East Carolina Women's Basketball Player Jada Payne Gears Up For New League

Redshirt junior forward, Jada Payne, is looking to make some noise this year in the American Athletic Conference after leading the East Carolina University Women’s Basketball Team in scoring and rebounding last season.

“As far as personal goals, I want to win a championship,” Payne said. “That’s at the top of my list, as I’m sure it is for the rest of the team.”

Payne started in all 31 games for the Pirates as a redshirt sophomore. She finished the season last year with 569 points and 231 boards, averaging 18.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

Her point total was sixth most in a single season in program history and her points per game average ranked ninth. Payne also led the team in free throw percentage at .843 (103-of-127).

With ECU in its first year of the American Athletic Conference, everyone is waiting to see how the Lady Pirates handle their new conference opponents, including the women’s basketball powerhouse: University of Connecticut.

The UConn Huskies have won the NCAA Tournament for the last seven years.

“I’m excited about more competition. I can’t wait to play against big teams like UConn,” said Payne. “It’s exciting to be in such a talented conference.” 

Payne is well aware that in order to reach her goal of winning a championship, the team has to be one cohesive unit.  Fortunately ECU’s starting five players all returned this season including redshirt senior, Abria Trice.

Trice was the Lady Pirates second leading scorer last year, behind Payne. Trice finished last season with 471 points and 150 boards, averaging 15.2 point and 4.8 rebounds per game.

“Her (Trice) and I are incredibly close,” said Payne. “We’re like sisters. We spend almost every minute of everyday together, and we share the same vision for the team.”

In addition to the Lady Pirates’ starting five returning this season, the team has ten new additions from schools all across the country.

“I try to set an example for all of the new players and help coach them when I can,” said Payne. “I try to be as supportive and encouraging as I can. I take my role on this team seriously and I try to do whatever I can to put us in the best position to win.”

Before transferring to ECU in 2012, the Hickory native played for La Salle University. There she was named to the Atlantic 10 all rookie team, two-time Atlantic 10 Rookie of the week and team Rookie of the Year.

Last season Payne was named to the All Conference-USA First Team, North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association and ECU’s Outstanding Athlete of the Year.

“I try to take something positive from any experience I have,” said Payne. “That being said, I will say that I do love it here. I love ECU. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I think I’m here for a reason.”

When asked about how she wants her time here to be remembered Payne said it short and sweet; “I want to go out a champion, anything else is icing on the cake.”