There are not too many players in a sport who play every single game of every season. Injuries are frequent occurrences, lineup changes are made and athletes get days off to rest. Senior Taja Green wouldn’t know anything about that.
The University of Tampa’s women’s basketball player Taja Green has been off to an impressive 2010-2011 season to add to her already decorated basketball career.
The senior, from Peoria, Ill. is playing in her second full year at UT. Green played her first two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS.
A small community college in a small town is exactly what sums up Coffeyville.
“Everybody knew everyone in the town and there was always a full crowed at our games. It was a fun experience,” said Green.
At Coffeyville, she made the All-Region VI and All-Conference team in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. When the offseason arose for Green in 2009, a decision to come play for Head Coach Tom Jessee and the Spartans became reality.
UT attracted Green in many ways, which made her decision process to come play in Tampa easy.
“I instantly liked it down here. The women’s basketball program has a rich history of winning and the consistent nice weather really added to my decision,” she said.
Coming from a basketball family, Green has been around the game since she was a toddler. Her mother played high school and collegiate basketball along with her sister, who also played at the high school level.
Starting at a young age at the local YMCA in Illinois, Green began to learn the basics from her mother who is one of Green’s biggest basketball influences.
Green has played many positions in her life, dating back to high school. At CCC and UT, she has played the forward position with different challenges presented to her.
“At the community college level, I was noticeabley taller than everyone else. Division II has a lot more height in the game, which can affect the way you play,” said Green.
Being content with playing power forward, her game has not only been impressive, but one filled with endurance in her time as a Spartan.
Green has played all 22 games this season and entered all 31 games for the Spartans last season, starting in 29 of them.She has been the main catalyst for the Spartans this season averaging a team-high 17 PPG and shooting 52 percent from the field.
With individual success prevalent, team chemistry has impressed Green as of late.
“At the beginning of the year, we had to get used to all the new players coming in, but I think the team’s chemistry is starting to really click recently,” she stated.
The relationships between the players and coaches at UT have been rewarding for Green.
“I love Coach Jessee. He’s an amazing teacher who knows how to really convey his message positively and beneficially. I’ve been blessed with great coaches,” stated Green.
As for Coach Tom Jessee, Green’s transformation into becoming a star for the team has been humbling.
“Taja really got into terrific shape to become an excellent player for us. After transferring to UT, she made the transformation to Division II productively and gives girls hope on how to deal with change,” Jessee said.
The basketball appeal that UT exerts has made the experience for Green something that she always enjoys.
“I love how everyone wants to beat us. Playing for UT, you have so many rivals that every time you go out and play, you have a chip on your shoulder,” she said.
With a busy workload for Green on the basketball court, one may not forgot the off-the-court effort athletes experience in the classroom.
Green is an exercise science major who eyes a future job in physical therapy. Having this particular major has been difficult at times because of her basketball duties, but she believes it will be worthwhile in the end.
A vice for Green has always been basketball when dealing with stress. Battling a challenging workload has turned out to relate to basketball.
“Basketball has always been a stress-reliever for me. I’ll go to the court and shoot sometimes to clear my mind. I can’t live without the game,” Green said.
Green’s biggest professional basketball icon has always been Boston Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen.
Allen, an elite sharp-shooting NBA superstar, has drawn Green’s attention ever since he came into the league in 1996.
“He has been an inspiration for me. Watching him break the all-time three pointers made record was amazing to watch,” she said.
As Green continues to impress and dazzle the Sunshine State Conference this season, she believes the team has what it takes to become champions.
“I think we can go all the way and win the conference. I know we can.”
Michael Paonessa can be reached at mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu.