The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/223560
However, Gatling wasn't able to pass the exam requirements for the 49ers, who then arranged for her to go to Florida Gulf Coast to raise her grades. That's when she had another change of heart. "I knew after I went to Florida I wasn't going to go back to Charlotte," she said. "It came down to VCU or NC State because I didn't want to go far from home — plus, I knew Kee [Lakeesa Daniel], Breezy [Williams] and Ashley [Williams] from playing against them in high school or playing in all-star games with them." After averaging 11.8 points and 9.2 boards a game for Florida Gulf Coast her sophomore season, Gatling arrived in Raleigh in 2012 as the most heralded post player since Khadijah Whittington (200508). But it wasn't until the final six games "I told her [Gatling] that we as a team would go as you go, whether you like that or not." ■ Head coach Wes Moore of the season, when she averaged 13.8 points and 8.5 rebounds a contest while shooting 73.3 percent, that her performance came close to equaling the expectations set for her. Still, with all of the improvement shown so far this season, both Gatling and her coaches know there's room for more. "She has to get better rebounding," said West, noting that Gatling had yet to reach double figures in boards. "She allows people to box her out too easily, but we're working on her being a little more aggressive in going around people." Gatling is excited for the start of conference action, and has her eyes focused on helping the Pack achieve postseason success. "I want to go to the NCAA Tournament this year, and win the ACC," Gatling said. "And I'd like to be thought of as one of the best players in the conference, so yeah, I am looking forward to starting ACC play." Beyond next March, Gatling hopes to play in the WNBA, or perhaps overseas. "It's just a matter of if she is willing to do the little things to be a success at that level," West stated. "She has all the attributes and talent in the world to be a pro player — but it's a job, and like college, you have to be willing to put in the work to succeed." So far, Gatling is showing she can be tough enough when it comes to helping herself and her team reach the goals they've set this winter. ■ January 2014 ■ 49 48-49.Markeisha Gatling.indd 49 12/5/13 2:57 PM