By Caley Curtis
In Motion Staff Writer
Alysia Johnson, from left, Stephanie Ratliff, Paden Smith and Kyla Muhammad practice their moves on the court.
Cal Cochran, head coach for the Daytona State women’s basketball team, explained that his staff has spent critical time traveling all over the nation searching for top players to be a part of a community of individuals who strive for nothing less than excellence. Under his guidance for the past five seasons, the ladies have done well, on the court, and in the classroom. Thirteen players have received 1st Team All Mid-Florida Conference honors, five have earned the Florida College System Athletic Association All-State accolades and 25 were given Mid-Florida Scholar Athlete Awards.
Though the majority of team is made up of freshmen players, there are three returning starters on the sophomore level. One of these players in particular is Kyla Muhammad. Muhammad, winner of the DSC Athlete of the Year in 2012, plays point guard and is characterized as both a leader and a “whole student.”
“She’s a great leader, a big help in everything. She’s a great person overall and brings a lot of hype to the team,” said Center Jackie Blake.
Muhammad says she is anxious for this season and is ready to see how the team reacts on the court. “The team actually wants to be here. We do everything together: work out, practice, and even hang out around Daytona together. We’re family.”
Parents and fans are excited to see the spirit in the team, not only in the sports, but in every area. Coach Cal emphasizes the importance of creating what he calls the whole student. “We focus on athletics, attitude, academics and community service,” he said.
Coach Cal added that this year’s strengths are found in the team’s abilities with guards in post play, because of their advantages in both height and size. When asked what are the keys to winning this season, Cochran responded, “defense and rebounding is the foundation and the two pillars to wining every game. Sharing the ball, but limiting our turnovers is what will give us a quality position for winning.”
The season will kick off at the Lemerand Center, Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. with the Blue & Silver game, followed by trips to Albany, Ga. and Tallahassee. The team returns to DSC Oct. 23 and meets Rollins College in a scrimmage game.
Three Returning sophomores, including Muhammad of Pensacola, center Andrea Ayala of Ft. Pierce, and combo guard Paden Smith of Snellville, Ga. are all 2012-13 Mid-Florida Scholar Athlete Award winners, among many other honors. Rounding out the Lady Falcons team are the nine new players on the team this year including: combo guards Kadesia Johnson of Poinciana and Natasha Wilcox of Sarasota, wings Chelsy Springs of Orlando and Mackenzie Eller of Oviedo, point guard Monterika Warren of Montgomery, Ala,; power forwards Jacqueline Blake of Miami and Alysia Johnson of Orlando, and centers Jalisa Rivers of Riverview and Stephanie Ratliff of Dr. Phillips.