SENIORS PLEASED WITH EXCITMENT FROM RECORD CROWD

KAYLI KEOUGH: Our game on Sunday vs Southern Miss was what I would call a FUN game.  Not only because UCF won or because our team had a lot of energy, but also because of the record-setting crowd in attendance! Coach Starkey as well as Khalilah Mitchell and our Marketing Department worked hard to allow many young elementary school students to come to the game for free.  In an effort to promote reading, the students were given a bookmark and that would allow them to attend free of chart.  Those students must've enjoyed thos bookmarks because over 2,500 fans were in attendance and everyone in the Arena could feel the energy and enthusiasm they brought.  As players, we were all excited before the game began just because we were about to play another conference game.  We could feel added intensity upon the start of the game, however, because of all the cheers coming from the crowd.  It's so much more fun for us as players to hear the crowd get excited when something good happens on the court or cheering us on defensively; it makes a HUGE difference.  So we want to say a big THANK YOU! to all of the fans who came out to support and we hope you come to many more!

ASHIA KELLY: Wow!! Sunday's game against Southern Miss was an awesome experience. The game was incredible to play because of the great support that we had. We were able to use the crowd's energy to help us get through our breakdowns and make the next best play. This was a one in a lifetime experience for me an I hope that we will continue to have these types of crowds throughout our season. 

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

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.

BRE GIVES A PRACTICE UPDATE

BRYEASHA BLAIR: Hey Knight Fans! It's Bre here to let you know how the Knights are progressing. The Knights have been working really hard to become the best practice team that we can become. In practice, we have been learning and adapting to our roles in our motion offense. To help us continue to move and set screens, one drill that is in practice daily is 4 on 4 No Dribble. It is a drill that is not easy, but a great way to learn the offense.  Defensively, we have been working with Coach Brown to master our defense. Angles and position have been key points to the defense. Defensive drills such as 4 on 4 Shell and 6 on 4 Shell are practiced to keep the opponents out of the restricted areas. Motion Game is a drill that is phenomenal for both the new offense and working on the defense. While all is not perfect during practice, The Knights make sure that the energy is always live. We are getting better!

KAYLI REPORTS IN FROM UKNIGHT MADNESS

KAYLI KEOUGH: Last Friday the UCF Men's and Women's basketball teams stepped on the court to celebrate the upcoming 2011-2012 basketball seasons!  You could feel the excitement in the air as both teams were announced to all the fans.  The men's team showed off with some warmup drills and then competitions began.  There was a three point contest including fans, a player from the women's team (Leonella Montalvo), and the men's team (A.J. Rompza).  "Mr. UCF" aka A.J Rompza took the title in that contest.  Then the teams moved on to the skills contest with four teams made up of a men's player, a women's player, a fan, and a personality from 102 Jams.  One player had to hit a layup, another a free-throw, another a three-pointer, and finally all four had to try to hit a half court shot as quickly as possible.  This one was a lot of fun and it was really exciting try to hit the half court shot before the other teams.  There was also a contest to see if a fan could win $8,000 in scholarship money to UCF! One female and one male fan had one attempt at a half court shot and if they hit it, they got the money! UCF escaped without having to give out the check -- sadly neither hit the tough shot.  For the finale, the men's team had a dunk contest! Tristan Spurlock, P.J. Gaynor, and Kasey Wilson competed with some flashy dunks over teammates.  Kasey took home the prize (a WWE champion belt lol) for slamming the ball through the hoop after teammate, Keith Clanton, threw it off the side of the backboard.  All in all it was a great experience for both teams and the fans- makes us ready to officially start games this season!!! Hope to see y'all there!

GETTING TO KNOW STEPHANIE TAYLOR

By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

With a week to go until UKnight Madness, 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 forward Stephanie Taylor talks about her first day on campus and her thoughts on the Duke-North Carolina rivalry.

You're from North Carolina, and they take basketball pretty seriously there. Are you a Duke or North Carolina fan?
I'm not really a fan of either. I was that outcast that said they didn't care who won and everyone would get mad at me.

What was your first day on campus like?
My first day on campus was so fun and so confusing at the same time, especially the first day of class. The campus is so big and it is easy to get lost by the beauty of it.

What do you like most about being tall? What do you like the least?
I love my height mainly because that's how I was meant to be and both my parents are tall. It feels good when I catch people's attention and they go, "Wow, you're really tall...I wish I was tall." But I hate that being tall usually means you have big feet and can never find shoes your size or long enough jeans or pants.

Do you have any pets?
I used to have a Cocker Spaniel, her name is Princess and my family loved her so much. She passed away last year.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Well now that I'm here and we're beginning practice while having class, I LOVE getting some extra sleep in. I also like listening to music or video chatting with my family.

What has surprised you the most about the transition to college basketball?
I knew I was going to be put to work, so I was expecting it, but it's still pretty tough. Also you need to really have great time management.

Do you have any superstitions?
Not really. I just feel that if you say things out loud it may happen, so knock on wood.

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.

COACH MEYER LEAVES KNIGHTS WITH STRONG THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP

Our team had the good fortune of taking in the morning session of Coach Don Meyer's Leadership Seminar this past week in Orlando.  We asked each of our student-athletes to list at least once concept that resonated strongly within them.

BRYEASHA BLAIR: Something that Coach Meyer said that really hit home was that every captain isn't a leader. A leader is not only someone who leads by example but someone who also motivates.

STEPHANIE TAYLOR: Two big things I got from Coach Meyers’ lecture are you have to have a strong desire to succeed & also you have to be a follower first in order to be a leader. I also remembered him saying that usually the right decision is the toughest decision.

GEVENIA CARTER: Coach Meyer talked about discipline and how a lack of it is detrimental to the team. Not only as a team, but as an individual first and for most you have to seek, find, and simply do whatever is required to better you for your team. "There is nothing more harmful to your team than the lack of discipline." - Coach Meyers.

RACINE DAVIS: What I got from Coach Meyer's Leadership Seminar was that “you get adrenaline from what you’re passionate about.” I love that quote because cause it's so true. You put the most energy into what you love to do. Another thing I got from the seminar was in order to lead you have to be servant.

LEONELLA MONTALVO: I really enjoyed how he emphasized being thankful for today. I think this applies to many things in life including basketball and outside of basketball. If a person is willing to be thankful for today, then they will be willing to give their best effort in everything they do.

 AARIKA JUDGE: At Coach Meyer’s seminar I learned that the right decision is often the hardest decision to make. Also, you should always be at your best because while you may not see others they’re always watching.

ERIKA JONES: During the Leadership Seminar one thing that hit me was when he said you have to be the person you want to follow. It made me look at some of the things I do and decisions and make.  

SARAH GREEN: One thing that really resonated with me was the quote Coach Don Myer gave that said, "Peace is not the absence of trials, torments, and storms, but the calm in the midst of them." When adversity hits, which it always will, there has to be one person that can calm everyone down and bring the focus back to the process.

MEGHAN KEOUGH:  One of my favorite quotes he said was to "watch the way you treat people on your way up the ladder of success, because they'll be there on your way down." I think that this goes along with what he said about leadership. In order to be a leader, you must have followers and you must have served. A leader must be strong and confident, but also understanding and have earned the respect of her teammates.

He also said adrenaline comes from passion. Your mind and body can do amazing things when you have a deep passion for something. You hear of people picking up cars to save their child's life when they are trapped underneath. This is adrenaline. If you can play with intensity and fire, you will be able to push your body to places thought unimaginable.

KAYLI KEOUGH: The thing that I got from Coach Meyer that I want to apply to my life is his concept of N.B.A.: Next Best Action.  It's easy to complain about the present situation, but God has your world a certain way for a reason and it is my job to just continually move forward. We can't change outside factors but we can take the appropriate action to better ourselves and the people around us regardless of difficulties.

ANDREA HINES: I learned from Coach Meyer that in order to be a good leader you have to be a good follower first. Another was that you can have anything you want, but not everything you want.

ASHIA KELLY: The one thing I learned from Coach Meyer was the right decision is often the toughest decision. This means to me that although it may be difficult right now, the effects of this decision will bring excellence later.