CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University ) of the women's basketball team has been named the female InterCon Student-Athlete of the Month for her hard work during the month of December.
Hudley and the Royals faced Converse College and Shaw University in the month of December going 1-1 before heading home for a short holiday break. Upon returning, Queens had one final game at the end of the month against a Francis Marion team ranked in the nation's top-25 poll at the time.
For the month, Hudley averaged 13 points and 7.3 rebounds as Queens went 1-2 against their opponents. Hudley's top performances came in the first two games of the month.
In the game against Conference Carolinas member Converse College, Queens defeated the Valkyries 71-56. The game was the first conference game of the season giving the Royals a 1-0 conference record. Hudley led all scorers with 17 points on 50 percent shooting going 6-12 from the floor. She was 100 percent from the free-throw line and from behind the arc. Hudley also totaled six rebounds.
The Royals were beaten 62-42 in the game against a very talented Shaw University team. Hudley led all scorers with 15 points and snatched down seven rebounds. She also dished out three assists and had two steals.
“Marissa is successful because she has the right attitude and approach to being a student-athlete,” said head women's basketball coach Cheryl Nix. “She has done very well at balancing both her academics and athletics, and works very hard to be her best at all of the things she does. She is very deserving of this honor, and I'm proud of her and the way she represents our program.”
Members of the Sports Information office caught up with Hudley to ask a few new questions.
Q: How does it feel to be student-athlete of the month for the first time this season?
A: It feels great! I'm thankful for the honor. I was actually surprised to receive this award. Nonetheless, I'm glad and very appreciative. Thanks!
Q: What are your goals this season?
A: My goal is to make it to the conference championship game this season just like last year, but actually win it this time. It's one thing to get there, but when you can finish the job, it means that much more. I also want the chance to play in the NCAA tournament.
Q: What's different about your team this season from last?
A: The people! It's a lot of new faces this year in terms of our freshmen. Also, there is a difference in potential and talent. Last year we were a very good and talented team. I feel like we're even better in terms of talent this year. I feel like as a team we have the potential to accomplish a lot of things.
Q: Right now you are about to move into second place as the women's basketball all-time leading scorer at Queens. How does it feel?
A: It feels good! When I first got here, I never actually imagined being in this position. It's an accomplishment, and I'm excited about it.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I plan to play overseas if given the opportunity, hopefully somewhere in Europe. However, if I'm not able to do that, I plan to go back to school or simply just work. I'm not exactly all that sure just yet.
