katrina-pardee-action-oct515.jpg
Competitive Pardee Ready for Challenge
October 05, 2015 11:50 AM | Women's Basketball
Over the next few weeks, WVUsports.com will highlight members of the 2015-16 West Virginia University women’s basketball team. The fourth installment of this feature includes freshman guard Katrina Pardee.
When Katrina Pardee was growing up, you could always find her outside playing football with the boys in the neighborhood. Her tom boy like personality allowed her to develop a liking for numerous sports.
“When I was younger I used to play with all the boys in my neighborhood, and we would play football or whatever,” said the Cedar Park, Texas, native.
The West Virginia University women’s basketball freshman began playing flag football on a national team at age 11. Her dad, Bill Pardee, was a big influence in her choosing to play, as he played in high school.
“Obviously I wasn’t going to play tackle football, so he kind of introduced me to the sport,” said Pardee. “Then my flag football coach had a national team for ages 12-14, and I was actually younger, but he put me on the team.”
As a member of the Cedar Park Texans flag football team, her team became two-time NFL Flag Football National Champions.
“I started playing with one of my friends, and his dad coached our team,” said Pardee. “The coach who took me to nationals ran the organization.”
Pardee’s flag football career started her basketball career. The reason she decided to play basketball was out of the ordinary.
“My mom said I saw a sign for it, and I asked if I could try out for it,” said Pardee. “That’s how it all started.”
Ironically enough, her flag football coach also coached her fourth grade basketball team. Pardee was fond of the sport, so she continued to play through high school.
She played all four years at Vista Ridge High School, while playing on an AAU basketball team for TeamXpress with current WVU teammate Anja Martin.
“It was really cool being able to play with her, and we’re here now together,” said Pardee. “It really helps now having someone from back home that you already knew coming in.”
In 2013, she was named Girls Basketball Academic All-District and garnered All-District Newcomer of the Year honors as a sophomore at Vista Ridge. Her junior year, she was named the Vista Ridge Offensive Player of the Year.
Pardee’s encountered a tough senior year after tearing her ACL during the summer prior. She sat out for almost half the season, but came back strong helping Vista Ridge to the Texas Class 5A semifinals for the first time in program history. Pardee also was rated as the No. 22 guard in the 2015 class by ESPN HoopGurlz.
After Pardee tore her ACL she was questioning her collegiate goals and wondering what would happen next. She stayed positive and received a phone call that excited her more than ever.
“I was really devastated, and I was thinking okay now what do I do?,” said Pardee. “Then, I had actually received a phone call from coach (Chester) Nichols, stating coach Carey wanted to offer me to play at WVU. It was crazy how it all turned out. All the signs were leading to West Virginia. It was crazy.”
Being one of eight incoming freshmen on the WVU squad, Pardee is excited about her collegiate career. Going up against Big 12 competition has ran through her mind, but she’s ready for it.
“I’m really excited about this year. As far as goals, I want to be the best player that I can be,” said Pardee. “I want to help my team as much as possible, and for them to rely on me even though I’m a freshman. I want to be able to play a big role.”
NCAA Second Round Press Conference | Kellogg, Harrison, Shaw
Monday, March 23
NCAA First Round Recap
Sunday, March 22
Mark Kellogg, Meme Wheeler & Jordan Harrison | NCAA First Round vs. Miami (OH)
Saturday, March 21
NCAA Tournament Trailer
Friday, March 20
