Finding her niche
Redshirt sophomore transfer Tina Doughty is leading the Wolverines in three-point field goals and is second in scoring in her first year at UVU.
“I was just really set on coming to a bigger school, and I realize that that’s not really what it’s all about,” Doughty said. “It’s more of where you’re happy, and basketball isn’t everything. I think a lot of other key factors played into me coming to UVU, not just basketball but also the coaches and the people you’re around and my teammates. I think that’s probably one of the biggest things that made me come to UVU, [the] people I was going to be around 24/7 and live with.”
After one season at New Mexico that saw her become a key contributor for the Lobos, Doughty’s realization motivated her to bring her talents to Utah County. Due to NCAA regulations, Doughty was required to redshirt last season. However, what some consider a setback, Doughty viewed as an opportunity to learn and prepare.
“This past season I sat out and watched the whole season and it helped me mentally,” Doughty said. “Watching my teammates play and seeing what I needed to do in order to be prepared for the next year really helped me I think.”
Doughty has needed some time to adjust to the new experience, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the statistics. Doughty currently leads the Wolverines in three-point field goals made with 24. What’s so staggering is that this is despite coming off the bench in 16 of the Wolverines’ first 19 games. Doughty’s 8.9 points per game are second on the team, trailing teammate and reigning Great West player of the year Sammie Jensen. Doughty’s strong performance has come as no surprise to Head Coach Cathy Nixon.
“Tina’s always been what we felt like was a pretty potent offensive player,” Nixon said. “She has the ability to score in multiple ways; she can hit the three [and] she can score off of the dribble. She’s got those tools.”
Under the direction of Coach Nixon, Doughty has become comfortable in Wolverine green and fit nicely into her role on the team.
“I think for the most part it’s just confidence and knowing my role on the team,” Doughty said. “I think a huge part of the game, my coach and I talked about it, [is] working hard to get open and setting screens for my teammates and just finding the open holes. I think a huge thing for me is confidence, just knowing that whenever I shoot the ball it will go in.”
The Lady Wolverines will continue to rely on Doughty’s scoring and precise shooting from three as they continue to battle for a Great West Conference Championship.