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reshman Chioma Okoli stepped up when most of the women's basketball team faced injuries and continues to prove freshmen can pull their weight on the court.

"The freshmen have to step up this year. It is a good opportunity for us, and I am happy to be a part of it," Okoli said.

Last Saturday, Okoli scored a career high of 20 points in the Homecoming double header against Charleston Southern.

Okoli scored 14 of her points in the first half, but the Bulldogs were unable to take control at the end of the game and fell 82-71.

"Chioma is going to be a great player, and she is gaining a great deal of experience," said Head Coach Betsy Blose. "She has a God-given athletic ability, with a quick first step, great body control and the ability to maneuver between the other players."

Okoli attended Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. She was a shooting guard in high school and averaged 16.5 points and four rebounds a game her senior year.

She now averages eight points and four rebounds a game.

Okoli said she was a gymnast for six years, and her sister introduced her to basketball in the eighth grade.

"I went to a Georgia Tech camp and ever since then, I really enjoyed basketball," Okoli said.

The freshman, whose teammates gave her nicknames like "Spaghetti O," "D.C." and "Chinoma," said she chose UNC Asheville after she visited the campus.

"I liked UNCA over the other schools because of the team chemistry and the coaching staff. Everybody was very close and seemed to have it together better than the other schools. The coaching staff is also very supportive," Okoli said.

Sophomore Ashley Pompey, student manager for the team, said Okoli's parents are another source of support as the freshman fills in for her injured teammates.

"Chioma's role has grown as the season has gone on , and she is taking more responsibility," Pompey said.

Men's games sell out, but the women's team has a lack of support from students.

"I wish people would come to our games too, but I am happy that they have the opportunity to shine," Okoli said.

Okoli said she may have a future in basketball after college and an opportunity to play overseas one day would be a great experience.

With a planned major in psychology and a minor in sports medicine, Okoli has another plan for her future.

"I want to receive my Ph.D. in psychiatry one day," Okoli said.

For now, the Bulldogs face an injury-ridden roster. According to Okoli, freshmen play more with only seven dressed players.

"Chioma is learning to perform instead of just filling in off the bench," Blose said.

Injuries may be responsible for the Bulldogs' 11-15 overall season and their 2-7 standing in the Big South Conference, but the coach remains optimistic.

"It's tournament time and everything that you thought you knew, you can throw it out the window. Anything can happen, each team gets a clean slate," Blose said. "I don't know what our destiny will be, but playing at home, we will have a lot of motivation."

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