"In much the same way that rigorous practice is the best way to improve my basketball skills, the rigorous academic environment of an Honors class strengthens my critical and analytical faculties."

MELISSA JOHNSON
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
High School: Westhill Senior High School, Syracuse
Major: Philosophy

Melissa was drawn to UNC by the Honors Program and by the chance to play basketball for the national champion Lady Tarheels. An ACC Rookie of the Week, she contributed to the 1996-97 team's 29-3 record in a season that saw the Carolina Women take both the ACC regular season and tournament championships.

"The University of North Carolina offers the best in both academics and athletics. When I came to UNC, I was determined to participate fully in both arenas. On the surface, these pursuits may not seem to have much in common, but in terms of the training necessary to succeed in each, I have found them to have many parallels. In much the same way that rigorous practice is the best way to improve my basketball skills, the rigorous academic environment of an Honors class strengthens my critical and analytical faculties. And like the team practices which often inspire me to a greater individual performance, my Honors classmates encourage my best intellectual efforts."