By: Victoria White

    Tenacious, tough, determined, freshman guard JaQuia White is a defensive asset on the court. But, in addition to her basketball skills, her relentless work ethic sets her apart.

    "I want to be known as one of the most hardworking people that's on the floor," White said.
 
    The DeSoto, Texas, native, who helped the green and gold Lady Eagles to the third round of the state playoffs and Dallas ISD/Coca Cola Classic championship in 2015, will continue playing close to home.

    "With traffic…," White contemplated laughing. "It's about 45 minutes. But without traffic, it's like 20 minutes. My family can come to the games and watch me play."
 
    Her family will also watch White's cousin, Kayla, who is competing for the Mustangs alongside the 5-8 freshman this season.
 

Congrats to SMU signees Kayla & JaQuia White of Desoto High. Both great players and both top 10% in their class. #YouKnow pic.twitter.com/731TlFTBtb

— DFW Elite Basketball (@dfwelite) November 14, 2017

 
    In addition to proximity and family, White was drawn to the Mustangs' leadership. She made her decision largely due to the connection she felt with the coaching staff.
 
    "I chose SMU because of the coaching staff. They were amazing," White said. "They made me feel really welcome. And just SMU academically, it's a great school."

    A National Honor Society inductee in high school, White is looking forward to the academic opportunities at SMU.
 
    "At the moment, I plan to major in math with a focus in statistics to do something in that area," White said.
 
    With her collegiate debut drawing near, she said she is also excited to observe the team's growth.
 
    "I'm excited to see how the team comes together," White said. "We're obviously a young team, so I'm just excited to see how we play on the floor, because I know everybody probably doesn't expect us to do well."
 
    Striving for success, practice has been intense.

    "It's challenging because Coach [Travis] Mays, he's all about the details, so it's a lot to remember. But the upperclassmen, they make it easier," White said. "They help us out a lot, so we're getting there."
 
    With a large freshman corps, seven new members to be exact, the bond is strong and the transition a little smoother.
 
    "I think it makes it easier because there are so many of us," White said. "We don't feel like we're alone, when we're messing up or when we don't know what to do or something. We all have created a bond. We're always talking to each other, trying to help each other, figure stuff out. It's really great."
 
    However, there are still adjustments, including changes from the high school game to college style of play.

    "It's more fast-paced in college," White said. "Everything is just faster in general."

    Without skipping a beat, White said she has already seen herself grow under the helm of head coach Travis Mays and anticipates even more development throughout the year.

    "I see myself growing the most in my leadership qualities," White said. "The coaches expect all of us to lead in some way. I feel like since I've been here my leadership has gotten better."
 
    Her leadership style is personal and very one-on-one in giving encouragement and advice.

    "I'm not the one that's just like yelling in practice," White said. "I'm more of a go up to somebody individually and be like 'Hey you got this,' or 'Come on, you got it,' or 'You got to focus.'"

    The personality she wants to bring to SMU basketball is one of tenacity, togetherness and ultimately, appreciating the time with girls on the team while playing the game they love.

    "I hope to bring a hardworking [personality], but fun at the same time, to make sure everybody enjoys it," White said.