Spotlight on Jocelyn Logan-Friend
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Feb. 10, 2005
by Cathy Bongiovi Stewart
Last summer senior Jocelyn Logan-Friend didn’t spend her free time like most college students do- lounging by the pool, hanging out with friends, or shopping at the mall. Instead, the senior made a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Africa with a group from UVa.
“I was gone for a month,” Logan-Friend reminisced. “I went to South Africa, and I travelled to Mozambique for a week. It was a great experience. I learned a lot. I met new people. There is just a lot of stuff to be learned.”
Now that she’s back, Logan-Friend continues to learn on and off the court for Virginia. The 6-1 forward from Cheverly, Md., is having another phenomenal season. She started to turn up the heat at the end of last season, and this year- her final season in the orange and blue- she’s picked up where she left off.
One of only two Hoos to start every game this season, Logan-Friend stands third in team scoring. She leads Virginia in blocks and has twice swatted a career-best six in a game. Logan-Friend has also re-written career highs for points, rebounds, and steals while posting two double-doubles.
But the senior is not concerned with her numbers.
“I’m really vocal,” Logan-Friend said. “I think my teammates expect me to talk a lot. I say lot in the huddles. When we’re on the floor, I try to be an encourager in good times and bad times. I just try to help (my teammates) out where ever they need help.”
Adding to her list of duties as a senior is the role of team captain.
“I have the responsibility to be a leader everyday on the court and off the court,” she added. “I try to set an example- to be a leader by both example and by the things that I say. Being a team captain means that I have that responsibility, and I take that responsibility and use it everyday.”
The three-year starter has added offensive punch for the Cavaliers. Named the team’s Most Improved Player in 2004, she is an All-ACC candidate this season.
“Jocelyn is a defensive stopper inside for us,” head coach Debbie Ryan said. “She has developed into a scorer over the past two seasons and has worked hard to be an even better offensive force inside. Jocelyn’s game has improved each year, and I think this will be her best year in a Cavalier uniform.”
With four regular-season contests remaining, Logan-Friend is focused on finishing this season strong.
“To win an ACC championship,” Logan-Friend shared of her goals. “We can do it. We’ve had a couple of bumps in the road, but it’s definitely do-able. We want to make it to the NCAA (Tournament), and I think we’re definitely a Sweet 16 team.”
Once the season is over, the African-American studies and special education major will decide upon her post-graduation plans.
“If I could play overseas, that would be great,” Logan-Friend said. “If not, then I’ll probably be a special education teacher or maybe be a coach.”
But Logan-Friend admits she’ll miss her teammates- particularly fellow seniors LaTonya Blue and Lynette O’Reggio- the most.
“Once I leave here, I think the best times (to look back upon) are when LaTonya, Lynette, and I stand outside and just act silly,” she said. “We’re always together- laughing, joking, having a good time. They are friends of mine that I’ll keep forever.”
Get to Know Jocelyn
FAVORITES
Food: chickenIce cream: vanillaColor: pinkMovie: Two Can Play That GameActress: Angela BassetBook: The Color PurpleClass at UVa: African-American communitiesSpot on Grounds: my apartment
My favorite place to play on the road is ...
Maryland.
Three words that best describe me are …
fun, loyal, considerate.
My advice to young athletes is …
to stay in school and work hard.
One thing I always pack on road trips is …
my toothbrush.
The best thing about being a Cavalier is …
getting a great degree.
I admire Debbie Ryan, because …
she is helping me graduate.