Wickham Has No Regrets About Four Years Spent at UT

University of Tampa senior guard Sarah Wickham has been playing basketball since elementary school. "I started playing basketball at age 8 at the YMCA." Wickham is a four-year letter winner, who has been a major contributor to the team this season.

Wickham didn't realize she was good enough to play at the college level until she attended St. John Nuemann High School in Naples, Florida. "Once I entered high school and was able to play with the older girls, I started thinking I could play college basketball."

Wickham enjoys the sunny Florida weather. "I chose UT because I loved the location, campus, and overall size of the school," said Wickham.

Wickham has to be happy she chose UT. In three seasons at Tampa so far, she has appeared in 72 games, scoring 275 points and taking the court for over 800 minutes.

So far this season, Wickham has started all 19 games in which she's averaged 7.8 ppg and 33.9 mpg. She scored a season high 18 points against Saint Leo on January 4 helping the Spartans to a win.

Wickham added a career high 20 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots against Warner last season at home. She added the Bob Martinez Athletics Center is her favorite place to play. "Home court. "UT is my favorite atmosphere to play in. "We take a lot of pride in protecting our home court."

She also enjoys other sports like volleyball and track, which she played in high school, but claims she has a true connection with basketball, especially at the shooting guard position. "I really have only had experience at the point guard and shooting guard spot. I've definitely found a home in the shooting guard spot."

Her favorite memory at any level of basketball came her freshman year at UT, when the Spartans won the Sunshine State Conference.

"We've definitely have had our ups and downs as a team over the past four years." I think some of the best memories came when we set the record for most wins in a season, as well as winning the conference championship my freshmen year."

The Spartans posted a 21-8 record last season. They fell to Florida Tech in the NCAA South Regional quarterfinals.

Wickham credits Coach Jessee for keeping the team constantly upbeat and ready to play. "Coach Jessee is unlike any coach I've ever had, said Wickham." "He [Jessee] will always tell you the truth, whether you want to hear it or not."

With Wickham's passion for the game evident in every game, the Spartans are in good fortune. Her favorite part of the game is "the ability to compete on a daily basis." "To be able to compete at a high level every day is something not everyone is able to experience."

Wickham believes the Spartans (9-10) are in prime position to finish the season strong. "This year has remained exciting because we have all new players. It's been fun to see everyone gel and create a chemistry on the court."

Wickham claims she "would do it all over again" in regards to playing basketball for four years at the collegiate level.

Wickham thinks this team can make a run, but she doesn't believe that she will be playing basketball professionally after graduation. "I'm sure basketball will always have a role in my life whether it be coaching or playing on my lunch break. As for what I'll be doing in five years? I have no idea. I have to figure out next year first."

Written By Jake Perper