Oct. 14, 2008

With four days before the start of practice and nearly a month before the start of the 2008-2009 season, DaytonFlyers.com will sit down with the newest members of the University of Dayton women's basketball team to get to know the Flyer freshmen a little better. The series, called Full Court Press, will introduce each of the seven freshmen. In today's edition, DaytonFlyers.com features Justine Raterman.

Raterman was a two-sport athlete at Versailles High School who excelled in basketball and volleyball. On the hardwood, she was named 2008 Midwest Athletic Conference Basketball Player of the Year, 2008 First Team All-Ohio in Division III, 2008 Division III State Tournament MVP, 2008 Southwest District Player of the Year, and 2008 District 9 Player of the Year.

Her accolades don't stop there. The McDonald's All-American Nominee was also named the 2008 Daily Advocate Athlete of the Year and MVP Magazine Player of the Year. She also was named the 2008 Rae Burick Women In Sports Award winner.

Raterman finished her high school career as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Versailles. She led the team to the 2008 Division III state title. In addition, she was elected to Midwest Athletic Conference Basketball First Team and was named Dayton Daily News Division III First Team all four years.

Why did you decide to play basketball at UD?:
I loved all of the people here at UD and the family atmosphere everywhere on campus.

What is your first ever basketball memory?
I remember watching my older brother and sisters play in games and practice pretty much since the day I was born.

What is your major? Why?
Adolescence to Young Adult Math Education because I love math and working with people.

What are your career goals?
To become a math teacher at a school around home while being a varsity girls basketball coach.

What has been your most memorable moment at UD? on the court?
UD: all of our team activities like paintball, team dinners, the haunted house, and laser tag. Court: going 28-0 and winning a state championship my senior year while being coached by my brother and sister.

What motivates you to get up in the morning? on the court?
In the morning: know that it is another day to better myself. On the court: my teammates

Who is your role model? Why?
My family because they have all set great examples for me, yet let me be my own person and push me to be my very best while supporting me every day.

What athletes do you admire? Why?
Michael Phelps because he set a new standard and raised the bar so much higher for all Olympic athletes and athletes in general.

What is your dream job? (not career goal but cool thing to do)
Somehow getting paid to just travel all around the world. I guess being a professional tourist!

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world (living or deceased) who would they be?
Jesus, Michael Phelps, and Michael Jordan.

Favorite part of your game: My jump shot.

Favorite place to shoot on the court: Mid-range: especially the elbow.

My favorite part of being a Flyer: The fan support.

Teammate I hate guarding in practice: Marie Rosche, she is so fast!

If I could change one basketball rule: Offensive fouls.

Prized Possession: My state championship ring.

Best non-athletic talent: Dancing...NOT!

Favorite hangout on campus: First floor of Marianist.

Favorite food(s):Spaghetti and ice cream.

Favorite restaurant(s): Chipotle and Olive Garden.

Favorite pizza topping(s):Cheese, pepperoni, and sausage.

Favorite ice cream:Cookies and cream.

Favorite movie(s): Love and Basketball and Remember the Titans.

Favorite website:Facebook.

Favorite Holiday:Christmas.

Hobbies: Sports, scrapbooking, and being with my friends.

Best part of playing at the UD Arena:The atmosphere.

Your dorm/apt. is on fire...what three things would you save: State Championship ring, cell phone, and pictures.

The best meal I can cook is: Lasagna.

My favorite professor is: Susan Ferguson.

My favorite piece of clothing is: Big Star Jeans.

When no one is looking, I like to: Listen to country music.

My signature outfit: UD gear.

Give the position you play and why you think it is better than the other positions on the court: Four, get to play both inside and outside.

My pregame ritual: Praying.