Collie takes big step for FAMU Rattlers

TALLAHASSEE, Florida   --   Forward Patrice Collie wasn’t quite expecting the gist of a conversation that she had with coach LeDawn Gibson to be what it turned out to be when they talked before the season began for the FAMU women’s basketball team.

Collie was expecting to hear about how much more would be expected of her at the small forward position. Instead Gibson informed Collie that she would have to take on the more physical role of playing power forward because academics and injuries had reduced the Rattlers’ personnel in the post.

Collie obliged and went about preparing for the role. Not just in the weight room and on the floor, though.

“I had to get my head right because I knew I would be facing girls that are way bigger than me,” Collie said. “It’s not about your size; it’s about your heart.”

Collie, a 5-foot-11 junior college transfer from Indian River State College, put her soul into the role too, many nights playing more than 25 minutes. She turned in a double-double (10 rebounds and 13 points against Stetson), averaging 5.4 rebounds per game, with 7.4 points per game.


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