Sophomore Cici West is facing big changes on the basketball court this season as one of only four returning players to the PSU women's basketball team. It'll be a challenge.
 
But, new Viking Head Coach Lynn Kennedy thinks she's going to do very well.
 
"The returning players are learning our system, being able to spread the floor, then step out and hit the three. It'll be more of an outside game for her," said Kennedy.
 
For West, the faster, more wide-open game means a new mentality.
 
"I have started to mold a new mentality of what I'm capable of doing. For this year, I'm going to be shooting more jumpers and that is going to be fun and challenging. I'm excited to add that aspect to my game," said the recipient of the Barbara Coit-Yeager Endowed Scholarship for the 2015-2016 academic year. Last year's recipient was soccer's Caitlin Plese, who has since graduated.

West is a goal setter. And the goals she set coming into her freshman season last year earned her playing time she was warned could be delayed.
 
She set three goals:
 
Challenge herself whether sprinting, shooting or layup lines. "I'd tell myself 'Cici, no missed layups this week' or 'today, my player is not getting an offensive board.'"
 
Don't be afraid to ask questions. "As a freshman you're not exactly sure about your role. Often, I think girls tend not to ask questions (fearing what other people think).  Personally, if you don't ask questions you're likely to continue messing up."
 
Be aggressive. Her reputation is being nice. "I enjoy being nice, but I also am known as tough and aggressive on the court. So, I had to remind myself that I can be nice everywhere but have to continue to be aggressive when it comes to practice and game time." And, she had to learn to be smart and aggressive to avoid getting quick fouls.
 
Her goal setting paid off.

"When I was recruited I was told I would probably not see a lot of playing time." She improved enough that she did see plenty of playing time, although, said Kennedy, she was often called on to play center because of team injuries and center isn't her natural position.
 
Under Kennedy's system, "she'll be moving more toward her natural position (at 5-foot-9, guard).  She's been listed as a forward and played some center, but we want taller players so Cici can move more toward her natural position."

She'll be trying to improve her defensive game this season and to add a jump shot.  "I definitely need to work on my three-pointers and not relying on driving to the basket every time I get the ball. I want to be a more versatile player."
 
And, once again, West has set goals. She said she's set goals that "help me develop on the court as a player and as an individual." But, three "are going to be my mantra for this year which will help me play better."

A leader does not need a title. "I want to be someone that people can look to for questions, just to talk, or pull in the gym for some extra shots. I want to be there for each of my teammates."
 
Approach adversity head-on. "Instead of straying away from things that may be harder for me, step up and take it head on (like consistently hitting her 3's)."
 
Take the time to get better ... and, bring someone along with you, too.
 
"Playing on a team is competitive, especially when a lot of people are battling for playing time and to be noticed. Don't practice on your own. Take a teammate, someone who is better than you, along to create a challenge. That's something I'm going to really take advantage of this year."
 
A good student, West was an AP Scholar and basketball team captain at Holy Names Academy in Seattle. And that has carried over to PSU.
 
Beginning her second year, she was carrying a 3.64 cumulative GPA and changed her major to Communications. She's hoping to graduate at the end of 2017, a year ahead of schedule.
 
At this point, though, West said she's "just really grateful I can play the game I love and attend college."
 
West said she's enjoying the challenge of learning a new system. And that has not gone unnoticed.
 
"The speed and intensity of practice is different, but I think she's enjoying that.  She's a hard worker," Kennedy said. "There aren't many student-athletes who work as hard as she does. She's a good student, a great athlete and a great teammate. She puts in the work."