November 4, 2012

GREENSBORO, N.C. – With the 2012-13 UNCG women's basketball season just days from tipping off, uncgspartans.com will give Spartan fans a closer look at the ladies who will don the Blue and Gold in the coming months. Today we will profile the sophomore class – Jessica Collins and Jarae Savage.

What did you learn in your first season of collegiate basketball that will help you this season?
Jessica: I learned that this is a completely different game from my freshmen year. Eliminating lapses in my game and being persistent will help me this season.
Jarae: My first year at UNCG was a rough one, but it also was filled with learning experiences. I've learned what it really means to be one team. Through all the struggles, we remained intact and every day we fought together. I also learned that losing is a part of the game. Although I do not enjoy or settle for losing, everyone has to lose in order to win. It helped me to find my place as a leader and my role on the team. Last year was also when I rediscovered my love for basketball. I realize that I have enormous love for the game because even when it was hard, and I wanted to give in, I didn't. The love for the game helped me to push through the hard times and made the good times that much sweeter.

Most people do not know that you…
Jessica: ...work hard when no one is watching. I am always figuring out ways to better myself as a person and as a basketball player.
Jarae: …were nationally ranked 3rd in the 2009 weightlifting finals. I can also bench 200 pounds and am a serious chess player.

What are some of your interests outside of basketball?
Jessica: I love to read, I love to relax and listen to music, and I love to play chess.
Jarae: Outside of basketball I enjoy swimming, chess, shopping and just hanging with friends.

What impresses you most about Coach Palmer?
Jessica: I am impressed by her will to win, her drive and passion. Coach Palmer is a very eager person and I love the fact that she passes down her knowledge to us so we can succeed in life.
Jarae: When it comes to Coach Palmer, the thing that impresses me is that she genuinely cares about us outside of basketball. She teaches us life lessons and prepares us for life beyond basketball. Most coaches only care about basketball ability and what you can offer in the scorebook. She brought me to the harsh reality that one day the ball will stop bouncing and I will have to be prepared for the real world.

What are some of your goals for the upcoming season?
Jessica: I want to be able to be a consistent player for my team, win conference and play in March.
Jarae: My goals for the upcoming season include winning the SoCon tournament, qualifying for the SoCon All-Academic Team, playing whatever role my team needs me to play in order for us to be successful and leading my teammates on and off the court.

Which WNBA player do you think most resembles your own style of play?
Jessica: Seimone Augustus
Jarae: I feel I best resemble Angel McCoughtry because she can shoot, but she would rather drive to the basket. She is a very up-tempo type player and is a leader for her team. 

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