“My ultimate goal for my career is not only to win a championship, but to be one of the best players at our level.”
Merissa Quick, sophomore crime and delinquency studies major and forward for the Lady Hornets basketball team, established herself as a contender on the court in her freshman season. Now, she is looking to build upon that success.
Photo Courtesy of ESU Athletics
Many freshmen have a hard enough time adapting to college life out of high school without throwing the additional title of college athlete into the mix.
But Merissa Quick, sophomore crime and delinquency studies major, not only made the transition successfully, she also did so exceptionally well, according to her coach and teammates. The 6’3’’ forward for the Lady Hornets basketball team from Cheney stood tall amongst a highly-talented squad last season, even just as a freshman.
“We graduated all of our posts, so we brought her in, and she brought in some size and athleticism right away,” said Head Coach Jory Collins. “Even as a freshman, she controlled the paint very well.”
According to the Emporia State Athletics webpage, Quick was an All-State First Team KBCA Class 4A selection and led the Cheney Cardinals to an undefeated state championship season as a high school junior.
“She was actually recruited by more schools for volleyball, which is where a lot of her athleticism comes from,” Collins said.
Quick erupted onto the college sports scene in her second career game with the Lady Hornets, leading the way 16 points in a 71-50 victory.
She finished last season as the third leading scorer with 10.7 points a game, and led the way in rebounds with an average of 6.9 a game. The Lady Hornets rounded out the season with a 23-9 record.
Quick started 29 of the 32 games and is determined to use last season’s experience to help her become even more of a driving force on the court in her sophomore year.
“I knew starting was a realistic goal, and it was a solid year for me, but I am ready to improve,” Quick said. “I still have a lot to prove…I am commanding more double teams now, being the second tallest player in the league, which is forcing me to work even harder.”
Despite the double teams, Quick is still a dominating presence on the court. So far this season, she has averaged 10.2 points and six rebounds a game, with a team high 27 blocks off of just 20 minutes a game.
“My ultimate goal for my career is not only to win a championship, but to be one of the best players at our level,” Quick said.
The Lady Hornets will take on Missouri Western State at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at White Auditorium in Emporia.