One of five true freshmen on the roster, Casey Ferguson signed with the University of South Alabama women's basketball program last fall. A graduate of D'Iberville High School in D'Iberville, Miss., she became the first women's basketball player from her high school to earn a Division I scholarship and scored more than 1,000 points for the Warriors in three seasons. She sat down with USAJaguars.com to talk about how she started playing basketball, her mom's help with her basketball career, and her experience on the team's trip to Canada.
When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in the 10th grade. We had a new coach come in and saw me work out when I was powerlifting at the time. She said, 'you look like you can play basketball.' I tried out, made the team and the rest is history.
Take me on your journey to South Alabama.
It happened in two weeks. I tore my ACL and I thought everything was over. I hadn't heard from them (South) before and I thought maybe I would be a JUCO if someone wanted me. Then Coach Yo (Jackson) called me and a week later Coach Fowler offered me a scholarship and it was a blessing.
Describe your playing style.
I used to go-go-go and bull through stuff in high school, but now I am trying to stay a little more reserved and make shots around the perimeter.
Who do you model your game after?
I don't really do that. I don't look at someone and say that is who I want to be. I never really shadow people. I go off what my coaches say I am doing well and keep doing that.
What is your biggest strength on the court?
I believe it is my attitude. I think that is reason South Alabama reached out to me. I always try and make the extra dive or hustle play. When people see that they like it and that's what I try to do.
What are you trying to improve for this season?
I have to improve everything. I am still raw. Everything about my game still needs work.
Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball career?
My family has always been there with positive support for me. They don't really know the rules, but they are always there for when I need them. My mom was a big help with helping me do the legwork to contact coaches to get them to look at recruiting me. I also wouldn't have made it to this point without my high school coach Renee Ladner.
How was your experience on the trip to Canada?
Canada was awesome. I had never been out of the South and the farthest north I had been is Tennessee. It was culture shock. Everything was different compared to the United States.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
Being on an airplane. I had never been on an airplane before. Flying across and looking at America. It was different. It's greener over Canada than America. Although it is amazing and beautiful in Canada.
What did you learn from the trip?
I learned a lot. Basketball was bigger than I expected it to be in Canada. I had never been exposed to a different culture like that. It was eye opening for me with everything I saw.
QUICK HITS
Favorite TV Show: Sons of Anarchy
Favorite movie: "Rocky IV"
Favorite basketball team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Favorite basketball player: LeBron James
Favorite musical artist: Lecrae
Favorite class: English
Favorite social media: Snapchat
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Hardwood Club, the women's basketball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All gifts to the Hardwood Club go directly to support the South Alabama women's basketball program. For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/hardwoodclub.
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