Meet the Bulldogs: Freshman Jessica Wall

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's basketball team tips off its 2015-16 season at East Tennessee State Friday, Nov. 13. As an opportunity to “Meet the Bulldogs,” one student-athlete will be highlighted each day leading up to the start of the season. Today's featured Bulldog women's basketball player is freshman Jessica Wall.

A 5-6 guard, Wall helped lead Chapel Hill HS (Chapel Hill, N.C.) to three straight appearances in the state championship finals, including winning the 2014 North Carolina 3A State championship. She also earned a spot on the All-State Regional Tournament team in 2015.

UNCABulldogs.com recently sat down with Wall.

Jessica Wall

Freshman

Chapel Hill, N.C.

What is your major? “I'm thinking about health and wellness right now.”

What is your favorite part about UNC Asheville? “I definitely like the city, it kind of reminds me of Chapel Hill, being a little college town. Definitely the school and like everybody else has said pretty much, Kimmel Arena. That's one of the things that brought me here. I just like the atmosphere here, it feels like a family and that's really what I was looking for when I was making my decision.”

Why did you choose UNC Asheville? “When I came here, I loved the team. They were funny, fun to be around and they just made me feel welcomed. The coaches definitely. My family and I all talked about how much we loved the coaches and the team and again, Kimmel Arena. It's definitely one of the best gyms I've seen. I think those were the biggest things that affected my decision.”

How long playing have you been playing basketball? “Since third grade I started with rec ball and then I got into AAU. I would probably say around six or seven (years old).”

Who has been your biggest basketball influence? “I'm a big Dwyane Wade fan. I've liked him since I started playing basketball actually. I just like his style and he kind of reminds me of myself a little bit.”

How does he remind you of yourself? “The way he plays the game. Definitely his pull-up jumper, I try to resemble that a little bit. Just the way he plays, that's definitely who I look up to and he is one of my role models in basketball.”

What nicknames do you have? “J-Wall, the Great Wall.”

Do you have a favorite saying from Coach Mock? “That's probably the hardest question. I'm still kind of working on that one. Being a freshman and all I haven't really had a chance to hear too many. What I've heard her say a lot is 'you've got to want it.'"

All time starting five, who would you want on your team?”Well first, definitely myself. Jesus Shuttlesworth, aka Ray Allen, LeBron of course, I'm a big LeBron fan. I'd probably have to go with Dwyane Wade and then I need a little bit more size so I'll probably go with (Dikembe) Mutombo.”

What are three things you can't live without? “My family definitely, they are my support system. I'd probably say my phone. I need my phone. That's probably bad to say but I feel like I won't be the same without it. And then basketball. That's been a big part of my life.”

What's the most played song on your iPod? “That's a hard question. I might have to check real quick and see who's song I play the most. Honestly I don't know, probably anything with Fetty Wap in it.”

What are you most looking forward to this season? “Starting off my college career and just experiencing it is something I've been looking forward to ever since I started playing basketball. Just being able to get this experience and hopefully have a good season with the team.”

What was your first college practice like? “Scary. Very scary. I was nervous going in even though we had been working out and I kind of knew what it was going to be like, I was still really scared to experience basketball at this level. I was definitely pretty intimidated.”

If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would it be? “I'm pretty sure everybody agrees with me, Foot Locker. I love sneakers.”

When's the last time you bought a pair of shoes? “A few weeks ago I bought some purple Timberland boots because purple is my favorite color. I couldn't resist.”

How many pairs do you own? “At least 20 pairs of sneakers and I probably brought all of them with me to school.”

When I'm not on the basketball court, I am… “Probably somewhere picking on one of my teammates because I tend to do that a lot. Or sleeping.”

When's the last time you took a selfie? “Actually about 10 minutes ago, I was on Snapchat.”