By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

ORONO – Sometime between last basketball season and this one, Katie Whittier realized how much more she wanted to play.

Entering her senior year at the University of Maine, the former Gray-New Gloucester standout still had two years of eligibility left.

Yet, she had already told former Maine coach Sharon Versyp that she would not stay for a fifth year and would call it career after this season.

Now with this 2005-06 basketball campaign just underway, Whittier has altered that plan. Feeling rejuvenated and determined to prove herself, the only 1,000-point scorer in G-NG history intends to take full advantage of her final two years of eligibility.

“With her knowing that she wasn’t going to come back for a fifth year and with the coaching change and the atmosphere, she was having fun again,” said Maine coach Ann McInerney, who replaced Versyp last spring. “She came in and asked if she could come back next year. I think that says a lot about what she’s doing. It’s been very exciting to think about her and how she’s developing and what she can contribute here for us.”

Whittier says the opportunity to play at the Division I level is a chance she didn’t want to squander. That’s primarily why she decided to come back next year. After being with the program for three seasons, playing sparingly during the last two, Whittier begins this season with high hopes about what she can still accomplish.

“There’s a lot of time left,” said Whittier. “I’ve sat and watched some really good players. I’m hoping I can prove myself at this level, and I think I can.”

Whittier had a slow introduction to the Division I level. She didn’t play at all as a freshman due to NCAA regulations, and saw reserve duty in 14 games as a sophomore. Last year, she played in 25 games in an increased role. She showed flashes of promise.

It was a big jump from high school, where being 6-foot-2 makes you nearly invincible in the post. It’s taken time, but she’s learned what it takes to contribute and is excited to show it.

“It’s just the intensity. It’s a lot different, but you get used to that,” said Whittier. “You have to work hard every second, and you can’t let down, or you’re going to get beat.”

Last year, Whittier scored in double figures once and had at least four rebounds in five games, while providing some key minutes off the bench. With the graduation of three starters, Whittier is ready for bigger things.

“She’s been phenomenal,” said McInerney. “Her work ethic has been terrific. I’ve seen nothing but rejuvenation in her spirit. She has an opportunity to play right now. I love the way she plays. She plays hard. She’s intense. She works hard every day. She’s extremely coachable. I think she can be a major player for us this year.”

Whittier had a strong preseason, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds in 33 minutes of action against Stonehill.

“It definitely boosted my confidence,” said Whittier, who opened the season with 15 points and a team-leading 12 rebounds in a victory last weekend over Rider. “I knew I could play at this level. I’m really excited about this year and what we can do.”

Gaining confidence is one of the biggest factors for Whittier, says McInerney. It has allowed her to play and have fun, knowing that her coaches believe in her. She’s played more relaxed and is less concerned about mistakes.

“I’m just being aware on the court and being smart,” said Whittier. “I’m not the strongest and widest post player. So I use my mobility and try to post up strong. I’m working hard every second.”

Whittier says she’s been pushed by teammates to elevate her game. As one of the upperclassmen, she knows she’ll be looked upon as one of the leaders. With two years ahead of her, Whittier is excited about what she can accomplish.

“They’re looking to the upperclassmen, and that’s what I need to do – be a leader, whether it is by working hard every day or leading by example,” she said. “For me, I’m big on working hard every second, day in and day out, and being relentless. It’s just being the best that I can be.”