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| FORMER LADY JACKET TENIA MANUEL AT TROY UNIVERSITY |
Former Lady Jackets Standout Tenia Manuel will be entering her senior season at Troy University in 2011. Manuel was Troy's 2nd leading rebounder last season. She made 46% of her field goal attempts and had a 76% free throw average. She expects to play a bigger role in her teams success in her senior season. Here is a short list of some of her milestones at Leesburg High School:
Played four years at Leesburg High School for coach Mark G. Oates
Girls Basketball State Semifinalist 2007 and 2008
Named Second-Team All-Area during junior season
Named Second-Team All-Area during senior season
Nominated as a McDonald’s All-American
Four-year starter during prep career
Scored over 1,000 career points during prep career
Helped lead team to a 101-15 record during prep career
Best game during prep career was when she scored 17 points and grabbed 19 rebounds
During senior season, connected on all seven free throw attempts against Jacksonville
Lettered in track and field
Lettered in cross country
Member of the 3rd place 4x400-meter relay team at state championship her senior season
Named Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
Here is an exclusive interview with
Troy University Forward Tenia Manuel
Carver Heights Quarterback Club Presents:
Gerald Lacey One On One With Troy University's Tenia Manuel
Gerald Lacey:
Good morning Tenia how are you?
Tenia Manuel:
Good Morning Mr. Lacey I am doing fine.
Gerald Lacey:
You had a great career at Leesburg, you played with Louisiana Tech's Angela Felton and Former UAB player Pearl Johnson since you were in middle school. How did it feel when you attended your first practice at Troy University and it finally sunk in that you were no longer going to be on the court with them?
Tenia Manuel:
Well it felt weird. It was a new atmosphere, new girls, and it just took a lot to get used to.
Gerald Lacey:
What has improved in your game since you arrived at Troy University?
Tenia Manuel:
Since I have arrived at Troy, my shooting has improved tremendously . I have developed a good 3 pt shoot, and I have worked on becoming better when I drive to the basket.
Gerald Lacey:
You have always had a very strong work ethic on the court and in the classroom. You have been an inspiration to other young lady's who have been a part of the Lady Jacket basketball program. Your resume speaks for it's self. With that being said what are some of your goals for your senior season at Troy?
Tenia Manuel:
My goals for my senior season, would be to lead my team to a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Try to average a double-double, and to be a leader for my team on and off the court. Other then that, just be there for my teammates when they need me.
Gerald Lacey:
Your parents and Coach Mark Oates have always instilled in you the values of education and I know that they are very proud of academic achievements as well as your athletic accomplishment. What are you majoring in at Troy?
Tenia Manuel:
I have changed my major once. I started off as a accounting major, but that quickly changed after I had some minor set backs in the classes. My current major is Marketing.
Gerald Lacey:
Is basketball in your future plans after you finish your career at troy whether it is playing or coaching?
Tenia Manuel:
Basketball is in my future. Since I was little I have always wanted to play ball professionally. As far as coaching goes, there is a very good chance I could get into that once I've stopped playing.
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| FORMER LADY JACKET STANDOUT TENIA MANUEL GRABBING A REBOUND IN A GAME AGAINST INVERNESS CITRUS HIGH SCHOOL |
Gerald Lacey:
Tenia you are a part of the Leesburg High School 1,000 Point Club and you helped end a 30 year State Final Four drought. Those accomplishments will be a part of Jackets fans for conversations forever. How disappointing was it to go to back to back State Final Fours and leave without a state title?
Tenia Manuel:
Going to the Final Four those two years was a big accomplishment for us. It would have been even better if we would have won. It was disappointing, just knowing that if every person would have did a little more then we would have been in the championship game. I try not to think about it as much because those same girls are playing in college just like me. Hopefully one day I can get another game against them.
Gerald Lacey:
What kind of impact did coach Mark Oates have on you as a person and a player?
Tenia Manuel:
Old Coach Oates. He is a major part of my success. As my coach, he is the one that pushed me to work hard in practice and to be a leader. If it wasn't for me playing ball with him, I don't think that I would have made it very far. As a person, he was always there to talk to and every now and then get a good laugh in.
Gerald Lacey:
What kind of advice do you have for 2011 graduates Jaleesa Blue and Ashley Lanier as they prepare to begin their college careers?
Tenia Manuel:
For my graduated Lady Jackets, I would just like to say always remember what you have been taught. You might go off to another school, but you are always going to be a Lady Jacket. So when you in their practicing and working out, just remember how the Lady Jackets do it. As the game gets longer, the Lady Jackets get stronger.
Gerald Lacey: I have been a friend of your family (Manuel's, Wiggins, Scott's) for many years. They are close knit group. What kind of impact did they have on you growing up instilling in you the need to get your college education?
Tenia Manuel:
My family has always stressed the importance of going to college. I would here them say, "If I knew then what I know now, I would have done this and that." They wanted me to be able to enjoy life and do everything I can to be successful in life.
Gerald Lacey:
Your parents Frank and Kemmely Manuel who I have known personally for many years. Whenever I see them and I mention your name their faces light up and they are very proud you. How important has been for you to have both parents in the home with you to instilling in you good christian values?
Tenia Manuel:
Having both of my parents with me has been a blessing. I am glad that I was brought up in the church and that I continue to strive to be a good christian. My parents were always telling, even now, that you need to pray and ask God to help you make it through, and it has been a big help in my life. He has blessed me with great parents.
Gerald Lacey:
Tenia it has been nice talking with you again and wish you much success in the 2011-2012 campaign. Tenia remember "GO HARD"
Tenia Manuel:
You are very welcome Mr. Lacey and Thank You.
Resources:
Tenia Manuel
Troy University
By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
