Women’s hoops senior has been prolific scorer

It is uncertain how the UNC women's basketball team will fare next season without current senior guard Whitley Cox, who will graduate this May. One thing is certain, though. The team will undoubtedly miss her offensive production and leadership on the floor.

"She's been a great leader," fellow senior guard Lizzie Cooper said. "She's always been one to put points on the board for us and at times when we need her; she always steps up."

Cox said she will miss the team camaraderie once she graduates.

"I'm gonna miss the tight bond — our funny conversations before games, our crazy attitude that we have," Cox said. "I'm just gonna miss everything."

Cox will leave, however, with countless memories of playing in a Bears uniform.

"Playing against UConn (in 2008) was a great memory, and I'll never forget that," Cox said.  "As well as hitting the game winner against Portland State. It was really fun."

The Bears' talented senior, however, had a major setback in her third season after an ACL tear caused her to redshirt after playing in only eight games. Despite the injury, head coach Jaime White said Cox worked through it and ended up having a remarkable career. 

"She's had some ups and downs, a lot of success and a lot of trials, and she's just really persevered through all of it," White said.  "She's just had an amazing career. And I think if you asked her, she would say the same thing." 

Cox's career numbers speak for themselves loud and clear, as she ranks high in almost every offensive statistical category. After scoring 14 points against Montana in her final game on Saturday, Cox finished her career with 1,581 points, which is good for third on the all-time scoring list for UNC women's basketball. She is also only the second player in school history to amass over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 250 assists in a career. 
Cooper said Cox was a great friend and teammate, in addition to being a great player.

"She's different from everybody else I've met in my life," Cooper said.  "Me and her have gone through a lot. We really had a strong bond," Cooper said. "She's a great girl and just all around a good person."

It's going to be hard for the Bears to replace all that Cox has done for the women's program as they continue to try and build a consistent winner at UNC.

"She's going to leave a big hole," Cooper said.