Thursday, April 26, 2012

Pictures from the Banquet

You've read about last week's banquet here and on ECUPirates.com. Now, check out some of the best pictures from the event from photographer Ashleigh Ritchie









Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Countdown to Camp Continued

This week, we continue our countdown to camp with more reasons you should register (if you haven't done so already). It will be here before you know it!

Reason #51 - New basketball shoes!
Camp is a great reason to get new shoes. You can run faster and jump higher with a brand new pair of shoes for camp.

Reason #52 - Break time!
Campers look forward to break time to grab a snack or a drink from the snack shop. The snack shop is a great way for young campers to learn to manage their money.

Reason #53 - The clapping game!
No one can do the clapping game quite like Coach Macy. Campers will want to play everyday before we get stretched and loose.

Reason #54 - Musical chairs - basketball style!
Campers always request to play musical chairs. This drill is a great way to get the competitive juices flowing early in the morning while we work on our dribbling skills.

Reason #55 - KNOCKOUT!
Knockout is one of everyone's favorite shooting games. Don't get knocked out! Hey, Hey, Hey, GOODBYE!!!

Reason #56 - Challenge the coaches and counselors!
Campers will have the opportunity to challenge the staff in free throw shooting competitions, one on one or knockout! If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Reason #57 - Get out of the house!
It won't be long after school gets out that you will hear, "I'm bored." Basketball camp is the perfect solution to the summertime boredom problem. We can guarantee your daughter won't be bored at basketball camp.

Congratulations to our Award Winners!

A crowd of 101 East Carolina women's basketball players, staff, administrators and supporters filled Harvey Hall Thursday night as the Pirates recognized the accomplishments of this year's squad and looked towards a bright future for the program.

Congratulations to our individual award winners as well as the team for placing 11 of 13 members on the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll.

Janay Davis Award
Winner: Britny Edwards
Given by Coach Macy

Defensive Player of the Year Award
Winner: Ja'Nesha Ebron
Sponsor: Skip and Nancy Morris

Most Valuable Pirate Award
Winner: Celeste Stewart
Sponsor: Dr. Ed and Joann Cavenaugh

ECU First Award
Winner: Kyani White
Sponsor: Mark Garner

Offensive Player of the Year Award
Winner: Kristine Mial
Sponsor: Pat and Lynn Lane

Outstanding Player of the Year Award
Winner: Chareya Smith
Sponsor: Walter and Marie Williams

Thursday, April 5, 2012

AJ is ECU's Student-Athlete of the Month!

Link to ECU Student Development Blog Post

Congratulations to AJ for earning this month's ECU Student Development Athlete-of-the-Month award! Below is an interview with AJ.

Q: What would you like to do with your major?
A: I will be attending graduate school for recreation and park administration. I want to work with underprivileged and troubled kids by helping bridge the gap between criminal justice and recreation. I would like to teach these kids different sports and show them how sports can be a gateway out of a troubled life.

Q: How do you manage your athletic, academic, and personal responsibilities?
A: I try to balance my time wisely and stay on top of everything. School and basketball comes first for me, so any extra time I have is dedicated to taking care of myself.

Q: Do you have a quote or philosophy that you live by?
A: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Seuss

Q: What has been your best moment (to date) while playing for ECU?
A: I made the C-USA All-Academic Team last year

Q: What advice would you give to future ECU student-athletes?
A: Learn how to balance your time. Don’t get caught up in stuff that won’t take you on the right path. Also, focus on graduating and staying on top of your athletic game.

FUN FACTS
  • Born in West Palm Beach, FL
  • Attended Suncoast Community High School in Rivieria Beach, FL
  • Has one older brother, Sean Jackson
  • Loves shopping for sneakers

    Favorite color: Baby Blue
    Favorite food: Chicken wings
    Favorite movie: Spice World
    Best vacation: Going to Hawaii last Christmas with the team for a tournament
  • Monday, March 26, 2012

    Countdown to Camp!

    June 18 marks the first summer camp with East Carolina women's basketball this year. We are sure you have your own reasons for registering but just in case you needed some more...we have 85 of them! Check back every day for a new one and spend some time with us this summer.

    Reason #85 - Develop your game and improve your skills!
    Coach Macy is one of the best teachers of fundamentals in the game. Camp is one of her favorite times of the year. She enjoys helping players elevate their games to the next level.

    Reason #84 - Gain confidence!!
    Campers will learn much more than basketball skills. They will gain confidence on the court as they learn new drills to take home. Camp is also a great atmosphere to boost self-confidence among both old and new friends.

    Reason #83 - Unplug from technology, get active!!
    In today’s world of social media technology, it seems almost impossible to get video games and phones out of their hands. Camp is a tremendous opportunity to get’em moving and be physically active.

    Reason #82 - Gain a competitive edge!!
    While other players are sitting at home watching television, you can get ahead by training in the summertime. You will have the chance to play full-court games, participate in competitions and do skill work under the direction of Coach Macy.

    Reason #81 - Conquer your fears!!
    For players who might be apprehensive about the game or being away from home, camp is an opportunity to develop social skills and make new friends.

    Reason #80 - Learn how to be a champion with Coach Macy
    Everywhere Coach Macy has been her teams have won championships. She is a proven winner. Through X and O chalk talks and questions and answer sessions, players will learn from the best.

    Reason #79 - Play where the Pirates play, Minges Coliseum
    There’s no place quite like Minges Coliseum. With a seating capacity of nearly 8,000, campers can experience what is like to be a true Pirate basketball player. Campers will also get a tour of our weight room facilities.

    Reason #78 - Crazy hair day!
    We do all kinds of fun things during the week of camp. Our staff looks forward all year long to letting their hair down or in this case "spiking" their hair up." A good time will be had by all.

    Reason #77 - Competitions!
    Each day we have contests in which the campers test their skills against other campers or the clock. Daily winners are then entered into the end of the week championships. Lasting memories wiil be made.

    Reason #76 - Question and answer sessions with current East Carolina players!
    Campers will have the opportunity to find out what it's like to be a Division I student-athlete. They will learn how college players have to manage their time between academics, training, travel, getting rest and eating properly. For players who want to make it to the collegiate level, this is a chance to find out what it takes.

    Reason #75 - Ballhandling Drills!
    Coach Macy teaches some of the best ballhandling drills in the game. She will develop a player's ability to use both hands, change direction and beat a defender. Her techniques focus on vision, power and speed. Come learn from the best!

    Reason #74 - Learn NCAA Rules and Regulations!
    It's important to know what you can and can't do if you want to be recruited to play at the college level. You need to know how important making good grades and studying will be if you want to receive a scholarship. At ECU we want to make sure you are on the right track. Be in the know. Let us help you reach your dreams.

    Reason #73 - Passion!
    Coach Macy is passionate about the game of basketball. She wants to share her love of the game with you.

    Reason #72 - The Easter Bunny wants to put a gift of basketball camp in your basket
    Happy Easter!

    Reason #71 - Dress like the Pirates with your camp t-shirt!
    Each camper will receive an awesome East Carolina University Women's Basketball camp t-shirt. You will have the official gear of the Pirates. When the summer is over, you will be a fashionista sporting you camp shirt at school. Everyone will be jealous and want to know where you got it.

    Reason #70 - Swim in the East Carolina University pool!
    Afternoon activities include the opportunity for campers to swim. A dip in the pool is a great way to relax and cool off after drills, competitions and games. Going off the diving board is always a favorite. Although the assistant coaches look great in bathing suits, campers are supervised by certified life-guards.

    Reason #69 - Firetruck Shooting!
    Coach Macy has developed unique shooting drills to develop player's shooting technique. One of her favorite shooting series is "Firetruck Shooting". Not only will Coach Macy conduct the drills with current ECU players demonstrating, handouts of the drills will be provided to all campers.

    Reason #68 - Time off for parents!
    Parents can enjoy a few days in the summer where you don't have to provide the entertainment. Drop off your camper in the morning and come back to get her in the afternoon. You can run errands, take a nap or go to work if you must.

    Reason #67 - Lunch is provided!
    Lunch is always a favorite part of the day. We have different restaurants provide the meal each day. A typical menu for the week would include pizza, a sub sandwich, Chick-fil-a and hamburgers/hotdogs. Special dietary needs are taken into consideration.

    Reason #66 - Camper Reunion Day!
    Campers are invited back during the basketball season to be recognized at one of the home games. It's a great time to catch up with friends from camp as well as reunite with the ECU players. Campers are seated in a special section and can get autographs after the game.

    Reason #65 - Camp Certificate!
    At the conclusion of camp, each camper will receive an official certificate for completing the camp.

    Reason #64 - Learn good sportsmanship!
    Good sportsmanship and learning how to be a good teammate are values Coach Macy stresses to the ECU players. She wants every camper to understand that the lessons you learn through basketball will train you to be successful in life. Being a good sport is one of our “Golden Rules”!

    Reason #63 - Safety first!
    Our camps have some of the best athletic trainers in the country. Hopefully, no one will need the services of the trainers, but just in case there is a booboo or a blister, we’ve got the band-aids.

    Reason #62 - Camper to Coach Ratio!
    Campers will receive individualized instruction. Our camper to coach ratio is 10 to 1. You won’t be just a number at our camp. We will get to know you personally before camp is over.

    Reason #61 - Be coached by a Hall-of-Famer
    Get instruction and learn from newly inducted Greensboro College Hall-of-Famer. East Carolina University’s own Head Coach, Heather Macy and her championship team at Greensboro College, were recently entered into the GC Hall of Fame. Coach Macy knows what it takes to win championships. Learn from the best!

    Reason #60 - For the love of the game!
    The game of basketball can be a vehicle to travel to new places, meet interesting people and simply compete. The staff and players at ECU love the game and hope you will too!

    Reason #59 - Enthusiasm!
    We have the most enthusiastic staff around. Enthusiasm is contagious. Be careful you might just catch some enthusiasm while you are here.

    Reason #58 - Goal setting!
    Setting goals is an important part of the culture in the basketball program at ECU. We strive for perfection each and every day. Learn Coach Macy’s strategies on how to set goals in order to reach your dreams!

    Wednesday, March 21, 2012

    From the Press

    The Pirates had a strong finish to this year's campaign and there is no doubt a ton of optimism heading into the summer and the 2012-13 season. Josh Graham of the East Carolinian, who also began broadcasting East Carolina's home games on the radio, takes a look at where the program is headed in the following opinion piece.

    Riding a three-game winning streak into the conference tournament, it was clear that no team wanted to face ECU. Tulsa, who defeated the Lady Pirates on Feb. 19, was ECU’s first round opponent. After shooting 64 percent from the field in the first half and having junior guard Celeste Stewart notch a career-high 18 points, the Lady Pirates got their revenge and jumped all over the Golden Hurricane, 59-49.

    A Strong Finish for Women's Hoops

    Friday, March 2, 2012

    Thank You Seniors!

    Catch a behind the scenes look as the Pirates celebrate their seniors Bryelle and Chareya Smith before, during and after the 70-57 win over Southern Miss.