For the majority of high school athletes, the final time they take off their uniform, it is usually the end of their playing days.
Woodrow Wilson senior Leiloni Manns was convinced that was how her basketball career had ended earlier this year.
That was before the State University of New York at Old Westbury came calling.
Friday afternoon with family, coaches, teammates and friends in attendance, Manns signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Panthers.
“After we lost (the sectional game) to (Greenbrier) East, reality hit and I really didn’t think I was ever going to play basketball again,” Manns said. “Then I got the call about playing and I knew I had to do it. As a kid I always dreamed of playing college basketball and actually being able to do it is crazy.”
SUNY at Old Westbury is a NCAA Div. III school located on Long Island, N.Y. which was founded in 1965. The Panthers play inside the Clark Athletic Center and are a member of the Skyline Conference.
“This is a huge deal for Leiloni. I am just super proud of her and thankful for this opportunity,” Woodrow Wilson girls basketball head coach Brian Nabors said. “She has worked extremely hard the past four years battling some adversity with injuries and played through it.”
Nabors was also a factor in the process to get Manns an offer to play at the next level.
“Coach Nabors put me on with a recruiter and he got my name out there with some schools,” Manns said. “SUNY at Old Westbury came up and after talking to the coaches and looking at the facilities, I knew this was the place to go. They said they had heard a lot of good things about me and seen good things, so they are excited for me to come up and play.”
Over her career, Manns has been a force in the paint and also helped lead the Flying Eagles to the girls basketball state tournament her junior season.
“Leiloni played hurt and played sick. She made a major, major sacrifice for the program,” Nabors said. “She has been a great leader for the team, as well as a great example for the school and the community. Leiloni has also been a great role model for the younger girls coming up in the program.”
Adding to the excitement for the Beckley native, will be experience of seeing New York for the first time.
“It will be my first time going to New York. I am so excited to visit the landmarks and everything,” Manns said.
Basketball is not the only sport Manns participates in for Woodrow Wilson. The senior standout is also one of the best discus throwers in the Mountain State.
Although SUNY Old Westbury does not have an official women’s track team, Manns will still be afforded the opportunity to compete in college.
“They said I could be a representative for the school,” Manns said. “They technically don’t have a track team, but I can go to meets and represent the school. I like track, so that’s really good.”
Once the high school track season ends in two weeks, Manns will once again turn her full attention to the sport she loves.
“I definitely need to work on my foot work and my stamina, getting back in shape,” Manns said. “I am in track shape right now which is different than basketball.”
Her former coach is convinced the best days for his former player are still in front of her.
“There is always room for improvement, but she has developed some really good post moves,” Nabors said. “She will need to continue to improve on her ball-handling and continue to improve on her shooting. You see how the game is now, you have to be able to shoot the ball regardless of how tall that you are.”
“Leiloni can shoot the basketball,” Nabors continued. “We wanted her to shoot the ball more this year. She was just so unselfish. We want her to be more assertive. If she will continue to work on her game, the sky is the limit.”
