June 30, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In her sophomore season, Chelsie Wiley (Riviera Beach, Fla.) arguably emerged more than any other player in Conference USA. After scoring 8.3 points per game as a freshman, the guard's average increased to 14.9 points per game in 2008-09. Wiley also knocked down 73 threes en route to being named to the C-USA all-conference third-team.
Her success came despite a rough start to the season, when she failed to reach double figures in five of the team's first eight games while shooting just 25.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from long range. However, a game-winning three and 14 points against Jacksonville began a stretch of 10-straight games in double figures, and Wiley tallied 10-plus points in 21 of UCF's final 26 games while averaging 17.3 points per clip.
With a target as one of C-USA's best shooters and players now firmly cemented on her back, Wiley knows she will have to play better to have the same type of success as a junior. In a recent Q&A, Wiley the highlights of her summer, what parts of her game she is trying to improve and her thoughts on next season.
You took a trip this summer to Athletes in Action camp in Colorado. What were the highlights of that experience?
"The highlights were meeting new people, being able to share my faith with people I felt comfortable with and applying the information that they gave me. For example, they talked about `Audience of One,' which meant making sure you knew who you were playing for and that you played for God."
What else have you done for fun this summer off the basketball court?
"I went to the beach at home for Memorial Day, but we got rained on so it was cut short. I just went home and hung out with my family."
What class or classes do you have on your schedule for Summer B?
"I am taking Math and Psychology of Prejudice."
After an early season slump, you came on strong last season. What was the key to your success?
"I think it was just sticking with it and knowing that hard work does pay off. We just kept fighting and kept fighting. We stayed focused and knew that we could do better. For me individually, at the beginning of the season it was a confidence issue. After one of the games that I scored a decent amount of points, I proved to myself that I could do it."
You became one of the best shooters in the conference, making you pretty tough to guard. What have you been working on offensively this offseason?
"I have been working on being aggressive and attacking the basket more. People are going to assume that I am going to shoot the ball more, so I am working on getting by them to the hole. I am also working on getting better with my left hand."
Currently with 755 points, you have a chance to become a member of the 1,000-point club this season. What would that mean to you?
"I didn't know that, but I think it will be wonderful. I didn't think I would have a chance to get there this soon. It would be a wonderful achievement for me."
Do you think winning the C-USA tourney and making the NCAA Tournament gives the team more motivation to work hard in the offseason and accomplish even more next season?
"I believe so we are hungry. We have seen what it is like to get to that point, and we just want to go further. We want to do better. Emma and I were talking the other day about just going hard and working hard in the weight room with Tracy [Prosser]. I want to get stronger so I can withstand the tap fouls. I know the defense will be on me this year so I have to be stronger."
What are your goals for yourself for this upcoming season?
"I want to be a better defensive player. I also want to be a threat all the time and not just settle for the jump shot. I also do not want to take any possessions off this season."