When you signed with Middle Tennessee, did you expect the success that the Lady Raiders have had this season?
Chelsia: Well when Coach was recruiting me, every letter that he sent to me always had “Next Level” either highlighted or written in bold letters, so I knew he was expecting this program to do big things this season. But of course, you never know what the future holds. I don't think any of us expected to do what we've done so far, but when we started winning we were just like what the heck let's keep winning.
What element of your game has changed the most over the past year?
Chelsia: My shooting. I shoot more three pointers than I have ever shot in my career playing basketball. Also, my knowledge of the game. In high school, you don't have to think much. Most of the time you can just outplay or outtalent your opponent. In college, you have people who are bigger, stronger, and sometimes smarter than you. You have to learn how to outsmart your opponent, and I think my knowledge of the game has changed to help me do so.
What game will you remember most from this season?
Chelsia: The Maryland game. That was by far the best game and the atmosphere was unbelievable. I think we weren't even playing ourselves. We were playing so much off of emotion and adrenaline. We were just happy to be playing because you work so hard in the preseason and when you finally get to show people what you got, you are ready to give it your all. Of course, I like the Georgia game too.
Did you expect to come in and play as much as you did?
Chelsia: Actually no. When coach recruited me he never guaranteed a starting position. He didn't even guarantee playing time. He did guarantee that if I worked hard, played defense, and gave effort that I would get playing time. When he said that, it was right up my alley, because that's all I've done my entire life is work hard to get something on the basketball court. So no, I never thought I'd play as much as I did, or get to experience what we have this year.
What was it like splitting time with Johnna Abney at point guard?
Chelsia: I knew coming in that Johnna was a great point guard who was very intelligent because I played against her in high school. Actually I really liked it and respect playing beside her. We have become really good friends, and she knows that I have no problems with her starting over me, and she had no problems with me starting in the games that I did. We both know that we just have to do what we need to do to win. We're both from Kentucky, so we are just hard nosed, don't give a crap, get out there and play type of girls.
What's it been like practicing and playing with Chrissy Givens and Krystle Horton?
Chelsia: Well I know that in practice, if you go up against Chrissy Givens and you aren't ready, then you are going to be laying on your butt. Your attitude and style of practice changes because you will get laid out on the floor if you are not ready. Krystle always keeps you thinking. She is such a smooth player, so you have to be on your toes when practicing with her. I really enjoy playing with both of them. Chrissy has helped me know what a true leader needs to be like. Some things she does, I'll probably never do, but other things I learn from her I will use when I become a leader.
Who are your favorite players to be around on and off the court?
Chelsia: Johnna Abney and Latoya Barclay. We are all point guards obviously. Johnna and I can relate since we are both from Kentucky. Some of the players joke that we are country, which we are, but we understand each other. We both know that you have to get out here and get elbowed in the mouth or the head sometimes just to get respect. Latoya is just so relaxed that it is just fun being around her on and off the court.
What was the first thing that went through your mind when you went down at Western Kentucky?
Chelsia: How am I going to come back? How am I going to help my team this year with me not physically being able to help. Johnna, Latoya and I still have conversations about things. They listen to me more now because I see things the entire game watching on the sidelines, including things that I wouldn't see if I was on the court.
How are you feeling now?
Chelsia: I feel good. I'm excited about going to the NCAA tournament. It's too bad that I can't play, but you can't really harp on something you can't help right now. I'm just excited for my teammates and hopefully we will do well in the tournament.
Check out Part 1 of this series as the BlueRaiderZone talked with Angelique Burtts. Link to Part 1
Check back soon for Part 3 of this 4 part series when the BlueRaiderZone sits down with Jackie 'Triple' Pickel!
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