coaching, helping girls on and off the court."
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.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 www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.