GENERAL CAPSULE: Extremely strong and physicalplayer with an excellent work ethic... has increased speed andquickness... can knock down the perimeter shot or score offpenetration... very good in the open floor and attacks the basketwith abandon... terrific rebounder on... will see time on the wingthis year.
2002-2003 SEASON (4.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.3 APG):Contributed during first season on the Hilltop after a successfulcareer in the junior college ranks... scored a team and career-high16 points in home opener against Nevada (11/22/02), going 3-of-4from 3-point range... scored 10 points and pulled down six reboundsin an overtime victory at Wisconsin (12/30/02)... also reacheddouble-digit scoring in a 12-point outburst at Long Beach State(1/2/03)... ripped down career-high seven rebounds in a victory atPepperdine (1/31/03).
AT AMERICAN RIVER: Two-year letter-winner atAmerican River... averaged 18 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists pergame as a sophomore... earned All-Bay Valley Conference honorablemention selection as a freshman, all-league honors as asophomore... All-Northern California and All-State selection lastseason.
PREP CAREER: Three-sport letter-winner at ElCamino High School... earned four varsity letters in basketball,averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game as asenior... ran cross country for three years and qualified for thestate finals... won three track letters... honor roll student...class valedictorian, graduated with high honors.
PERSONAL: Merisa Ann Leatherman... goal for theseason is to look back on the season and be happy with hereffort... chose USF for the quality of the coaching staff and theteam and liked the university's tradition... father, Kevin, playedbaseball at California Baptist... best advice to youngsters wouldbe to work hard to reach your dreams, but don't forget to have funalong the way... would like to attend the World Championship ofBoxing... chose her number because her big brother wore it...favorite book is the Bible; favorite food is frozen yogurt...enjoys going to movies and fixing things in her spare time...parents are Kevin and Cynthia Leatherman... born May 22, 1982 inFontana, CA.
USF CAREER HIGHS:POINTS: 16, vs. Nevada (11/22/02)REBOUNDS: 7, at Pepperdine (1/31/03)ASSISTS: 5, at Wisconsin (12/30/02)BLOCKS: 1, twice last vs. Gonzaga (2/15/03)STEALS: 3, vs. Nevada (11/22/02)FG MADE: 5, last at Long Beach State (1/2/03)FG ATT: 11, vs. San Diego (1/24/03)3FG MADE: 3, vs. Nevada (11/22/03)3FG ATT: 5, at Wisconsin (12/30/02)FT MADE: 4, twice, last vs San Diego (3/7/03)FT ATT: 6, vs. Nevada (11/22/02)MINUTES: 33, at Gonzaga (1/16/03)
