TUCSON, Ariz.—In part one of our 14-part “Getting to Know” series, ArizonaWildcats.com sits down with freshman guard JaLea Bennett.
Bennett enters her first year of collegiate basketball with already quite the reputation, as she was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee while at Texas’ Mansfield Timberview High School. She holds the Mansfield Timberview HS record for highest career field goal percentage (45 percent), while she averaged 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.7 steals per contest during her four years there.
Now it's time to meet JaLea Bennett.
ArizonaWildcats.com: What does basketball mean to you?
Bennett: I try to use the game to inspire others. It’s cool to know that I’m in some ways a role model now and people look up to me. It is a way to get through to people and give them hope.
ArizonaWildcats.com: How long have you been playing basketball?
Bennett: I started playing in the 6th grade.
ArizonaWildcats.com: How important is setting goals to you?
Bennett: Being able to set goals is very important. Without goals you can’t achieve anything.
ArizonaWildcats.com: How does it feel to finally be playing basketball at the collegiate level?
Bennett: It has always been a dream of mine and it’s just great that all of my hard work has finally paid off. It is honestly unbelievable.
ArizonaWildcats.com: Do you have dreams of one day playing in the WNBA?
Bennett: Yes I do. It would be nice, that’s for sure!
ArizonaWildcats.com: What motivates you?
Bennett: My family and my teammates motivate me a lot.
ArizonaWildcats.com: Since being here what is the most important thing you have learned so far?
Bennett: To be a positive role model because someone is always watching.
ArizonaWildcats.com: What is an interesting fact about you that no one knows about?
Bennett: I like to sing and play volleyball.
ArizonaWildcats.com: What would you say your biggest role on the team is?
Bennett: I’d say my biggest role is to defend and rebound the basketball.
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