Freshman center, Uchechi Ufochukwu, takes flight in her first season
Uchechi Ufochukwu is sophomore women’s basketball player. Ufochukwu is a 6’4” accounting major who plays center for the women’s team. Coming from Nigeria, Ufochukwu got into basketball in a slightly unconventional way. “I was walking past the basketball court and a coach saw me and asked if I wanted to give basketball a try. I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved it!” said Ufochukwu. It was after that first meeting that Ufochukwu was given a scholarship through a company called Access 2 Success. This foundation provides scholarship opportunities for kids in Nigeria to study in the United States while playing basketball. Ufochukwu was one of those students and played basketball in a high school for her junior and senior year.
It was then that she began to learn to adjust to the United States. Ufochukwu said the hardest part of adjusting was the food and the weather. When asked why she chose Winthrop, Ufochukwu said it was a clear choice. The weather was beautiful and it was different than Washington D.C. and Baltimore, where she spent her high school years. Despite the differences from home, Ufochukwu has loved the south so far.
Ufochukwu has nothing but positive things to say about her experience at Winthrop. “The team is still rebuilding so there are ups and downs. We are still trying to find that balance,” said Ufochukwu. Personally, Ufochukwu has had a successful year so far, getting a lot of minutes and positively contributing to the team.
This year is the first year for Winthrop Women’s head coach Lynette Woodard. Ufochukwu did not know much about women’s basketball players before coming to the United States, but once she found out who Ms. Woodard is, she was extremely excited. “It is an honor to play for Coach Woodard. She was not only a great player, but she is a great coach and an even better person” said Ufochukwu. Ufochukwu commented on Coach Woodard’s continually optimistic attitude which has been crucial for the Lady Eagle’s this season.
The women’s basketball team finishes off the regular season on March 3rd when they take on Longwood in Farmville, VA. Ufochukwu is looking forward to finishing off the season on a high note and carrying her positive energy into the off season and into next year!
