The University of South Alabama women's basketball team will welcome five newcomers to the Jaguar roster during the 2015-16 season.  Of the course of the summer, USAJaguars.com will sit down with each of them for Q & A session to help fans see another side of the newest Jags.  

The fourth newcomer for USA fans to get to know is Rehema Franklin, a 5-4 freshman guard from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, La.  Franklin talks about what she feels is a strength of hers that she brings to the team, why she chose to sign with South Alabama and what it means to her to be a Jaguar among other topics.

What are your goals and expectations for the season?
"I want to become a better basketball player and also get my team involved more in the game.  I want to become a leader and encourage my teammates to push themselves and move forward when things get tough.  I just want to be there for my team and help them both on and off the court."

What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"I definitely feel that my quickness is a strength to my game.  I also feel that I am able to handle the ball well and get out in transition.  I also think that I shoot the three pretty good."

What is one area of your game that you are looking at improving in this season and why?
"I want to work on getting in better shape and get stronger this season.  I also want to work on going with my left-hand."

What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
"The biggest key for us this season will be for us to come together as a team and believe in each other."

Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to?  What If so, who and why?
"The teammates of mine that I look up to are Colby (Davis) and Marquita (Daniels).  I feel both of them challenge me to become a better basketball player."

Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
"I chose South Alabama not only because of the basketball element, but also because of the medical field that they have here.  I want to become a physical therapist and I think that they have a great program here for that."

What type of player can fans expect to see out on the floor when they watch you play?
"They can expect to see a great ball-handler and shooter.  They will also see a great team-player trying to lead out on the court."

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
"My favorite place on campus is the Mitchell Center."

What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"It means a lot to me.  I never thought I would make it this far in life.  It's a blessing to be here.  I'm just going to try to make my mama proud and everyone else."

Describe South Alabama women's basketball in a word:
"Confident."


BONUS SHOTS WITH REHEMA
What is your favorite professional sports team? The Los Angeles Lakers.
What is your favorite TV show? Sponge Bob.
What is your favorite type of music to listen to?  Rap.
What is your favorite memory that you have had so far playing basketball?  Making the Final Four last year in high school.   
What is the last movie you saw?  Poltergeist.
What is your dream vacation? To go to London, England.
What I s your favorite food?  Shrimp fried rice and gumbo.
If you could play any other sport other than basketball, what would it be?  Tennis.
What was your first job?  I worked at Smoothie King.
What is one thing you can't live without?  Money and shoes.
What is your favorite form of social media?  Twitter.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?  To Fly.

OFF THE COURT WITH…
Candice Williams
D'Andra Pringle
Christen Carter
Rehema Franklin
India Hall

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).

—USA—