The University of Mississippi Athletics
Melson Invited To Camp At Final Four, Stollings To Present
3/31/2011 | Women's Basketball
March 31, 2011
OXFORD, Miss. - Former Ole Miss All-SEC guard Kayla Melson has been selected to participate in the Woman's Evaluation Final-Four Camp April 1-2 in conjunction with the Women's Final Four held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Overseas scouts, agents, clubs, general managers and WNBA staff have been invited to attend the camp. Throughout the camp, athletes will participate in a variety of sessions including individual workouts, games and class sessions comprising of international coaches, players and agents.
"Being able to play professionally is a childhood dream of mine," Melson said. "It's very exciting to know it's right around the corner. It would be nice to be able to help my family out financially. Playing professionally is what my family and I have worked for, it's exciting to have a dream come true."
Melson, who ended her collegiate career earlier this month, was named to the All-SEC Second Team and to the AP All-SEC Second Team as a senior. In addition, she was a finalist for the Cellular South Gillom Trophy given annually to the top female basketball player in the State of Mississippi.
During her senior season, Melson led the team in scoring (15.1 ppg), field goal percentage (43.7), free throws (90) and minutes per game (38.0). Since Ole Miss' season ended, Melson has been working out and perfecting her three-point shooting.
"I've constantly been working out since the season ended," she said. "The main thing I've focused on since then has been three-point shooting. Everything else is pretty much in tact and I'm trying to get better at three pointers before playing professionally."
During her time at Ole Miss, Melson was known as a player who hustled on every play and didn't give up. She hopes those traits come through to the scouts at the camp.
"My ability not to quit, my hustle and defensive mindset are things I want to showcase," Melson said. "I might not be the best player in the world but I want them to see the confidence and skills I have."
Melson has talked to former Rebels and teammates Shawn Goff, who is playing in Poland, and Bianca Thomas who is playing in France, to see about their professional playing experience. Melson said she talked to Goff and Thomas to see if they like playing professionally and if it was the right decision for them. Both players said it was right for them since they are still playing basketball.
Overall, Melson and her agent, Germini Akinwmbi, are in the process of talking to teams and preparing Melson for the next level.
"I'm excited about this camp and this opportunity," she said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm going to work hard to get the outcome I want."
Stollings To Present At Assistant Coaches' Round Table At Final Four
In addition to Melson participation in the camp at the Final Four, Associate Coach Marlene Stollings will be presenting at the Assistant Coaches' Round Table on April 5.
Stollings, who just completed her fourth year at Ole Miss, was selected by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association to present at the Final Four. Stollings will present to about 200 college and high school coaches in three rotations of 25 minute segments.
Her presentation is geared towards practice drills. In addition, for the first time the materials presented at the Assistant Coaches' Round Table are available online. Click here for a link to Stollings' presentation.
"I'm always happy to give back, grow and learn," Stollings said. "This is a way I'm able to give back to my peers as they have given to me during my coaching career. It's exciting to be able to share ideas with my colleagues."
