2010-11 UCLA Women’s Basketball Schedule

Day, Date Opponent Site Time At SiteMon., Nov. 8 VANGUARD (exhibition) Pauley Pavilion 7 pmFri., Nov. 12 @ San Diego State (themtn.) San Diego, CA 7 pmSun., Nov. 14 UC SANTA BARBARA Pauley Pavilion 2 pmThu., Nov. 18 @ Notre Dame South Bend, IN 7 pm ETSun., Nov. 21 UC DAVIS Pauley Pavilion 2 pmSun., Nov. 28 TEMPLE Pauley Pavilion 2 pmFri., Dec. 3 @ LMU Westchester, CA 7 pmSun., Dec. 5 MONTANA STATE Pauley Pavilion 1 pmSun., Dec. 12 @ St. Mary's Moraga, CA 2 pmSun., Dec. 19 v. Hawaii Hilo, HI 7 pm HTMon., Dec. 20 v. East Carolina Hilo, HI 7 pm HT Tues., Dec. 28 LOUISIANA STATE Pauley Pavilion 7 pm Fri., Dec. 31 @ Washington* Seattle, WA 2 pmSun., Jan. 2 @ Washington State* Pullman, WA 1 pmSat., Jan. 8 USC* (FSN) Pauley Pavilion 1:30 pmThu., Jan. 13 OREGON STATE* Pauley Pavilion 7 pm Sat., Jan. 15 OREGON* (FSN) Pauley Pavilion 1:30 pmThu., Jan. 20 @ Stanford* Stanford, CA 7 pmSat., Jan. 22 @ California* Berkeley, CA 2 pmThu., Jan. 27 ARIZONA STATE* Pauley Pavilion 7 pmSat., Jan. 29 ARIZONA* Pauley Pavilion 2 pmSun., Feb. 6 @ USC* (FSN) Galen Center 1 pmThu., Feb. 10 @ Oregon* Eugene, OR 7 pmSat., Feb. 12 @ Oregon State* Corvallis, OR 2 pmThu., Feb. 18 CALIFORNIA* Pauley Pavilion 7 pmSat., Feb. 20 STANFORD* (FSN) Pauley Pavilion NoonThu., Feb. 24 @ Arizona* Tucson, AZ 7 pm MTSat., Feb. 26 @ Arizona State* Tempe, AZ 8:30 pm MTThu., Mar. 3 WASHINGTON* Pauley Pavilion 7 pmSat., Mar. 5 WASHINGTON STATE* Pauley Pavilion 2 pmWed., Mar. 9 Pac-10 Tournament - 1st Round Galen Center Noon / 2:15 /5:00/ 7:15 p.m.Thu., Mar. 10 Pac-10 Tournament - Quarterfinals Galen Center 3:00 / 5:15 p.m.Fri., Mar. 11 Pac-10 Tournament - Semifinals (FSN) Staples Center Noon / 2:30 p.m.Sat., Mar. 12 Pac-10 Tournament - Championship (FSN) Staples Center 11:30 a.m. NCAA First Round / Second Rounds Sat./Mon., Mar. 19/21 (Berkeley, CA; Durham, NC; Knoxville, TN; Louisville, KY; Seattle, WA; Stanford, CA; Tallahassee, FL; Tempe, AZ)

Sun./Tue., Mar. 20/22 (Ames, IA; Austin, TX; Cincinnati, OH; Minneapolis, MN; Norfolk, VA; Norman, OK; South Bend, IN; Pittsburgh, PA)

NCAA Regionals Sat./Mon., Mar. 26/28 (Memphis, TN - FedEx Arena; Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena)Sun./Tue., Mar. 27/29 (Dayton, OH - U. of Dayton Arena; Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center) Sun., Apr. 3 NCAA Semifinals (Conseco Arena) Indianapolis, IN TBDTue., Apr. 5 NCAA Championship (Conseco Arena) Indianapolis, IN TBD

Home games in BOLD ALL CAPS.Game times listed are local to game site and subject to change.Key: * denotes Pacific-10 Conference GameInternet broadcast on www.uclabruins.com

14 2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball

General InformationOfficial Name: .....University of California, Los AngelesLocation: ...................................................Los Angeles, CAAthletic Dept. Address: ................... J.D. Morgan Center............................................................ 325 Westwood Plaza........................................................ Los Angeles, CA 90095Enrollment: ............................................................... 38,500Founded: ........................................................................1919Colors: ......................................................... Blue and GoldNickname: .................................................................. BruinsNational Affiliation: ..............................NCAA Division IConference: ......................................................... Pacific-10Arena, Year Built (capacity): ....Pauley Pavilion, 1965-66 ................................................................................... (12,000)

University PersonnelChancellor: .................... Dr. Gene Block (Stanford '70) ............................................................Phone: 310/825-2151Faculty Representative: ..........Don Morrison (MIT ’61)............................................................Phone: 310/825-7706Athletic Director: ......Daniel G. Guerrero (UCLA ’74)............................................................Phone: 310/825-8699Sr. Women’s Administrator: Petrina Long (California ’77)............................................................Phone: 310/825-8699Athletic Department Phone: ................... 310/825-8699Ticket Office Phone: ....... 310/UCLA-WIN (825-2946)

Sports InformationWomen’s Basketball Contacts: ................. Steve Rourke................................................................................Liza DavidSports Information Office Phone: .......... 310/206-6831Sports Information Office FAX: .............. 310/825-8664Rourke E-mail: .....................srourke@athletics.ucla.eduDavid E-mail: ............................ldavid@athletics.ucla.eduWebsite: ...........................................www.uclabruins.comPress Row Phone: ...................................... 310/825-1899

Radio NetworkRadio Station: ............................. UCLA Radio Network Play-by-Play: ...................................................Dave MarcusColor Commentary: ...................... Michael Sondheimer

UCLA Quick Facts

Basketball InformationHead Coach: .................Nikki Caldwell (Tennessee ’94)Record, Current School (Years): .......... 44-21, 3rd YearRecord, Career: ........................................................... sameBasketball Office Phone: ........................ (310) 206-1925Best Time/Day to Reach Coach: ......................MorningsAsst. Coaches: .......... Stacie Terry (Texas-Arlington ’98).............................................. Tony Perotti (Tennessee ’99)................................................Tasha Butts (Tennessee ’04) Director of Basketball Operations: ............ Pam WalkerAdministrative Assistant: .......................... Jonathan Silver Staff Athletic Trainer: .....................................Kristin LageStudent Athletic Trainers: ...............................Sonal Singh, ................................................................... Nicole WatanabeHead Team Manager: .............................Michele Blaisdell

Team Information2009-10 Record: .......................................................... 25-92009-10 Conf. Rec., Place: .................................15-3, 2ndStarters Returning (4): .............Doreena Campbell G, 5-10, Sr., 9.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg ........................Jasmine Dixon, F 6-0, Jr., 15.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg................. Markel Walker, G/F, 6-1, So., 10.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg........................Darxia Morris, G, 5-8, Sr., 8.6 ppg, 2.7 rpgStarters Lost (1): .......................Erica Tukiainen, G, 6-0, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 2.4 rpgOthers Returning (6): .................................. Nina Earl, F, 6-1, Sr. ,4.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg.................. Rebekah Gardner, G, 6-1, Jr. ,6.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg ..............Atonye Nyingifa, F, 5-11, So.R, 6.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg*..................Christina Nzekwe, F, 6-4, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg....................Jackie Shepard, G, 5-10, So., 0.4 ppg, 0.2 rpg.................... Mariah Williams, G, 5-4, So, 2.1 ppg, 0.8 rpg*= indicates 2008-09 stats Letterwinners Lost (3): ............................Allison Taka, G, 5-8, Sr. ,0.4 ppg, 0.0 rpg.......................Erica Tukiainen, G, 6-0, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg............Moniquee Alexander, C, 6-4, Sr. ,2.8 ppg, 3.4 rpgNewcomers (3): ...............................Corinne Costa, F/C, 6-4, Fr., 15.0 ppg................................ Rhema Gardner, G/F 6-1, Fr., 8.8 ppg ................................Thea Lemberger, G, 5-7, Fr., 18.3 ppg

HistoryFirst Year of Basketball ..........................................1974-75Overall All-Time Record ..........................629-421 (.599)NCAA Appearances/Last ....................................10/2010Last post-season appearance ....................................2010 ................. (Lost in NCAA 2nd Rd. to Nebraska, 83-70)

The UCLA Athletic Depart-ment would like to express its gratitude to the following for endowing scholarships for

Women’s Basketball:

Evelyn & Eleanor Lloyd DeesParker & Spencer Felix

Rose GilbertStephen & Ann Goldberg

Bette McBainKirk Pasich & Pamela WoodsChristopher, Kelly & Connor

Pasich

2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball 15

Nikki Caldwell

16

Table of Contents

This Is UCLA Women's BasketballThe Future Of Pauley Pavilion ...................................................1Game Day .....................................................................................2Student-Athletes ..........................................................................3Serving The Community .............................................................4Workout Warriors .......................................................................5Bruin Life ........................................................................................6LA Life.............................................................................................7Media Exposure ............................................................................8106 NCAA Team Championships .............................................9Elite Players ................................................................................. 10WNBA Bruins ............................................................................ 11The Bruin Family ....................................................................... 12

The 2010-2011 Bruins2010-11 Schedule ...................................................................... 13UCLA Quick Facts .................................................................... 14TV/Radio Position Guide ......................................................... 162010-11 Roster .......................................................................... 17Season Outlook ......................................................................... 18The Basketball Staff ................................................................... 20Returning Player Biographies .................................................. 26Newcomer Biographies ........................................................... 46

The 2009-10 SeasonSeason In Review ..................................................................... 49Final Statistics and Results ...................................................... 50Player Career Game-by-Game Stats ..................................... 51Box Scores ................................................................................ 55Pac-10 Standings and Honors ............................................... 63Pac-10 Individual Leaders ....................................................... 64Pac-10 Team Leaders ............................................................... 65

The OpponentsOpponent Information ........................................................... 66UCLA’s All-Time Record vs. Opponents ............................. 68UCLA’s Record vs. Conferences ........................................... 73

The Record BooksUCLA’s “30 Point and Up” Club .......................................... 74UCLA’s Individual School Records ...................................... 75UCLA’s Team School Records ............................................... 76

UCLA’s Career Records ........................................................ 77UCLA’s Single-Season Leaders ............................................. 78UCLA's Top Single-Season Team Performances ................ 79Freshman Single-Season Leaders .......................................... 80Class Single-Season Leaders ................................................... 81Yearly Individual Leaders ......................................................... 82By the Numbers ....................................................................... 84UCLA’s Home Court Records .............................................. 85Pauley Pavilion - Home of the Bruins ................................... 86

The HistoryAll-Time Letterwinner List ..................................................... 87All-Time Numerical Roster .................................................... 88Starting Lineups, 1974-75 to Present .................................. 89UCLA Honor Roll - National Awards .................................. 90UCLA Honor Roll - Conference Awards ............................ 91Bruins on USA National Teams .............................................. 92Bruins in the Pros .................................................................... 93Where Are They Now? ............................................................ 941,000 Point Club ...................................................................... 95The Bruin Elite ........................................................................... 98Retired Numbers .................................................................... 102UCLA Hall of Fame Coaches ............................................... 103Individual Career Statistics, 1975-Present ......................... 104Year-by-Year Team Statistics ................................................ 106All-Time Game-by-Game Results ...................................... 107

The Post-SeasonNCAA Tournament Box Scores .......................................... 112The National Championship Season - 1978 ..................... 1131978 Team Honored On 30th Anniversary ....................... 1141999 Pac-10 Champions, Elite Eight Participants ............. 1152006 Pac-10 Tournament Champions ................................. 116

General InformationPacific-10 Composite Schedule .......................................... 117Media Information ................................................................. 118Administrator Biographies/Key Athletic Dept. Staff ........ 119Follow The Bruins On The Air ............................................. 120

CreditsThe 2010-11 UCLA Women’s Basketball Guide was compiled by Steve Rourke, Associate Sports Information Director, and Liza David, Assistant Sports Information Director, with as-sistance from Allison Taka. Primary photography by ASUCLA Campus Studio (Don Liebig and Todd Cheney). Additional photos provided by Scott Chandler, Thomas Campbell, USA Basketball, Berliner Studios, Andrew Bernstein, Elsa/Getty Images, Los Angeles Sparks, David Sherman/Minnesota Lynx, NBAE, Getty Images, Ruth Chambers, WNBA Photos, NBA Photos, and the Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau. Cover design by Liza David. Printing by Marina Graphic Center.

CopyrightThis media guide is copyrighted by the UCLA Athletic Dept. No portion of the book may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of the UCLA Athletic Dept.

To Get a CopyCopies of the women’s basketball media guide are available (in pdf format) on line at uclabruins.com. in the women's basketball section.

To Request Media Credentials Write/Call/Email Steve Rourke (srourke@athletics.ucla.edu)/Liza David (ldavid@athletics.ucla.edu), Sports Informa-tion Office, UCLA Athletic Department, P.O. Box 24044, Los Angeles, CA 90024-0044, (310) 206-6831. FAX: (310) 825-8664. A minimum 24-hour notice is required to guarantee credential requests. Please make all interview arrangements through the Sports Information Office.

Nina Earl

40 96 Noelle Quinn

16 2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball

TV/Radio Position Guide

#1 Nina Earl - F6-1, SeniorPomona, CA

#3 Darxia Morris - G5-8, SeniorPasadena, CA

#11 Atonye Nyingifa - F5-11, Redshirt SophomoreTorrance, CA

#23 Markel Walker - G/F6-1, SophomorePhiladelphia, PA

#21 Doreena Campbell - G5-10, SeniorAlexandria, VA

#4 Christina Nzekwe - F/C6-4, SeniorSeattle, WA

Nikki CaldwellHead Coach3rd Year

#33 Jasmine Dixon - F6-0, JuniorLong Beach, CA

Stacie TerryAssistant Coach3rd Year

Tony PerottiAssistant Coach3rd Year

Tasha ButtsAssistant Coach3rd Year

PronunciationsCorinne Costa ............................................................ Core-IN

Jasmine Dixon .......................................................... JAZZ-min

Nina Earl ................................................................. KNEE-nah

Rhema Gardner ........................................................ RAY-muh

Thea Lemberger ...................................................... THEE-uh

Darxia Morris ......................................................dar-EX-ee-uh

Atonye Nyingifa ............................. ah-TONE-yay YING-gu-fa

Christina Nzekwe ..............................................na-ZECK-way

Markel Walker ......................................................... Mar-KELL

Tony Perotti ...........................................................per-OH-tea

u

#34 Corinne Costa - F/C6-4, FreshmanBrentwood, CA

Pam WalkerDir. of Bkb. Operations22nd Year

#2 Jackie Shepard - G5-10, SophomoreAtherton, CA

#35 Rebekah Gardner - G6-1, JuniorUpland, CA

#13 Thea Lemberger - G5-7, FreshmanSanta Monica, CA

#20 Rhema Gardner - G/F6-1, FreshmanUpland, CA

#5 Mariah Williams - G5-4, SophomoreColorado Springs, CO

2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball 17

Numerical UCLA Women’s Basketball RosterNo. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Birthdate Exp. Hometown (High School)1 Nina Earl F 6-1 Sr. 01/16/89 3V Pomona, CA (Diamond Ranch HS) 2 Jackie Shepard G 5-10 So. 09/17/90 1V Atherton, CA (Menlo School)3 Darxia Morris G 5-8 Sr. 10/09/89 3V Pasadena, CA (Muir HS)4 Christina Nzekwe F/C 6-4 Sr. 03/17/89 3V Seattle, WA (Chief Sealth HS) 5 Mariah Williams G 5-4 So. 10/14/90 1V Colorado Springs, CO (Regis Jesuit HS)11 Atonye Nyingifa F 5-11 So.R 12/08/90 1V Torrance, CA (Redondo Union HS)13 Thea Lemberger G 5-7 Fr. 05/26/92 HS Santa Monica, CA (Santa Monica HS)20 Rhema Gardner G/F 6-1 Fr. 01/21/92 HS Upland, CA (Ayala HS)21 Doreena Campbell G 5-10 Sr. 07/03/89 3V Alexandria, VA (Edison HS)23 Markel Walker G/F 6-1 So. 11/07/90 1V Philadelphia, PA (Schenley HS)33 Jasmine Dixon F 6-0 Jr. 04/19/90 1V Long Beach, CA (Poly HS/ Rutgers) 34 Corinne Costa F/C 6-4 Fr. 03/19/92 HS Brentwood, CA (Liberty HS)35 Rebekah Gardner G 6-1 Jr. 07/09/90 2V Upland, CA (Ayala HS)

Alphabetical UCLA Women’s Basketball RosterNo. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Birthdate Exp. Hometown (High School)21 Doreena Campbell G 5-10 Sr. 07/03/89 3V Alexandria, VA (Edison HS)34 Corinne Costa F/C 6-4 Fr. 03/19/92 HS Brentwood, CA (Liberty HS)33 Jasmine Dixon F 6-0 Jr. 04/19/90 1V Long Beach, CA (Poly HS / Rutgers)1 Nina Earl F 6-1 Sr. 01/16/89 3V Pomona, CA (Diamond Ranch HS)35 Rebekah Gardner G 6-1 Jr. 07/09/90 2V Upland, CA (Ayala HS)20 Rhema Gardner G/F 6-1 Fr. 01/21/92 HS Upland, CA (Ayala HS)13 Thea Lemberger G 5-7 Fr. 05/26/92 HS Santa Monica, CA (Santa Monica HS)3 Darxia Morris G 5-8 Sr. 10/09/89 3V Pasadena, CA (Muir HS)11 Atonye Nyingifa F 5-11 So.R 12/08/90 1V Torrance, CA (Redondo Union HS)4 Christina Nzekwe F/C 6-4 Sr. 03/17/89 3V Seattle, WA (Chief Sealth HS) 2 Jackie Shepard G 5-10 So. 09/17/90 1V Atherton, CA (Menlo School)23 Markel Walker G/F 6-1 So. 11/07/90 1V Philadelphia, PA (Schenley HS) 5 Mariah Williams G 5-4 So. 10/14/90 1V Colorado Springs, CO (Regis Jesuit HS)

Head Coach: Nikki Caldwell (Tennessee ’94) Asst. Coaches: Stacie Terry (Texas-Arlington ’98); Tony Perotti (Tennessee ’99); Tasha Butts (Tennessee ’04)Director of Basketball Operations: Pam Walker (UCLA ’85)

2010-11 Roster

Squad BreakdownSeniors (4)Doreena CampbellNina EarlDarxia MorrisChristina Nzekwe

Juniors (2)Jasmine DixonRebekah Gardner

Sophomores (4)Atonye NyingifaJackie ShepardMarkel Walker Mariah Williams

Freshmen (3)Corinne CostaThea LembergerRhema Gardner

From California: 9From Colorado: 1From Pennsylvania: 1From Virginia: 1From Washington: 1

Oldest: Nina Earl, 1/16/89 Youngest: Thea Lemberger, 5/26/92

In-Season BirthdaysNov. 7 - Markel Walker, 20thDec. 8 - Atonye Nyingifa, 20thJan. 16 - Nina Earl, 22ndJan. 21 - Rhema Gardner, 19thMar. 17 - Christina Nzekwe, 22ndMar. 19th - Corinne Costa, 19thSee p.12 for Pronunciation Guide

The 2010-11 Bruins - Standing (l-r): Mariah Williams, Jackie Shepard, Rhema Gardner, Markel Walker, Corinne Costa, Jasmine Dixon, Rebekah Gardner, Atonye Nyingifa, Thea Lemberger. Seated (l-r): Christina Nzekwe, Darxia Morris. Doreena Campbell, Nina Earl.

18 2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball

Season Outlook

Head coach Nikki Caldwell’s squad hopes to use one of the program’s most success-ful seasons as a springboard to further ascend up the ladder of women’s basketball hierarchy.

Caldwell became the first UCLA coach ever to garner the Pac-10 Coach of the Year Award after leading her team to a 25-win season, an NCAA Tournament bid and a second-place finish in the conference last year.The victory total was the fourth-best in UCLA history. The 15 conference wins matched the program’s highest-ever league win total. The opponent scoring average of 57.5 points per game established a new school record.

Four starters and six of the top seven scorers are set to return for what promises to be a very exciting 2010-11 campaign. The returnees include the top three rebound-ers, the top seven in assists, four of the top five in blocked shots and the top six leaders in steals.

SENIOR CLASSThe Bruins return four seniors to the fold, including the two returning starters at the guard position.

Guard Doreena Campbell (5-10) has earned all-conference accolades the last two seasons (1st team in ’10; 2nd team in ’09). She finished among the Pac-10 statistical leaders in several categories in ’09-10 --- scoring-24th; assists-tied for seventh; free throw percentage-second; assist/turnover ratio-seventh. She enters her final season ranked as the best percentage three-point shooter (.412), with over 100 attempts, and the best free throw percentage shooter (.821) in UCLA history. Campbell will also attempt to join Ann Meyers and Nikki Blue as Bruins with at least 100 assists in four straight seasons.

Guard Darxia Morris (5-8) saw action in 34 games with 26 starts a year ago. She led the team in assists (106) and averaged 8.6 points per contest. She had 16 double-digit scoring performances and four or more assists in 10 games. Morris makes things happen on the court, as evidenced by her finishes of fifth in the conference in assists (3.1/g) and fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.28).

"When I look at the backcourt I see leadership," related Caldwell. "I see two young ladies who have withstood the test of time since I have been here. They have led the team in every facet -- to our running game, to bringing pressure to the basketball and allowing us to extend our defense. They also give us the offensive threat where you have to play them for the three and for penetration. Their versatility really comple-ments each other."

Forward Nina Earl (6-1) appeared in 32 games last season and averaged 4.5 points per outing. She started five contests and played double-digit minutes in 22 games. Earl had 12 games with at least two steals.

"Nina is someone who is very coachable and can play many roles for this team," detailed Caldwell. "She has been very unselfish. This year she gives us that transition game which is what she does best. She is someone who can really be a spark for us. When we need a turnover, she is able to generate that with her athleticism and foot speed. When we extend our defense, she is there because she is able to cover so much ground."

Forward/center Christina Nzekwe (6-4) saw action in all 34 games with four starts last season. She averaged 2.6 points and 4.1 rebounds and played double-digit minutes in 32 games. While she has a presence on the inside, she also enjoys a perimeter element in her game.

"Christina is a post player with some perimeter skills," Caldwell pointed out. "She can shoot the three and take a player off the bounce. After getting a rebound, she can start the fast break herself. She knows that if she gives the ball up; she can get it back. She is also a kid who plays tough for us on the inside."

JUNIOR CLASSThe junior class features a pair of players who emerged as impact players last sea-son.

Guard Rebekah Gardner (6-1) was arguably the most improved player on last year’s squad. She upped her scoring average to just under seven points per contest and led the team with 25 blocked shots (14th in the Pac-10). She owns a solid, steady game and totaled a career-high 19 points in a Bruin win over Washington State.

"Rebekah has started before and I can see her stepping into that role again for us this season," said coach Caldwell. "Movement without the ball is one of her strengths. I have played her at each position, one through four. I like that she has really worked this off-season at polishing her game. She is doing a much better job of taking on responsibility for the team, not only offensively, but defensively, and with her board play."

Jasmine Dixon (6-0) transferred to UCLA from Rutgers in January 2009 and became eligible to compete in mid-December. She saw action in and started all 27 games after that and led the team in scoring average (15.3, sixth in Pac-10) and rebound average (8.0, seventh in Pac-10). Dixon also placed third in the league in steals (2.22). She became just the second Bruin (joining Natalie Williams) to ever record a 30-point, 20-rebound game when she went for 31 points and 20 rebounds while leading a second-half comeback from 16 points down at Oregon.

"Jasmine, first and foremost, represents toughness," offered Caldwell. "No matter who she goes up against she brings a competitive spirit to the task. Last season, she immediately fit into our system and fit into her role. She made us a better team and made the players around her better as well. She became someone we could count on, a go-to player, not only offensively, but also defensively with her post defense in the paint and her ability to rebound the basketball."

SOPHOMORE CLASSThe Bruins feature four exciting players in the sophomore class.

Forward/guard Markel Walker (6-1) was second on the squad in scoring (10.8, 22nd in Pac-10) and rebounding (7.5, eighth in Pac-10). Her total of 255 rebounds ranked as the 18th-most in Bruin single season history. She led the team in steals with 68 (fifth in Pac-10 2.0/g) and handed out 88 assists (12th in Pac-10 2.59/g).

"Markel played big for us in alot of games last year," said coach Caldwell. "She is someone who has the skills and ability to play any position on the court and we are continually working to enhance that. She really has the ability to pass the basketball, which I think is one of the lost arts in the game. She knows she can give others great looks and get her own looks as well."

Mariah Williams (5-4) is a guard with electric speed and quickness. She averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 assists while appearing in 33 games with six starts.

"Mariah plays with her emotions on her chest," added Caldwell. "She has got a toughness about her. She gives us a great running game and has worked extremely hard in the off-season. She is a student of the

Doreena Campbell

What’s Returning from ’09-1085% Field Goals Made (747 of 879)80% Games Started (136/170)82% Minutes Played (5,564/6,800)84% Points (1,942 of 2,305)84% Rebounds (991/1,184)60% 3-Pt. Field Goals (76/126)93% Assists (452/485)89% Steals (324/362)72% Blocks (77/107)

2010-11 UCLA Women's Basketball 19

game and is one of the hardest working players on our team. Her competitive spirit and drive is something the team feeds off of."

Forward Atonye Nyingifa (5-11) sat out the 2009-10 season due to the knee injury she suffered at the USA Basketball Trials in May of ’09. In her freshman season of ’08-09, she saw action in all 31 contests, starting the final 16 games. Nyingifa was selected to the Pac-10 All-Freshman squad and was the lone Bruin chosen to the Pac-10 All-Tournament team. She led the team in rebounding during the Pac-10 games only with a mark of 5.6 caroms a contest. In her starting assignments, Nyingifa averaged 7.7 points and 6.1 boards as a freshman.

In May of ’09, she was invited to take part in the USA Basketball Trials, however, she suffered a serious knee injury during that competition. She continued her rehabilitation process through last season and is expected to once again be a key contributor.

"Atonye turned it on late in her first season," noted coach Caldwell. "She is a differ-ent type of player for us. While Dixon brings the power game and Walker brings the perimeter finesse game, Atonye brings a little of both. Her versatility and athleticism on the floor makes us even deeper."

Jackie Shepard (5-10) is a guard with shooting skills. She saw action in 10 games last season after joining the squad as a walk on.

"Jackie is a hard worker who brings it each day in practice," added Caldwell. "She has great basketball sense and can shoot the ball."

FRESHMAN CLASSThe Bruins welcome a trio of freshmen who will help to improve the team’s depth.

Forward/center Corinne Costa (6-4) averaged 15.0 points, 2.7 blocks and 6.5 re-bounds per game for her Liberty HS team in Discovery Bay, CA in Northern California. She had eight 20-point games and five 15-rebound contests last season.

"Corinne gives us what Moniquee Alexander gave us a year ago -- some size and a presence in the paint," said coach Caldwell. "We are teaching her the game and system. I expect that she will give us some valuable, valuable minutes."

Rhema (RAY-muh) Gardner (6-1) is an athletic guard/forward with speed and quickness who is the younger sister of Rebekah. She averaged 8.8 points per game and 5.4 rebounds while helping Ayala HS reach the CIF Southern Section semifinals last season.

"Rhema is 6-1, long and lanky," added Caldwell. "She brings a toughness at the two, three and four spots and gives us the versatility to play a bigger lineup with quickness."

Thea Lemberger (5-7) is a guard who can handle the ball and provide perimeter shooting. She averaged 18.3 points per game and 3.3 assists while helping Santa

Monica HS reach the semifinals of the state regional playoffs after capturing the Div. 1 CIF SS championship.

"Thea has the ability to knock down the three," added Caldwell. "She's a smart, heady player who will stand in there and sacrifice her body. I like the way she responds to adversity when her team is down. She has the competitive drive to will her team to success."

SCHEDULEThe Bruins will face a schedule which features 11 teams and 16 possible games with opponents that appeared in post-season play last season. Four were in the NCAA tournament (San Diego State, Temple, LSU and Stanford); six participated in the Women’s NIT (UC Davis, St. Mary’s, East Carolina, ASU, Cal and Oregon); one (Washington) took part in the WBI.

"We try to make the non-conference schedule as competitive as we can nationally," added Caldwell. "We attempt to position ourselves to be seen nationally, representing the Pac-10 in a national way. We want to make sure we are doing what it takes to prepare our team for conference play."

Season Outlook

2010-11 SQUAD BREAKDOWN Returning Starters (4)

Name Ht. Pos. Class Hometown Ppg RpgDoreena Campbell 5-10 G Sr. Alexandria, VA 9.8 3.2Jasmine Dixon 6-0 F Jr. Long Beach, CA 15.3 8.0Darxia Morris 5-8 G Sr. Pasadena, CA 8.6 2.7Markel Walker 6-1 G/F So. Philadelphia, PA 10.8 7.5

Other Returning Letterwinners (6)Nina Earl 6-1 F Sr. Pomona, CA 4.5 2.4Atonye Nyingifa 5-11 F So.R Torrance, CA 6.1 4.9*Christina Nzekwe 6-4 F/C Sr. Seattle, WA 2.6 4.1Rebekah Gardner 6-1 G Jr. Upland, CA 6.9 2.1Jackie Shepard 5-10 G So. Atherton, CA 0.4 0.2Mariah Williams 5-4 G So. Colorado Springs, CO 2.1 0.8Totals Returning 61.0 31.0 *2008-09 stats not inlcluded

Letterwinners Lost (3)Moniquee Alexander 6-6 C Sr. Harbor City, CA 2.8 3.4Allison Taka 5-8 G Sr. Culver City, CA 0.4 0.0Erica Tukiainen 6-0 G Sr. Los Angeles, CA 7.9 2.4 Totals Lost 11.1 5.8 Newcomers (3)Corinne Costa 6-4 F/C Fr. Brentwood, CA 15.0 6.5Rhema Gardner 6-1 G/F Fr. Upland, CA 8.8 5.4 Thea Lemberger 5-7 G Fr. Santa Monica, CA 18.3 3.3a*indicates 2008-09 averages

Jasmine Dixon

Markel Walker