Player Profile - Terianne Wolford
1/31/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 31, 2001
By Corey Vaughn
Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Athletic success, particularly playing basketball, has given Terianne Wolford a number of experiences. Coming from the small town of Nixa, Mo., Wolford has parlayed those experiences into a spot on the University of Missouri women's basketball team. A six-foot freshman forward, Wolford has the ability to score in the post as well as bury a three-point field goal.
"Terianne is a tremendous athlete who will just get better and better," says MU Head Coach Cindy Stein. "We recruited her because she really impressed us with her versatility of being able to be physical inside and go out on the perimeter and knock down the three. She comes from a very successful high school and AAU program in the state of Missouri. Once again, I think that we have gotten one of the best players in the state."
Those talents have her as a key member of this season's Tigers, a squad that hopes to land in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 1993-94 campaign. Wolford is excited about the Tigers and their future.
"This team has a lot of good people, not only on the basketball court, but also in life," she said, adding she was a fan of Coach Stein's style. "I really enjoy her attitude. She makes basketball fun and it's neat to be able to have a good relationship with her because I know what she expects."
Wolford came to MU not only for the basketball aspect, but also for the opportunities available to athletes at the University of Missouri.
"The University of Missouri is great for me because it isn't too close to home, and it is a great school. I really love the big college atmosphere here," Wolford says.
The forward's goal for the season is to be a part of the team, both mentally and physically. Wolford likes the direction the team is moving and is excited to be able to contribute to a growing program. She sees the team's recent success as a key to the future.
"I think we can go really far and that we are capable of making the NCAA tournament," the freshman predicts.
In her eyes, the key to the Tiger's success hinges upon a great team chemistry.
"We all get along and everyone has great relationships," she says.
Helping to cultivate a great relationship on the court, Wolford is backed by a prestigious high school career. She was a four-year letterwinner in both basketball and volleyball at Nixa High School and was a three-year starting forward in basketball. She averaged 22.7 points per game as a senior, leading her team to the state, district and sectional titles. Nixa High School's MVP in 1998-1999, Wolford was honored as "Miss Show-Me" at the Missouri state games. Wolford was also a standout volleyball player in high school with many scholarship offers. Fortunately, for Mizzou, she chose to stay with her first and only love, basketball.
Growing up, she was involved in many sports, ranging from softball, basketball, to gymnastics at an early age. Her passion for basketball began when her dad, Terry Wolford, started playing with her as soon as she could hold a ball. The person and player that she is today is owed to her father because her dad always loved the game and encouraged her all through her life. The support and enthusiasm she gained from her father was a major influence on Wolford. She credits the rest of her family as an essential component to helping her achieve her accomplishments.
Along with her dad, her AAU coach Mike McCall, aided her to pursue her dream of playing collegiate basketball. McCall coached Wolford for seven seasons, allowing her to attain a strong work ethic through a diligent practice regimen.
She currently is undecided on a major. Wolford is interested in traveling across the country and hopes to pursue her options in that area. She developed her interest while traveling as an AAU player, heading from coast-to-coast playing in tournaments across the United States. Her most memorable trip was in Las Vegas in 1999. The aspect of travel has her excited about the trip for the Pepperdine Tournament (Malibu, Calif.) over Thanksgiving.
She is busy with the upcoming basketball season upon her. In addition to the taking her first set of college finals in a few weeks and studying, she is enjoying her first semester at Mizzou. "I like the school, the team, and the opportunities that are available to me. Hopefully I can do everything I want to do in my four years here at Missouri," she said.
