Blue Raiders welcome Arkansas

Shanice Cason is living her dream.

Some student-athletes prefer to move away from home to participate in college athletics if given the opportunity. Cason never thought of playing anywhere but Middle Tennessee.

"Getting to play at Middle Tennessee is very special," Cason said. "I grew up watching the Lady Raiders and this is where I wanted to go when I was old enough. It kind of puts a stamp on things to be able to say I played here. My family is very important to me so getting to play in front of family and friends is special. It has just been an amazing opportunity.

"If I had it to do all over again there is nothing I would change. It has really been an amazing opportunity."

Cason and the Blue Raiders (1-1) will be looking to extend a 12-game home win streak when they face Arkansas Thursday at 7 p.m. The Arkansas game marks the 120^th home game for the Blue Raiders under Head Coach Rick Insell. Insell has led Middle Tennessee to a 115-4 mark in games played at Murphy Center.

Those winning ways attracted Cason to Middle Tennessee and she has helped contribute to the success.

Cason enters her senior season at Middle Tennessee amongst career leaders for starts, minutes, assists and steals.

The Murfreesboro native who starred at Siegel High School has three championship rings to her credit and hopes to add to her collection by the end of her senior season.

"I have been thinking a lot about my senior year and I am fortunate to have been part of a great group of girls throughout my career," Cason said. "If we win the championship this year I would have four (championship) rings and not a lot of people can say that. We have had a good run here."

And Cason, the daughter of Melissa and Elliott Locke, has been instrumental in that run. Her toughness, accountability and dedication to team have made her not only a team favorite, but also a fan favorite.

Cason entered the season with 100 career games played and 86 starts. She has 23 career double-figure scoring games and played a career-high 44 minutes against Tennessee as a sophomore. She is one of the toughest competitors on the court and demonstrates that by taking charges and giving of herself to help the team.

"Shanice has toughness, experience, everything you need," Middle Tennessee Head Women's Basketball Coach Rick Insell said. "She's one of our toughest players. She's always been real tough-minded since she's been here. She's just a competitor and she has all the intangibles. Shanice is a very important player for us. Just about every category you write down she is going to be listed in the top two or three of everything we do."

Cason has proven to be solid in all areas of her life but she says becoming a member of the Middle Tennessee women's program has helped shape her as a person.

"If I had not come to Middle Tennessee I don't think I would be the woman I am today," Cason said. "I have met some wonderful teammates and people. Some of them impact your life more than others. I am thankful to be part of this great organization and call myself a Middle Tennessee women's basketball player."

Not only is Cason a Blue Raider, but she has proven to be true blue in many aspects.

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Players Mentioned

Shanice Cason

Middle Tennesee State University Athletics