Chika Okoli Class: Senior Hometown: Snellville, Ga. High School: Brookwood HS Height: 5-9 Position: Forward Birthdate: 09/29/1987 Experience: 3L

An extremely athletic guard who has the skills to flourish in Samford's system . . . had a break-out season as a junior and is expected to continue to improve in her final season.

Junior (2007-08): Saw action in all 32 games, starting 31 contests . . . averaged 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game . . . ranked second on the team in rebounding and sixth in scoring . . . scored in double figures 12 times during the season . . . scored seven points in the season-opener at fifth-ranked LSU . . . scored eight points against Princeton . . . scored 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds against East Tennessee . . . scored 17 points against Jacksonville State . . . scored 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds against Southeast Missouri . . . scored nine points and pulled down seven rebounds against Murray State . . . scored eight points against Lipscomb . . . had 17 points and seven rebounds at Jacksonville State . . . scored 11 points against Tennessee State . . . scored 10 points at Morehead State . . . scored seven points at Eastern Kentucky . . . recorded her first double-double, scoring a career-high 18 points and pulling down 11 rebounds against Austin Peay . . scored 17 points at Tennessee State . . . had nine points and seven rebounds against Eastern Illinois . . . scored 10 points at Austin Peay . . . had nine points and six rebounds against Eastern Kentucky . . . scored 16 points and pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds for her second career double-double at Southeast Missouri . . . led the team with 13 points at Eastern Illinois . . . scored 13 points and pulled down five rebounds in OVC Tournament semifinals against Murray State.

Sophomore (2006-07): Saw action in 18 games . . . averaged 1.6 points per game . . . scored a season-high four points at Iowa.

Freshman (2005-06): Saw action in three games as a freshman . . . scored five points at Jacksonville State.

High School: Prepped at Brookwood High School . . . named first team All-County twice for Gwinnett County . . . named second-team All-State . . . nominated for the McDonald's All-American team.

Personal: Born Sept. 29, 1987 . . . daughter of Joel and Obiageli Okoli . . . majoring in sports medicine.

CAREER HIGHS
Points: 18, vs. Austin Peay, Jan. 26, 2008
Rebounds: 13, at Southeast Missouri, Feb. 28, 2008
Assists: 5, at Murray State, Feb. 23, 2008

ONE-ON-ONE WITH OKOLI
My most memorable moment in athletics was: making the Eastern National Team for gymnastics.
The biggest obstacle I've had to overcome is: quitting gymnastics.
For me improve as a player I need to: relax.
My parents were right when they said: put God first and everything else will come.
I have to admit, I am really good at: walking on my hands.
My earliest sports memory was: playing soccer with my brother and sisters.
I can't imagine going a week without: candy.
Favorite sport besides basketball: gymnastics.
Favorite place to eat: Olive Garden.
Favorite food: ravioli.
Favorite movie: Harriet The Spy.
Favorite holiday: Christmas.
Favorite color: black.
Favorite cartoon character: Angelica from Rugrats.