After graduating from Arts & Sciences, Latrice Wickley’s original plan was to walk on to the women’s basketball team at Middle Tennessee State University.

New Chattanooga State women’s coach Jay Price helped convince her to come up with a new plan, and Wickley instead signed last week to continue her career with the Lady Tigers.

“I had been playing at Chattanooga State on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Coach Price started talking to me about getting a full scholarship,” Wickley said. “I really wanted to go to MTSU, but I also wanted to play basketball. Since he was giving me this opportunity, I thought it was a better decision to go to Chattanooga State since I’m guaranteed to get to play.

“I’ve always wanted to play Division I, so this gives me a chance to better my game so I can maybe go on and play somewhere else after two years.”

Wickley averaged 11 points and three assists per game during her senior season with CSAS. A varsity player since eighth grade, the guard helped the Lady Patriots to their best season ever in 2008, then became just the third girls’ player in school history to earn a basketball scholarship.

“She’s extremely strong and a very hard worker,” Arts & Sciences coach Clay Martin said. “She loves basketball. That’s her thing. You always know what you’re going to get with Latrice. She’s just a great, talented player.”

Price said that with just one point guard returning for the Lady Tigers next season, Wickley should contend for playing time right away and could also contribute from the shooting guard position.

“The main thing is that she’s very athletic,” he said. “She’s very aggressive, she handles the ball well, and she’s really improved her shot. I think she’s definitely going to be an asset. We’re just excited to have her. Our main focus is to keep as many local players as we can at home, especially ones like her who are not only good on the floor but also academically.”

And although Chattanooga State wasn’t her first choice, Wickley said she’s happy with her decision to join the Lady Tigers.

“I can see myself fitting in with them,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it, actually. I’ve gotten to know Jay and see what he’s like as a coach, and I know that he really cares about his players.”

Comments