Number 22 to the Rafters

The most decorated player for the FIU women’s basketball team in senior guard Jerica Coley saw her jersey number raised to the rafters at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Saturday Dec. 7 against Florida Gulf Coast.

The awards and honors that Coley has received have been countless. The two-time reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, two-time All-American, and the nation’s leading scorer last season will be the fourth player to have a jersey retired inside the U.S. Century Bank Arena. Coley also became the second FIU player ever to earn the Sun Belt Conference Female Athlete of the year back in May of 2013.

The senior has also been named the preseason Conference USA Player of the Year award.

Video by: Francisco Rivero

Last season, Coley led FIU to a 19-13 season and reached the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournaments. Also Coley guided FIU to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament in which the Panthers lost to Florida.

In her final season as a Panther, so far Coley ranks 5th in the nation in scoring with 26.0 points per game. Coley also is on a streak of 36 straight games of scoring in double figures dating back to last season. Coley ranks second all-time in FIU for scoring and is the only player in FIU history to amass career numbers of 2,000 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals. Coley also holds the FIU record for points scored in a single season with 840 points.

While most players who have their numbers retired usually have to wait till after their career is done, Coley will see her jersey being raised while be an active player.

In addition to being named to the Wade Trophy watch list, the John R. Wooden top 30 watch list, and the Naismith Trophy Early Season watch list, Coley can add her jersey retirement to the honors this season.

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