THE WOODLANDS- With the height of most girl's basketball players averaging around 5'8” to 6', College Park point guard Monique Smalls, 5'6”, makes up in speed and skill what she lacks in heigth. 

Smalls ranks 65th in the nation by HoopGurlz.com, and leads in steals and assists in the district. As formidable as she is on the court, in the paint she dominates with layups, averaging 12.3 points per game with seven assists per game and eight point three steals per game. Her personal philosophy about basketball creates her success.

 “Steal the ball; kick it to the open person; score,” Smalls said.

Her career as a ball player began in the fifth grade at Calvin Murphy Camp. She also plays in the Amatuer Athletic Union. The support of her family for the last eight years has contributed immensely to her success. At least one member of her family attends every game. Her dad watched her first game at College Park against Kinkaid. If her parents don't make the games, either grandparents or siblings attend.

 “They're my motivation,” Smalls said. “If they're not at the game, I don't do good, especially if my mom's not there.”

While her family contributes to her accomplishments, Smalls has built up quite a resume on her own. She earned Defensive Player of the Year her sophomore year and MVP her junior year. She made the All-State first team also in her junior year. She signed at the beginning of her senior year to play for Texas Tech.

 “I'm really excited, I can't wait to play up there,” Smalls said. “There's a new coach so it's like College Park, and I get to start out a new program again.”

As a point guard, Smalls feels the pressure. Her coach, Kip Anderson, feels that the point guard leads the team. Where she goes, the team goes according to Anderson. Smalls has her take on this philosophy.

 “If there is a mistake, turnover, I gotta keep the team going,” she said. “I have to keep my teammates mentally prepared and focused.”

The one team Smalls expressed concern about is The Woodlands High School. With the rivalry between the two schools and all their players returning for the season, Smalls will exercise her role as a team leader and motivater. With the loss of Brittany Martin, she feels that Conroe is no longer a threat. Their unity as a team comes from the sense of family they all share. They know they can rely on each other.

With talented and experienced players, coaches still exert the greatest influence. Smalls feels strongly about the role of her coaches, especially head coach Kip Anderson.

 "She's the best- it's like, even though she yells all the time, she still cares about us," Smalls said. "I love her and my teammates."

 "I'm gonna miss them so much," she continued. "Being a Lady  Cavalier is the best thing that ever happened in my life."