DE Assistant Sports Editor

SIUC women’s basketball fans might have noticed someone new on the hardwood when they returned to Carbondale after semester break.

Niki Washington, a 6-foot junior forward from Sanford, Fla., transferred to SIUC this semester after graduating from Seminole Community College.

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Washington’s path to SIUC was not without interruptions.

Before attending SCC, Washington signed with the University of Houston, but left because of a shoulder injury after her freshman year.

Washington said she dislocated her shoulder going up for a rebound during a game, and left Houston before she had shoulder surgery.

The newcomer first put on No. 22 for the Salukis on Jan. 4 against Southwest Missouri, and has already made her presence known on the court.

She leads the team in blocked shots with five, and is dangerous from the perimeter. Washington hit two three-point shots against Evansville on Jan. 13.

Washington said she is just glad to have the opportunity to play, and hopes to contribute to the team.

I hope I can bring some consistency and some enthusiasm (to the squad), she said.

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SIUC women’s basketball head coach Cindy Scott said Washington is a refreshing addition to her squad.

She’s a very, very nice person, Scott said. She brings a sense of new enthusiasm that is kind of fun.

Scott also said it will only be a matter of time before Washington adjusts to SIUC, and when she does, crowds will see all she has to offer.

As soon as she can start playing as herself, we’ll start to see the real Niki Washington, she said.

Washington said she should be back to her old form soon. She said the Saluki coaching staff has helped her learn the plays, but now she has to focus on shooting.

I’ve got to find my shot, Washington said. It’s lost somewhere. I’ve got to find it, especially since I haven’t played in a while.

Teammate Christel Jefferson said Washington learns fast and has brought a lot of natural talent onto the court.

She’s brought depth to the team and she’s helped a lot with offensive and defensive rebounds, Jefferson said.

Washington said the team is working on improving its transition defense and aggressive rebounding going into the next two games.

Washington and her teammates travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa to face Northern Iowa Saturday, Jan. 20 and to Peoria on Monday Jan. 22 to take on the Lady Braves of Bradley University.

Tip-offs of both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.