Senior • 6-1Guard/ForwardKingsport, Tenn.Sullivan South HS

Q&A WITH MAKENSEY CAMPBELLWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?As soon as I stepped on campus I already felt like part of the Catamount family. Everyone here was so welcoming, and the support we receive as student-athletes is unlike anywhere else.

Most interesting teammate and why?Definitely EJ (Erika Joseph); I’m always excited to see what she is going to create, design, or wear next.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?The night my parents first met.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?Without a doubt, my favorite Karen memory would be her dancing in the locker room after we beat Appalachian State last year. The best part is that we still have the video!

Ultimate goal for this season?SoCon Championship.

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshmen……Although it’s not always easy, make every day count. Because before you know it, you’ll be a senior wondering where the last four years went.

Senior • 5-8GuardCharlotte, N.C.Charlotte Catholic HS

Q&A WITH ALI LANEWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?I chose Western Carolina because of the atmosphere and the people. It felt like a family when I visited. No other place felt like the right fit for me.

If you were stuck without a phone or internet, what teammate would you choose to be around? I would have to say Bri (Brianne Mack) because she would keep me entertained for awhile. If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?I would have to say Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream Speech”

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?“Look, Miami is a nice city.”

Ultimate goal for this season?Win a SOCON championship.

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshmen……Be early to everything, and soak up everything everyone tells you because at some point you will use it in college.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?I like Ali, so I wouldn’t change it. If you could learn to do anything, what would you do?Scuba Diving.

Senior • 5-8GuardGastonia, N.C.Louisburg CC

Q&A WITH JUSTIN TAYLORWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?Because of the genuine people I’m surrounded by on a daily basis. The whole scenery set it apart for me.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be? Mr. J packing a car full of people to support Coach K. Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle? When she was dancing at Appalachian State in the locker room after a big win.

Two of my favorite sayings are…… “What’s good G” “I don’t get tired”

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshmen…… TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. Stay humble.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? Mildred Eugena.

Junior • 6-2Center/ForwardAlbemarle, N.C.North Stanley HS

Q&A WITH LINDSEY BURLESONWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?When I first experienced Western Carolina, I was taken with the beauty of the campus and how close the team was. Being at Western is being a part of a family. Most interesting teammate and why? Erika Joseph; she leads a highly eventful life and she always has a hilarious story to tell.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?Win at Appalachian State in 2013.

Ultimate goal for this season? SoCon Tournament Champions.

Two of my favorite sayings are……“Live every week like it’s Shark Week.”“Go the extra mile”

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshmen…… You are worth more than the stat sheet; if you love what you do, your best will always be good enough. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Doctor.

Junior • 6-0ForwardLilburn, Ga.Parkview HS

Q&A WITH ERIKA JOSEPHWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?I chose WCU because the school wasn’t too small and wasn’t too big. I knew I would always be surrounded by people who genuinely care about me. Western also has a little bit of everything for everybody. I really appreciated the fact that Western had opportunities for every-one to shine.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?I would’ve loved to have seen both MJ’s in their prime. Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. I would definitely like to experience a Michael Jackson concert and see Michael Jordan play.

Ultimate goal for this season?Win games, and have fun while doing it.

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshmen……Remember what got you here and never lose it. Don’t order the Chicken Parmesan Crusted Chicken when we go to eat at T.G.I. Fridays in Chattanooga.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Zoe- so people could call me “Z” for short.

If you could learn to do anything, what would you do?How to play the drums ; how to do flawless makeup; how to go into H&M and not spend money.

Junior • 5-7GuardFranklin, N.C.Franklin HS

Q&A WITH LINDSAY SIMPSONWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you? The reason that I choose Western Carolina, was because of the close proximity to my family and friends at home in the mountains. Also, I am a third generation basketball player at WCU, my “Grandfather” Clarence Wike and “mother” Anna Shields who played basketball and I wanted to keep the family tradition alive. Most interesting teammate and why?The most interesting teammate in my opinion is.. Bri (Brianne Mack), because of her infectious personality and she is always willing to lend a hand when I am down.

Ultimate goal for this season? My ultimate goal for this season: To ultimately WIN the SoCon championship, and the SOCON tournament. In addition, I want our team to become the best team we can possibly be on and off the court. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? If I could change my first name it would be to Skylar.

If you could learn to do anything, what would you do?If I could learn to do anything: I would love to learn to surf!

R-Soph. • 6-3ForwardCharlotte, N.C.Southlake Christian Academy

Q&A WITH BRIANNE MACKWhy Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?The atmosphere and awesome people is what set WCU apart for me! Any school has athletics and academics but a community that supports you and is heart-warming is hard to find and I found that in Western.

Most interesting teammate and why?Most interesting teammate…. I would say AY (Lindsay Simpson) because she is like a walking encyclopedia! If you ever want a fun fact find her! Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?“Let’s go baseline” or “Let our game speak for itself” Ultimate goal for this season?Ultimate goal is to make history with some of the coolest people I know! Two of my favorite sayings are……“Heyyyy Gurrllllllll.”“Holaaa.”

(Upperclassman) Advice for our freshman……Keep persevering and putting your all into the game and it will come back to you!

Freshman • 6-2ForwardWhitesburg, Ga.Central HS

Q&A WITH SHERAE BONNER

Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful. - Wooden

Why Western Carolina? It just felt like home, and the mountains are beautiful.

What future even would you like to see?The event I would chose to see is in the future - the day I graduate from college at WCU.

Best Karen Middleton moment?When she said the skill group I was in was the AP/ honors group.

Ultimate Goal Get that ring.

Favorite sayings: That’s basic! I’m getting old.

If you could learn to do anything what would it be? Have mind control over people.

Freshman • 5-10ForwardKernersville, N.C.Bishop McGuiness

Q&A WITH JULIA BROWN

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

Why Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?The family oriented feel. When I visited here the mountains seemed perfect and the team treated me like I was already a part of their family.

Most interesting teammate and why?JT (Justin Taylor). Almost everything that she says is either random or hilarious, or both.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?A random day of my life in 10 years.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?“Are you getting better or are you just getting through it?”

Ultimate goal for this season?Win the SOCON Championship.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Carol.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?Mowing the grass.

If you could learn to do anything, what would you do?Speak every language.

Freshman • 6-2GuardCatawba, N.C.Brandys HS

Q&A WITH ACE EASTER

You can’t let Praise or criticism get to you, it’s a weakness to get caught up in either one. - Wooden

Why Western Carolina? The Location, the campus, and the coaches concern for me as a per-son not just a player.

What future even would you like to see?I would witness a future event. To see my life after college.

Best Karen Middleton quote?“Are you getting through it or getting better?”

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? Ace because everybody calls me that already.

Favorite sayings: That’s basic! I’m getting old.

If you could learn to do anything, what would you do?Math because I absolutely hate math.

Freshman • 6-2ForwardHendersonville, Tenn. Hendersonville HS

Q&A WITH EMILY HATFIELD

Your biggest challenge isn’t someone else. It’s the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells “can’t,” but you don’t listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper “can.” And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are. - Unknown

Why Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?I picked WCU because there was a sense of family and the coaches really made me feel special. Most interesting teammate and why?JT (Justin Taylor), because she always keeps us laughing and most of the time I have no idea what she is talking about.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?Watching my mom play college basketball.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?“We have to act like champions before we become champions.” Ultimate goal for this season?Win SoCon tournament! If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Julia.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?The dirty dishes.

Freshman • 5-5GuardLancaster, S.C.Lancaster HS

Q&A WITH KYIA HOUGH

Be comfortable being uncomfortable. - Nash

Why Western Carolina ? What set WCU apart for you?I chose Western Carolina , mainly because of the beautiful campus and the area. I loved the way the coaches and players made me feel like I was part of a family.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?Michael Jordan playing at any time. I never got the chance to actually see him in action.

Most interesting teammate and why?Justin Taylor. She keeps us laughing.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?Lets go baseline .

Favorite sayings: “Bruhhhhh....” “Yaaaasssss.”

Freshman • 5-9GuardColumbia, S.C. Ridgeview HS

Q&A WITH JONTAY MITCHEM

If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. - Jordan

Why Western Carolina? What set WCU apart for you?Western felt like home as soon as I walked on campus and met the team and all the people. It was a warm, inviting feeling.

Most interesting teammate and why?Justin Taylor. She’s the most interesting because she’s just a different type of person you will rarely meet. She can make you laugh, she’ll have your back, and she will also push you on the court to be a better player and always compete.

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?It would have to be between watching Michael Jordan playing in the championship game in 92 court side or a live Michael Jackson concert.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddle?When she pulled me aside to have a heart to heart, and gave me a new vision for my first season. That was the moment when I became even more attached to her, not only as a coach, but as a person because she is a very kind and caring. Coming into college, most freshman think coaches aren’t going to care about them, but I know Karen cares for me, as well as my teammates, and I will remember that for years to come.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?LeBronia.

HEAD COACHSixth Year

Q&A WITH KAREN MIDDLETONWhy Westerm Carolina? At Western you can have it all, but the people set us apart. We have tremendous support from Dr. Belcher, our chancellor, and that–trickles down to support across campus and within athletics. It is about family and each student-athlete having a positive experi-ence. My favorite part is our players and coaches. I truly enjoy being around them each and every single day.

Two of my favorite sayings are……“Great things are achieved little by little.”“A successful team beats with ONE heart.”

Best advice for the freshmen:Stay focused on what you want to accomplish and remember how driven and hungry you were to get to Western Carolina. It will take discipline to avoid distractions and making good decisions every day to reach those goals. Just listen, learn, grow and have fun...it is a great four year experience.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? I think I would be a Jamie or an Erin!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn to play the piano. I took lessons when I was in elemen-tary school but did not stay with it. I wish I had now.

ASSISTANT COACHSixth Year

Q&A WITH TRéKA MCMILLIANWhy Western? Why do you choose to work and be a part of this University? The people make this a special place.

Best Karen Middleton memory, quote, moment, huddleDo what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it to the best of your ability.

One of my favorite sayings is……“Enjoy the journey.”

Advice for our freshmen……Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is the future and today is a gift, enjoy every moment.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Imani.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?Play the saxophone.

ASSISTANT COACHSixth Year

Q&A WITH JONELLE STREEDWhy Western Carolina? Why do you choose to work and be a part of this University? Western Carolina University is unique in so many ways. The area is breathtakingly beautiful, the people are genuine in all ways, and our basketball team is the very best part of each day. The Catamounts are amazing young women who make it difficult to call my daily activities “work.”

If you were stuck without a phone or internet, what player would you choose to be around?Makensey Campbell. We could talk for a few days without noticing!

If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?The day my parents were named Homecoming King and Queen at my high school in Minnesota in 1969.

Advice for our freshmen……It gets easier. Continue to believe and push through each tough day. You are getting stronger!

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Sparkle.

ASSISTANT COACHFirst Year

Q&A WITH WILLIE FREEMANWhy Western Carolina? Why do you choose to work and be a part of this University?I choose Western because of the location and the Beautiful campus… I choose to work for Western because, Western gave me an opportunity to earn my degree and now im giving back. If you could witness any event, past, present, future, what would it be?It would be a future event and that is the Lady Cats in the SoCon tourney 2014-2015 season holding up a championship trophy…

Two of my favorite sayings are……Don’t talk about it.. be about it.Believe and Receive. Advice for our freshmen……Believe in yourself, and remember that hard work pays off. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?Gustavo Freeman HAHAHAHAHA!!

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?Cooking if that is a chore, if it isn’t then I really hate Yard work.