Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

When you walk in the gym you do the obvious. You watch Amber Smith's feet. You try and forget about the knee brace. The moves. The stutter step. Amber Smith, the tough point guard for UK Hoops who ripped her knee last year and couldn't lead the Cats is close.

"I'm not where I was before I got hurt," says the senior. "That's what I am working towards, to be better than that. But, it's feeling good. I'm doing everything."

UK's chances at the Final Four became almost impossible without her last season. Today, the team is already talking about Denver, making it to the Final Four.

"Yes, definitely. It's unfinished business. Denver is the only thing on our mind when we are working out."

Amber already has her degree. She is a leader. But she is human. When she couldn't play last year, what happened to Amber happened to all athletes. She got depressed.

"It was very depressing, especially in the beginning."

That's where Coach Matthew Mitchell stepped in. Credit Mitchell with doing what he really cares about, helping his players. Even though she was on the bench, he told Amber she was still a big part of the team.

"He let me know me know that. It made me feel confident and not be depressed. I am needed. That's what he told me. To be told that you are needed, that boosts your confidence."

Amber is very confident. UK needs that. It's Amber on her own skills.

"She is hard working. She is feisty. She just gets after it. She just takes advantage of every opportunity she is given. She knows that it's not guarenteed. God has blessed her with a great talent, and not to use it would be a waist."

It's the fire, that spirit that every team needs. UK missed that last season.