2012-13 Western Carolina Women's Basketball Online Guide

Western Carolina University

Catamounts = FUN!

S R O SENI

#11

Forward • 5-10 • R-Senior Jonesboro, Ga. Landmark Christian

Diamond Hunnicutt

Up Close With Diamond Hunnicutt What makes Western Carolina special?

The Mountains

Favorite place on campus?

My room, because its relaxing.

Favorite quote of Head Coach Karen Middleton?

It’s very doable.

Favorite food/best meal of the day?

Breakfast

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Volleyball

Who is your biggest baseketball influence?

My Parents

One word to describe you...

Sweet

Are you superstitious? If so, why?

Yes, if we win while I am in a certain pair of socks, then I wear them for the rest of the season.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I am an animal lover and I’m good with technology (the reasons I have so many gadgets), so this seemed natural.

2011-12 Highlights • Played in all 31 games and started 17 • Scored most points of her career, in a season, with 133 in 2011-12 • Ripped down a season-high 102 rebounds.

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#5

Forward • 5-10 • R-Senior Columbus, Ga. Kendrick HS

Janae’ McKinney

Up Close With Janae’ McKinney

What makes Western Carolina special?

The people - they are very genuine here.

Favorite place on campus and why?

Starbucks, they all know me.

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Track and Field

Favorite class at Western Carolina?

Forensics, Psychology

Why do you wear No. 5?

I’ve worn it since high school.

Favorite Head Coach Karen Middleton quote?

Do what you can do.

What do you eat for pre-game?

Whatever I can find.

Why Western Carolina?

Why not Western Carolina?

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I am the oldest player (age) and a lot of my teammates call me the “grandma” of the team. I embrace this, because I have a lot of wisdom.

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

2011-12 Highlights • Played in all 31 games and started 27 • Led the team with 125 rebounds • Scored in double figures three times •Had a career-high 17 points vs. Samford • Ended the season with 149 points averaging 4.8 points per game

Chick-Fil-A at the University Center is always a great place to pick up something quick.

JUNIORS

#21

Forward • 6-0 • Junior Stone Mountain, Ga. Paideia

Alex Abraham

Up Close With Alex Abraham

Favorite quote?

Our darkest days are followed by our finest hours.

What makes Western Carolina special?

The sense of community and all the support - athletically and academically.

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Soccer

One word to describe you?

Grounded

What do you eat for your pregame meal?

Oatmeal with brown sugar and at least one biscuit.

Favorite food place/Best meal of the day?

The Cheesecake Factory

Why Western Carolina?

The family type atmosphere.

Best part about your coaches?

They are approachable and easy to talk to.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

Nothing says laid back like giant slippers and a koala bear hat.

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

2011-12 Highlights • Played in 29 games and started 23 • Had a stellar sophomore campaign, upping her scoring average from 1.4 as a freshman to 5.1 her sophomore season • More than tripled her scoring output her sophomore year with 147 points, in contrast to 41 as a freshman • Scored a career-high 14 points against Charleston Southern (11/14) • Scored in double figures five times.

#33 Guard/Forward 5-9 • Junior Durham, N.C. Jordan HS

Kristen Lyon

Up Close With Kristen Lyon

Favorite Head Coach Karen Middleton Quote?

Do what you can do.

Why do you wear your number?

Number 33 was my first number and the first shall be the last.

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

None. Basketball is literally the only sport I can play.

Favorite food place/best meal of the day?

McAllisters: sweet chipotle chicken with chicken tortilla soup.

Favorite class at WCU?

Psychology: Behavior modification

What do you eat for pregame?

Chicken and pasta

Best part of the WCU coaching staff?

What you see is what you get.

One word that describes you?

Reserved

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

For me God is first‌.family follows. I chose my Bible because it instructs me and I chose my family because they support me. They both shape me into who I am and who I will become. I have the best of both worlds‌.the love of God and the love of a great family.

2010-11 Highlights • Played in 30 games and started three • Scored 84 points averaging 2.8 points per game • Scored in double figures once, 10 points against Georgia State (11/29)

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#34

Forward • 6-0 • Junior Henderson, N.C. Southern Vance HS

Shauna Terry

Up Close With Shauna Terry

What makes WCU special?

The people and the scenery

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Volleyball

Favorite place on campus and why?

The cafe, because you can meet so many different people.

Describe yourself in one word.

Spontaneous

When you think of Western Carolina, you think...

Mountains

Favorite food place/best meal of the day?

Chick-Fil-A, breakfast

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

Dwight Howard

Why Western Carolina?

The people and the team made my visit wonderful, so I had to come back to be a part of it.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I chose these items because I’m obsessed with zebras and I love spongebob!

2011-12 Highlights • Played in 30 games • Recorded a career-high five blocks against Furman (01/09) • Had a season-best 43 blocks ranking her seventh in the WCU record books for blocks in a season • Currently has 67 blocks in her career also ranking her seventh in the record books for blocks in a career

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#23

Guard • 5-7 • Junior Raleigh, N.C. Wake Forest Rolesville HS

Rena Wakama

Up Close With Rena Wakama

Favorite quote?

Do your best, thats all you can do.

What makes Western Carolina University special?

The diversity of the people.

When you think of Western Carolina you think...

Pride

Favorite quote of Head Coach Karen Middleton?

Hold yourself accountable, do what you can do.

Why do you wear your number?

2+3=5 The age my uncle put the ball in my hands.

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

My AAU coaches.

If you played another sport at WCU what would you play?

Softball

One word to describe you?

Unpredictable

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I love different kinds of spontaneous colors of shoes. Similar to me, you never know what to expect.

2011-12 Highlights • Played in 31 games and started 17 • Scored a season-best 205 points • Scored in double figures six times • Second on team in scoring average with 6.6 • Second on the team in assists with 31 • Third on the team in steals with 38

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

SOPHOMORES

#32

Guard/Forward • 6-1 • Sophomore Kingsport, Tenn.

Sullivan South HS

Makensey Campbell

Up Close With Makensey Campbell Favorite Quote:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Favorite place on campus:

Our locker room; It’s where we get to hang out and have fun as a team.

Favorite food/place best meal of the day?

Mcalister’s Deli

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

Former AAU coach, Justin Wimmer

Best part of your coaches?

They care about us better on and off the court.

What are your three most prized possessions?

Bible, car and phone.

Describe yourself in one word.

Driven

Why Western Carolina?

It is a beautiful campus that was close to home. Most importantly, my teammates and coaches made it feel like family.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I chose my glasses and my organic chemistry book because I like to learn, and I aspire to be a dentist!

2011-12 Highlights • Played in 31 games • Led the team in three pointers with 45 which also ranked her eighth in the Southern Conference • Scored in double figures six times • Scored career-high 20 points in the first round win over Georgia Southern in the Socon Tournament

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#20

Guard • 5-8 • Sophomore Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte Catholic HS

Ali Lane

Up Close With Ali Lane

What makes Wesern Carolina special?

The atmosphere

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Golf

When you think of Western, you think....

Family

Favortie Head Coach Karen Middleon quote?

Work as one, we can beat any five

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

My parents and my grandmother

One word that describes you?

Consistent

Why Western Carolina?

I felt like I was joining a family.

Favorite quote?

Be not afraid of greatness, some are born great, some acheive greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I chose my beats because they are my favorite color and because I can’t hear anything with them on. It’s peaceful when I have them on.

2011-12 Highlights • 2012 Southern Conference All-Freshmen Team • Played in 31 games and started 29 • Scored in double figures four times • Scored career-high 12 points against College of Charleston • Had 54 assists, which led the team and fourth on the team in steals with 34

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#43

Center • 6-5 • Redshirt Sophomore Franklin, N.C. Franklin HS

Melanie Stewart

Up Close With Melanie Stewart

When you think of Western Carolina, you think...

Purple and Gold

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Football

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

My parents

One word to describe you?

Dynamic

Why Western Carolina?

Close to home and loved the team

Why do you wear your number?

My coach assisgned it to me in middle school and it stuck

Favorite quote?

Laugh as hard as you breathe and love as long as you live.

Best part about your coaches?

Being able to hang out and talk with them outside of basketball.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I’m the biggest little kid you will ever meet and I’m a secret ninja unicorn.

2011-12 Highlights • Played in eight games

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

#14

Guard • 5-9 • Sophomore Max Meadows, Va. Fort Chiswell HS

Nancy Thacker

Up Close With Nancy Thacker

Favorite food/best meal of the day?

Starbucks, I’ll take coffee any time of the day.

Favorite Head Coach Karen Middleton quote

I’m really excited if you guys can’t tell.

What makes Western Carolina special?

How happy and caring the people are.

Favorite class at WCU?

Developmental Pysch, I really enjoy kids.

Why do you wear your number?

It was my dad’s number.

What do you eat for pre-game?

Any kind of pasta.

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

My grandpa. He didn’t play, but he is my biggest inspiration.

Favorite quote?

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant then yourselves.

Phil. 2:13

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

Coffee with a good book is my favorite thing to do in my spare time. It’s relaxing and a getaway from whatever stress is in the day.

2011-12 Highlights • Played in 16 games • Connected on four field goals and scored nine points • Hit one three-pointer

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

FRESHMEN

#35

Center/Forward • 6-2 • Freshman Albermarle, N.C. North Stanley HS

Lindsey Burleson

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

Up Close With Lindsey Burleson

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Volleyball

When you think of Western Carolina, you think...

Pride

Why do you wear your number?

It was my AAU and high school number since I was a freshman.

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

Jayne Appel

One word to describe you?

Focused

Favorite food place/best meal of the day?

Spud Ole’ with Sweet Tea from McAllisters.

Favorite class at Western Carolina?

Black Death to Bioterorrism

Why did you choose Western Carolina University?

The feeling of family

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

My personality shot shows that I’m an eccentric and a creative individual!

#3

Guard • 5-4 • Junior Springfield, Mo. Oak Hill Academy / Mineral Area Junior College

Hana Haden

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

Up Close With Hana Haden

Favorite quote:

Tough times don’t last tough people do

Favorite food place/best meal of the day?

Chick-Fil-A

When you think of Western, you think....

Purple

Favorite class at Western Carolina?

News Reporting

One word to describe you?

Goofy

Best part about your coaches?

Easy to talk to and positive attitudes

Why Western Carolian University?

People, atmosphere and opportunity

Why do you wear your number?

My first number was 41. Coaches told me that was not a good guard number. So I choose 3: 4 --1=3, plus Alan Iverson was my first love.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

I chose my favorite heels and purse because I’m girly and I like to feel tall!

#25

Forward • 6-0 • Freshman Lilburn, Ga. Parkview HS

Erika Joseph

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

Up Close With Erika Joseph

What makes Western Carolina special?

The scenery

Favorite quote:

Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.

Favorite place on campus and why?

Courtyard outside of the cafe, I like to people watch.

Favorite class at WCU?

Facebook Generation Marketing

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

Maya Moore

One word to describe you?

Energetic

Why Western Carolina?

Why not?

Why do you wear your number?

I wear No. 25 because it was the first number I ever had, so I wanted to end my career in it.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

Well I feel like I am walking exclamation point at times‌can be very energetic and I think exclamation points represent positivity!

#44

Forward • 6-3 • Freshman Gastonia, N.C. Southlake Christian Academy

Brianne Mack

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

Up Close With Brianne Mack

Favorite quote...

Mind over matter, if you mind it don’t matter.

Favorite place on campus and why?

Ramsey Center, I love to shoot.

Favorite food place/best meal of the day?

Einsteins

Favorite class at WCU?

Human Biology

Why do you wear your number?

I like wearing a double digit of the same number.

One word to describe you?

Focused

Best part about your coaches?

They want us to be well rounded and do our best.

What makes Western Carolina University special?

The size of the school and the people.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

Because I’ve loved fashion and style since I was little, so I absolutely love shopping….I might be a tad bit obsessed.

#15

Guard • 5-7 • Freshman Franklin, N.C. Franklin HS

Lindsay Simpson

LINK TO FULL BIO AND CAREER STATS

Up Close With Lindsay Simpson

If you played another sport at WCU what would it be?

Volleyball because I played it in high school.

Favorite quote...

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.

Favorite place on campus and why?

The Ramsey Center because it is where I spend most of my time.

What makes Western Carolina University special?

The community

Why do you wear your number?

My mom wore No. 15 in high school and college.

One word to describe you?

Determined

Who is your biggest basketball influence?

My coaches and my parents.

When you think of Western Carolina, you think?

When I think of Western Carolina, I think family tradition because most of my family attended WCU and my mom and grandfather played for the university.

ABOUT MY PERSONALITY SHOT....

The reason I chose the family picture was because I have always been close to my family and the pen because I love pens. I have collected many over the years.

Karen Middleton Head Coach Fourth Season at Western Carolina

Up Close With Karen Middleton

What is the best thing about WCU?

Definitely it is the people. Everyone is so friendly and supportive.

What is your favorite snack?

Chips and salsa and Diet Pepsi.

What most impresses you about the team this year?

We have an incredible work ethic, chemistry, and character that will take us a very long way.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy reading, working out and watching sports on TV.

When you were younger, what player did you pretend to be?

Larry Bird.

Who are your coaching mentors?

Nancy Wilson and Tara VanDerveer

Describe yourself in three words.

Caring, determined and dependable.

Name one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

I drove a bus in high school. It was the afternoon pick up for kindergarten.

Middleton Notes Education: South Carolina, 1991, BA Elementary Education/ 1993, MA Physical Eduction Coaching Experience • South Carolina, Volunteer Assistant Coach (1991-92) • South Carolina, Assistant Coach (1992-94) • Eastern Washington University, Assistant Coach (1994-97) • Stanford, Assistant Coach (1997-2007) • Illinois, Assistant Coach (2007-2009) • Western Carolina, Head Coach (2009-present) Championships: • at South Carolina (Player, Metro Conf. Championship, 1988) • at Stanford (Asst. Coach, 8 PAC-10, 10 Titles - 1997-2007) Playing Experience: • College: South Carolina, 1987-91 Notables: • Helped coach three Kodak All-Americans at Stanford • Helped coach two PAC-10 Players of the Year • Helped coach over 24 players play professionally

LINK TO FULL BIO

I O

’ N

G

O R P

Karen Middleton has coached and developed some of the best players in the world. From the WNBA to Euro Leagues to Olympians…...The list goes on and on.

26 PLAYERS HAVE GONE ON TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL BALL. The most recent: Candice Wiggins—Minnesota Lynx Nicole Powell—New York Liberty Jayne Appel—San Antonio Silver Stars

Tr’eka McMillian Assistant Coach

Fourth Season at Western Carolina

LINK TO FULL BIO

Up Close With Tr’eka McMillian

What is the best thing about WCU?

The people

What is your favorite snack?

Kettlecorn.

What most impresses you about the team this year?

Togetherness.

What is your favorite place to visit?

Minneapolis.

Name one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I like spending time by myself.

Who are your coaching mentors?

Michael Powell (HS coach); Nancy Wilson (college coach)

Favorite quote?

“Enjoy the journey.”

If you weren’t coaching, what would you be doing?

Business owner - financial services.

BEST part about the coaching staff?

Being able to hang out and talk with them outside of basketball. - Melanie Stewart

Jonelle Streed Assistant Coach Fourth Season at Western Carolina LINK TO FULL BIO

Up Close With Jonelle Streed

What is the best thing about WCU? What is your favorite snack?

This year’s team is a group of amazing young women who are motivated to give their best each day.

Popcorn

What most impresses you about the team this year?

Their attitudes. They want to be great and they are willing to do whatever it takes.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy writing, traveling to new places, taking classes at the rec center and finding new Catamounts.

My parents! They drove me across the country (several times) to allow me to chase my dream.

Biggest basketball influence: Describe yourself in three words.

Bananas, energetic and motivated.

Favorite quote?

“We may lose and we may win, but wen will never be here again.”

Favorite place on campus?

The tree covered area behind the Balsam/Blue Ridge arch.

Hillary Beck Assistant Coach Fourth Season at Western Carolina LINK TO FULL BIO

Up Close With Hillary Beck

What is the best thing about WCU?

The staff and players I work with on a daily basis.

What is your favorite snack?

Parmesan goldfish.

What is your favorite place to visit?

My parent’s house.

Do you have any hobbies?

Anything outdoors, hiking, camping and cooking

When you were younger, what player did you pretend to be?

Jamila Wideman.

Name one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I can cook.

Who are your coaching mentors?

Karen Middleton, Jessica Smith and Charlie Hall.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, caring and stubborn.

2012-13 ROSTER Numerical Roster

#

3 5 11 14 15 20 21 25 23 32 33 34 35 43 44

Name

Hana Haden Janae’ McKinney Diamond Hunnicutt Nancy Thacker Lindsay Simpson Ali Lane Alex Abraham Erika Joseph Rena Wakama Makensey Campbell Kristen Lyon Shauna Terry Lindsey Burleson Melanie Stewart Brianne Mack

Ht.

Pos.

Cl.

5-4 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-3

G G/F F/G G G G F F G G/F G/F F C/F C F

JR R-SR R-SR SO FR SO JR FR JR JR JR JR FR R-SO FR

Head Coach: Karen Middleton Assistant Coaches: Tre’ka McMillian, Jonelle Streed, Hillary Beck

Hometown (Previous School / High School)

Sprinfield, Mo. (Oak Hill Academy / Mineral Area JC) Columbus, Ga. (Kendrick HS) Jonesboro, Ga. (Landmark Christian School) Max Meadows, Va. (Fort Chiswell HS) Franklin, N.C. (Franklin HS) Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic HS) Atlanta, Ga. (Paideia School) Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview HS) Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest Rolesville HS) Kingsport, Tenn. (Sullivan South HS) Durham, N.C. (Jordan HS) Henderson, N.C. (Southern Vance HS) Albermarle, N.C. (North Stanley HS) Franklin, N.C. (Franklin HS) Gastonia, N.C. (Southlake Christian Academy)

SUPPORT STAFF

Jessica Webster Athletic Trainer

Hannah Prince Manager

Carly Sprouse Manager

Ashley Berting Graduate. Asst. Coach

2012-13 CATAMOUNTS

CATAMOUNT HAWAII

A K S ALA

TRAVELS

HAWAII

YELL OWS

TONE

CATAMOUNT Western Carolina women’s basketball won its first Southern Conference regular season title in 2007. The Catamounts won a school record 15 Southern Conference games and tied with Chattanooga for the regular season title. WCU also earned its first-ever Number one seed in the Southern Conference Tournament.

WCU went on to play in the post-season WNIT.

2005 Western Carolina women’s basketball won its first Southern Conference Tournament title, in school history, in 2005. The Catamounts outlasted #5 Georgia Southern, 97-95 in two overtimes to earn the title and its first trip to the NCAA Tournament. WCU also became the first team in SoCon history to reach and win the tournamet after playing in the first round.

2007

CHAMPIONS 2009 It took three overtimes, 101 points and clutch free throws down the stretch, but Western Carolina women’s basketball weathered it all, to capture the 2009 Southern Conference Tournament Title, the second tournament title in school history. The No. 3 seeded Western Carolina defeated No. 5 seed College of Charleston 101-87 in the come from behind victory. The game was the third-highest scoring game in SoCon Tournament history. Western Carolina’s 101 points was also just the third 100-point game in tournament history. It was also the first time a SoCon Tournament final game went into triple overtime. Western Carolina earned a 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the highest seed in school history. The Catamounts went on to face No. 4 seed Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA Touarnaemnt.

THE CATAMOUNT

FAN EXPEREIENCE

LOCKER ROOM

THE RAMSE

EY CENTER

WEIGHT ROOM

TRAINING ROOM

VIDEO ROOM

ACADEMIC SERVICES

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT At Western Carolina, our staff has had tremendous experience and success in helping players grow as basketball players. We take great pride in helping our players improve and take their game to another level through individual skill work, weekly video sessions, and competitive position group work. Our staff provides fundamental guidelines, specific instruction, and goals setting for each of the members of our team to insure our players improve their game from year to year.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

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SOUTHERN CONFERENCE The Southern Conference is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models.

The Southern Conference has been on the forefront of innovation and originality in developing creative solutions to address issues facing intercollegiate athletics. From establishing the first conference basketball tournament (1921), tackling the issue of freshmen eligibility (1922), developing women’s championships (1984) and becoming the first conference to install the three-point goal in basketball (1980), the Southern Conference has been a pioneer.

The Southern Conference is the nation’s fifth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. Only the Big Ten (1896), the Missouri Valley (1907), the Pacific 10 (1915) and the Southwestern Athletic (1920) conferences are older in terms of origination.

LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION

CATAMOUNT HISTORY Jayne Arledge was first female to receive athletic grant-in aid at Western Carolina University in 1976 and the first female to have her jersey retired in school history.

She is the all-time leading scorer in WCU women’s basketball history with 1,928 points in four seasons and averaged 21.7 points per game for her career. She scored 30 points five times and owns 11 WCU game, season and career WCU records. She led the Lady Catamounts to four consecutive winning seasons and was two time allstate selection. An honor student who has gone on to a successful collegiate coaching career. Inducted in 1992. Her No. 25 jersey was retired in 2006.

LINK TO HISTORY AND RECORD BOOK