FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AISHA!

SISTER ACT

Here's an excerpt of a great article written by John Denton for UCF Knights Insider:

To see the way sisters Kayli and Meghan Keough mesh so well now on the court, the way they support each other through tough times as roommates and speak so highly of one another as best friends, you'd have no idea of the battles they used to wage while playing pick-up basketball in their hometown of Land O' Lakes.

Those knock-down, dragged-out pick-up games were doozies between the much taller Kayli and the much faster Meghan. But in a strange sort of way, those competitive battles helped form the unbreakable bond between the two sisters who currently star for the UCF women's basketball team.
 
"I picked on her a lot, especially when we played basketball in the driveway," remembered Kayli, now a 6-foot-2 power forward for the Knights. "I obviously had my growth spurt before she did, so I was a lot bigger. And then she got really fast, so I had to chase her around and she'd burn me off the dribble. Those were wars. We used to go back and forth, and somebody would get mad and say something or chuck the ball in the bush and run into the house. We'd get really mad at one another.
 
"But now my sister is my best friend,'' Kayli continued. "We get along so well and I always know that she's going to tell me the truth. It's good to have that backbone here with me in college.''
 
The Keough sisters are getting the chance to bond once again and play together at UCF due to a stroke of fate. Meghan, a true freshman guard, committed to UCF first following a stellar high school career where she led Tampa Catholic to two state titles. Kayli, a redshirt junior, originally attended Florida State, but transferred to UCF last year after her sister suggested that she look into UCF's program.
 
Now, they are reunited and both are playing well for the Knights (3-4), who host Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday at 7 p.m. at UCF Arena. Kayli moved into the starting lineup over the Thanksgiving holiday and has scored 23 and 13 points in the past two games, respectively, and is fourth on the team in scoring at 9.7 points per game. Meghan has struggled with her jump shot and the faster pace of the college game, but she is still averaging 6.9 points and 2.1 rebounds and has made five starts.

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/t9FZUl

UCF KNIGHTS ENJOY LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

SARAH GREEN: After a long hard week of practice and games, some of us had an opportunity to attend Light Up The Holidays at Cranes Roost Park. Although it was chilly outside, the festive holiday atmosphere gave us that warm holiday season feeling.One thing that interested Erika Jones and I was the kettle popcorn and the smell of hot dogs cooking on the grill. There was so many things to enjoy with the kids. There were lots of great performances by dance groups and up and coming artist in the amphitheater. Kayli Keough got a chance to see the penguins and she was excited because they reminded her of the penguins from Madagascar. Bryeasha Blair especially loved the fireworks show. We all felt like little kids again watching the fireworks in awe because it was so beautiful how the sky lit up. The best thing from that night was the fans that came and supported us. That  was a huge deal to us and it always puts a smile on our face. 

Check out the photo album: http://on.fb.me/sHqW9D

TEACHING AND LEARNING AT THE YMCA

LEONELLA MONTALVO: On Saturday, December 3, 2011 your UCF Knights Women's Basketball team had the oppurtunity to be involved at a local YMCA basketball league. The kids in the league were as young as three years old. While participating I had the oppurtunity to speak with the kids and realize how much they enjoyed coming every Saturday. These young children were so eager to learn from me and my other teammates; while asking us so many questions they didn't realize they were teaching me and my teammates a lesson as well. I realized why I started playing basketball at the age of 6, because I loved it and because basketball was a way for me to escape and have fun. Somewhere a long the years, the many sprints and preparation I lost sight of how much I really loved this sport. Thankfully these children cleared my mind and allowed me to see  again, reminding me why I wake up every morning to practice; simply because I love it.

WHAT THE KNIGHTS LEARNED FROM SYLVIA FOWLES

This past weekend the UCF Knights received a surprise visit from WNBA All-Star and Olympic stand out Sylvia Fowles.  Sylvia, a native of Miami played at LSU where her position coach was current UCF assistant Bob Starkey.  John Denton wrote a great article on her visit for Knights Insider and you can read it here: http://bit.ly/vBidBc

Sylvia came to the locker room after the Knights game with Hartford and talked to the team about several things that were important to her on her journey.  She also took time to answer several questions from the Knights.  

Here are the impressions of the Knight players on what they got from Sylvia's visit:

SARAH GREEN: One impression that I got from Sylvia Fowles was the fact that she was always hungry to get better and to be a better player even when things were tough for her. 

STEPHANIE TAYLOR: I learned that in order to be successful there are no days off. & how your nutrition is really important. Sylvia said she never ate junk food.

ASHIA KELLY: Talking with Syl was amazing. It was an honor to meet a professional that had once gone through this process. I enjoyed hearing speak about her experiences as a player and how it affected her as an athlete and person. 

MEGHAN KEOUGH: It was inspiring to get to listen to Sylvia speak in our own locker room. I used to watch her play on TV all the time growing up and it really put things in perspective to be able to see her standing there in person telling us about her personal experiences. What I liked most was when she said that her coaches were extremely hard on her and that she would use that as motivation and proof that they really cared. Coach Starkey mentioned that she would text him at night saying "don’t worry about me...keep pushing me tomorrow." That’s the kind of attitude I need to take on to be successful, not shy away from.

KAYLI KEOUGH: I'm never really one to get starstruck but when Sylvia Fowles walked into our locker room I have to admit I was.  One thing I learned from her speaking to us was the importance of working at things day in and day out in order to make greatness a habit.  It is not enough to get it once and move on, you must rep that behavior over and over again until it is instinctual.

RACINE DAVIS: The thing I learned from Syl, was her drive to be great. No matter how much the coaches got on her, she wanted them to continue to push her...to constantly get her out of her comfort zone. 

ERIKA JONES: One thing I learned was that we do have to get onto each other sometimes, not blaming but hold each other accountable as well as ourselves.

BRYEASHA BLAIR: From Sylvia, I learned that film is very important because it allows you to see what you have actually done wrong and how to correct the small things that make a big difference. 

LEO MONTALVO: I really enjoyed when she said that coaches won't get on you if they didn't care.

ANDREA HINES: I one thing that stuck with me was if the coaches are getting on you they are doing it to make you better because they believe in you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The UCF Knight Women's Basketball Team would like to extend a very Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends and fans. Today, each one of our student-athletes took the opportunity  to write down what we are thankful for this season:

BRYEASHA BLAIR

One thing that I am thankful for is the determination and support of my family.

GENEVIA CARTER

I'm thankful to be in good health and surrounded by people that care about me. I'm also thankful for the ability to play basketball and experience something many people would like to experience (playing college basketball). Most of all I'm thankful to see another Thanksgiving! 

RACINE DAVIS

One thing I'm thankful for is my family. It's something everyone says, but I truly believe it to be true. With so much going on in the world, tomorrow isn't promised. Which is why I am thankful for them to be around another Thanksgiving . 

SARAH GREEN

This holiday season I am thankful that I have another opportunity to play basketball. I am also thankful for my teammates and my coaches who are my family away from home. I am most thankful that my family is in good health.

ANDREA HINES

I am thankful for being able to return this season after my injury. I am thankful that I have a family that cares about me.

ERIKA JONES

I am thankful that I have my health and that I have people around me that want to bring me up instead of put me down.

KAYLI KEOUGH

This holiday season I am continually thanking God for the incredible people He has placed in my life. I am so blessed to have family and friends that I love and respect.  The people who I get to be around motivate me in so many ways to be better than I was the day before.

MEGHAN KEOUGH

I'm thankful for my close family and friends and for being brought into such a close knit UCF family. I am thankful for the opportunity I have before me to get better and learn these next four years. I hope to carry over these lessons into every aspect of my life to reach my full potential as a player, student, and most importantly, as a person.

ASHIA KELLY

This holiday season I am most thankful for being fortunate enough to be alive and able to display my talent on the basketball court. Not every person is given the opportunity to play collegiate basketball, but I am most thankful that my coaches continue to believe I possess the skills to help make our team a success.

LEO MONTAVLO

I am thankful for my family and their support they provide me.

AISHA PATRICK

I am thankful for my mom and her toughness, my niece which is a new edition to our family, and I'm also thankful for the things we normally take for granted like my scholarship, a good family-based team, and the ability to contribute on and off the court to many individuals.

STEPHANIE TAYLOR

This holiday season, I am thankful to have a family who I know is there for me and cares for and loves me as I do them.  This is my blood family and the UCF womens basketball team, both are my families.  I am also thankful that I am getting a college education at a great school, I'm able to do something I love at the same time (basketball), and to be here on earth to see another day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHIA!

GETTING TO KNOW AARIKA JUDGE

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFathletics.com) - With a little more than a week to go until UCF's exhibition game against Lynn on Nov. 5, members of the women's basketball team are taking a break from their busy schedules to provide a glimpse into their lives. In this Q&A installment, sophomore guard Aarika Judge reveals her favorite junk food and the philosophy she tries to live by.

In addition to basketball, you also played softball and ran track in high school. Out of the three sports, which is your first love?My first love was basketball because my sister was so much better than me in everything else. This was the one thing I wanted for myself, so basketball is what I strived to be the best at.

What's your favorite junk food?French fries. I could eat them all day every day.

What philosophy or quote do you live by?"Thank God for what you have; trust God for what you need." - Author Unknown

Who is your favorite athlete?The only and only Kevin Garnett.

What subject are you best at in school?P.E. (laughs). No, I'm just kidding. My best subject is math.
 
The reigning Conference USA championship women's basketball team is slated to play 18 home games, tipping off with Florida A&M on Nov. 18. UCF will also welcome Hartford, Florida Gulf Coast, Virginia Tech and Florida State just before the New Year. Fans can ensure that they don't miss a minute of play by purchasing their season tickets today by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.

ASHIA SPEAKS TO UCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ASHIA KELLY: This past year I became the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's President. This title has afforded me some great opportunities, one of which was to speak in front of the Board of Directors of UCF. I was able to showcase my leadership outside of basketball in front of a wonderful UCF Administrative group. I am honored to been given the opportunity to display my personal growth to those that work to make UCF student-athletes successful. It is opportunities like this that every student lives for and I greatly appreciate the opportunity. This experience has opened my eyes and shown me how much athletics has impacted my life. I have become more confident and developed the necessary leadership skills to be successful later in life and am grateful for this. Thanks UCF for giving student-athletes like me the opportunity to become successful on and off the court.

GETTING TO KNOW KAYLI KEOUGH

With less than two weeks until UCF's exhibition game against Lynn on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m., members of the women's basketball team are taking a break from their busy schedules to provide a glimpse into their lives. In this Q&A installment, redshirt junior forward Kayli Keough discusses how to pull off the perfect half-court shot and her favorite place to spend her free time.
 
After having to sit last year due to NCAA transfer rules, how excited are you to play this season?
I'm so excited to play this season. Especially how last year went with us winning the conference championship, we're ready to go.

How do you think you can help the team?
By playing hard, cutting hard, looking for my shot and putting in an all-out effort -- hopefully it will be contagious.

Where is your favorite place?
By far my favorite place is the beach. Put me anywhere with an ocean or a lake, a reef, fishing, a sand bar, and I'm totally content. I love being out in the sun or outdoors in any way I can.

You made the half court shot at UKNIGHT Madness - walk us through it, what's the best technique?
I tried to be like our grad assistants last year, Rob and Khalilah, who always practiced their half court shots. Just get a running start and try to get it high and straight, I guess.

What's the best present you've ever received?
That's a tough one. I get really excited over the littlest things so I go mildly crazy on Christmas. One year, my parents got us a trampoline and that was probably one of my favorite things to do when I was a kid.

How many games of one-on-one have you and Meghan played, and who usually wins?
We played a lot when we were younger, out in the front driveway. Way too many to count. When we were younger I was a lot taller and had a big advantage but now it's a toss up.

The reigning Conference USA championship women's basketball team is slated to play 18 home games, tipping off with Florida A&M on Nov. 18. UCF will also welcome Hartford, Florida Gulf Coast, Virginia Tech and Florida State just before the New Year. Fans can ensure that they don't miss a minute of play by purchasing their season tickets today by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.

FINDING HER WAY

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

Laurie Mealing missed many of her daughter's basketball games while she played for UCF from 2007-11. She has missed holidays and birthdays and slept through Angelica's high school graduation.

But on Oct. 11 when Angelica accepted the Courageous Student-Athlete award at the National Consortium for Academics and Sports Giant Steps awards banquet, Laurie was in the room, captivated by Angelica's every movement and spoken word.

"I know I got an award for being a courageous student-athlete," Angelica said, "but I think that took a lot of courage for her to come, too."

Laurie got pregnant at a young age, so the two shared a relationship more like that of best friends rather than mother and daughter. Life changed for Angelica at the age of 15.

As a single parent and high-school dropout, Laurie had difficulty finding a job and turned to exotic dancing to pay the bills and support her family, which now included a 6-year-old brother for Angelica. Angelica noticed her mother's behavior started to change, but she thought it was solely because of her mother's late-night work schedule.

"Having never been around [drugs], I didn't know the symptoms," Angelica said. "Finally, at my high school graduation I saw her asleep in the front row. I just knew that wasn't my best friend anymore."

She pleaded with her mother's closest friend, whom she calls Aunt Roshonda, to tell her what was going on. She finally told Angelica her mother had been abusing drugs and her dependency was getting worse.

Angelica headed off to college, but she carried with her the weight of her mother's drug addiction, which was leading to arrests and jail sentences. During her first two years at UCF, when she wasn't in class or on the basketball court, she didn't want to leave her bedroom.

"I was always scared that one day I would get a call saying she overdosed," Mealing said. "I rarely heard from her. The only time I was sane with the situation was when I knew she was in jail because I knew she was clean. I knew she had a roof over her head and I knew she was OK."

She did not talk about the situation with anyone. Her grades were mediocre, and she admits she had a bad attitude and a smart mouth when it came to life with the basketball team.

Women's basketball head coach Joi Wililams did not give Angelica an inch. The two butted heads frequently during those first two seasons, but Williams refused to give up on her player. She continually preached that no matter what the circumstance, Angelica could not use her pent-up anger as an excuse for her whole life. She needed to try to break the cycle.

"My hope was that if I could help her, it would be well worth it," Williams said. "I care deeply about each one of my athletes. I will never give up on them, especially when they are making an effort to better themselves and move in a positive direction. It gives me great satisfication when I look at her now and see the woman she has become and how much she has grown. I am extremely proud of her."

Looking back on the experience, Angelica grasps why Williams was just as uncompromising in her opinions as Angelica was in her own at the time.

"Coach is concerned about life on the court, but she's more concerned about what we're going to do after basketball is over and the women that we're going to become," Mealing said. "I understand that now. I can say I appreciate why she was so hard on us and on me in particular."

As her junior year got underway, Angelica found a new perspective. She doesn't remember an exact moment that made everything click. All she can recall is knowing that she needed a change.

"Progressively, I started taking baby steps because I knew I couldn't keep living like this," Angelica said. "I wasn't going to get myself anywhere. I was going to lose my scholarship and end up back home doing God knows what."

Her attitude improved. She pulled her grades up. She was having fun again.

Last year, her senior year, another blow came: She required season-ending knee surgery in February after tearing her ACL. She was devastated.

She knew the team needed her, so she remained a leader on the sideline. For the rest of the season, the Knights dedicated every minute on the court to her.

"As a team, we always talk about when times get hard, what are you going to think about? What's going to drive you to do better?" Williams said. "Jelly was the motivation that they chose. It was very fitting because she certainly was motivation for me and the coaching staff - just knowing what she had been through and realizing she wasn't going to play any more games. We did everything in our power so that we would be in a position to win a championship her senior year."

When the streamers burst from the Don Haskins Center ceiling to signal UCF's second championship in three years, Angelica was there on crutches, smiling. The team elected her to accept the trophy on its behalf and also pushed her to be the first to climb the ladder to cut the net.

"I needed that," Angelica said. "To know that they were out there playing for me, it meant a lot. It was just an amazing feeling. The coaches, trainers, teammates, everybody was very supportive. There were plenty of times over that 2-3 month span where I broke down, and they were always there to pick me up."

For as long as Angelica can remember, basketball was the only passion in her life. Then she heard about UCF's DeVos Sport Business Management program.

Angelica credits UCF director of student services Marcus Sedberry and women's basketball team academic advisor Sarah Hill as the two driving influences that pushed her toward the renowned program. Angelica was scared to apply; fearful she wouldn't be accepted. Sedberry and Hill insistently encouraged her to give it a shot.

It was then that Angelica opened up about her life in an essay to earn admittance to the program. That essay was grounds for her nomination to the Giant Steps Courageous Student-Athlete award presented by the NCAS.

"It was one of the biggest highlights of my life," Angelica said.

About a month before the awards banquet, Laurie completed another sentence in jail. When Angelica spoke to her mother over the phone to invite her to the ceremony, it had been months since she had heard her voice.

Laurie did not know her daughter had written an essay detailing her life's hardships for the past seven years, but she promised Angelica that she wouldn't miss this moment for anything. Laurie arrived in Orlando a day before the banquet and Angelica shared her essay and her perspective with her mother for the first time.

"She said that it hurt but that it was something she needed to hear," Mealing said. "Like I said at the banquet, I just leave it in God's hands. Whatever happens is meant to happen, but I know one day she'll get out of it. Hopefully this was the push that she needed."

Mealing graduated with her bachelor's degree in December 2010 and will graduate with her master's from the DeVos program in December 2012. She doesn't know what the future holds, but she is certain basketball will play a role in it.

"I feel like basketball saved my life," Mealing said, "and any way I can give back to the sport, I want to do it.”

GETTING TO KNOW MEGHAN KEOUGH

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

With UCF's home exhibition game against Lynn on Nov. 6 less than two weeks away, members of the women's basketball team are taking a break from their busy schedules to provide a glimpse into their lives. In this Q&A installment, freshman guard Meghan Keough dishes a little about her older sister Kayli and her skills in water sports.
 
What can you tell us about your sister Kayli that others wouldn't know?
Kayli has the biggest sweet-tooth. We have girls on the team that will hide pieces of chocolate in her room, playing pranks on her.

You made history by being a part of two consecutive championship teams at Tampa Catholic. What was it like to be a part of something that big?
It was unbelievable. I had the most amazing high school basketball experience I could ever ask for. I think that has helped me a lot transitioning because I've been on a winning team. Knowing how amazing it is to be a winning team and they won a championship last year, so coming in I have the same passion and desire to win. It's nice when you've been there and tasted it - it makes you more hungry.

When did you first learn to wakeboard and waterski?
My family lives on a lake and my dad taught us to knee board when we were four years old. That was the age that he wanted us to start learning. We water skied as we grew up, but I got into wakeboarding two summers ago. Some of my friends would do it. We have a ski boat now so every time I go home, I do it. It's so fun. My little brother is better than us. That's his thing. He tries to play basketball with us, but we're so much older. That's the one thing that he's really great at and he loves to correct us.

What sound or noise do you hate?
If I'm taking a test and people are breathing heavy. Or sniffling, that's annoying.

What is your favorite meal?
A really good steak. Or grilled chicken and pasta.

What was your favorite Halloween costume?
When I was 7 or 8 years old, it was really last minute. I had to come up with a costume the day of Halloween. My mom took a garbage bag and put holes in it and I was a bag of M&Ms. Another year, I was Dorothy with my red slippers, and of course I had to wear my red slippers to school every day in the month of October.

MEGHAN - A BAG OF M&Ms

AISHA - YELLOW POWER RANGER

ASHIA - RAGEDY ANN

NE' - YELLOW POWER RANGER

KAYLI - PUMPKIN

SARAH - PENNY PROUD

STEPH - SNOW WHITE

LEO - FRODO BAGGINS

ANDREA -- A WITCH

ERIKA - THE ROADRUNNER - BEEP! BEEP!

BRE - POLICEWOMAN

RACINE - YELLOW POWER RANGER

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The Knight Basketball Family would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween.  In the spirit of the holiday we will post our player's favorite Halloween costume while they were growing up.  Check back throughout the weekend to see what they once dressed up as for Trick or Treat!

GETTING TO KNOW SARAH GREEN

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

With UCF's home exhibition game against Lynn on Nov. 6 just weeks away, members of the women's basketball team are taking a break from their busy schedules to provide a glimpse into their lives. In this Q&A installment, sophomore forward Sarah Green talks about the frontcourt's depth and the musical instrument she'd like to learn to play.
 
How strong do you think this year's frontcourt can be?
We can be really strong. We have six post players so I think we have a lot of potential. We have to put in a lot of hard work but I think we'll be pretty good.

Your brother plays football at conference rival Southern Miss. Does your family have a house-divided thing going on?
We play different sports, so when I play they cheer for me, and when he plays they cheer for him. When UCF plays Southern Miss, I cheer for my brother but I still want UCF to win.

How do you think the team is adjusting after losing five seniors from last year's team?
This year we have a mindset of a sense of urgency because we lost the five seniors. We know we have to pursue a championship, not defend last season's.

You've been known to break out in song. How does singing make you feel?
It makes me feel good when I'm entertaining everybody. I like to make everyone laugh. And I like music.

What was your first car?
I've never had a car.

What instrument do you wish you could play?
I'd like to learn to play the guitar really well. I have a guitar but I don't know how to play it. I got it as a gift.

MEGHAN LOOKS BACK ON THE KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

MEGHAN KEOUGH: Over the last few months, our team has had some amazing opportunities to outreach to the community. By far, the most rewarding community service event was last Sunday when we volunteered at the Komen Race For the Cure. It was right here on campus and a few thousands of students, professors, and adults in the area ran the race.

The 5k run proved to be no match for Coach Brown, who prides himself in 26 mile marathons......FOR FUN.

Haha!  We all think he's crazy, but it was inspiring to see so many people united in a cause. 

Our team was able to interact with the kids there. We had a tent set up with prizes, face painting, and games. I definitely got so much out of seeing our team together at an event like this. Coach Starkey's wife, a breast cancer survivor, was there with us all morning. We are so blessed to have that kind of strength and perseverance in our UCF family. Last Sunday was such an eye-opening experience and I'm looking forward to doing more events like that with our team! :) 

GETTING TO KNOW ASHIA KELLY

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

With UCF's home exhibition game against Lynn on Nov. 6 just weeks away, members of the women's basketball team are taking a break from their busy schedules to provide a glimpse into their lives. In this Q&A installment, senior guard Ashia Kelly talks about her phobia of heights and her first job.

The last time we saw you, you led the Knights with 16 points against Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament. How did it feel to not only be a part of the tournament, but to be the team's leading scorer in that game?
I was honored that I scored like that. But my teammates were there for me and I attribute all my success to my teammates. They got me the ball and I was able to put the shot up and score baskets for them. There is nothing else I could say except that my teammates are loving, caring and sharing, and you could see that works well on the court.

You've been a part of two championship seasons. What have you learned from those seasons?
How to persevere. We've gone through so many trials. Coming in as a freshman and learning new things, that was a change. Last year, I learned how to continue to persevere through tough times. We had a couple of injuries but we overcame those and showed that we could put things together through trials and tribulations.

What was your first job?
In high school, I worked at Fred's. It was like a local dollar store. My grandmother was one of the managers there so I was able to get a job. I remember the day I got my first paycheck, I was so excited. I think I spent it on gas and food. I told my parents that I wanted to be self-sufficient. I've also worked at CVS and for Neiman Marcus.

What are you most afraid of?
I am extremely terrified of heights. The first time I flew on a plane was with my mom on my first and only visit to UCF. I've adapted to endure the ride but if I tried to go sky diving or something, I'd still be terrified.

What is your first basketball memory?I played at this local league back in my hometown and I was about six years old. I remember playing against one of my best friends, and the game came down to the wire. I remember making the basket and my dad came out running and grabbed me and twirled me in the air.

What is something you want to do before you die?
I'd like to travel - there are plenty of places I want to go. But I'd really like to travel to Spain and blend with the culture and learn how to speak Spanish.