Catherine Campbell, the 6'1 center for Katy high school, is a dominating force in 5A district 19. The only problem is the Lady Tigers somehow didn't make the playoffs in 2005. Their district rivals know Cat is the show stopper and she is often double and triple teamed.

Catherine told us that she is usually called Cat or Ming. The origin of the first alias is obvious but the second leaves us curious. Her Mom Margot says "she got that name because she gets so many blocks like Yao Ming for the Rockets."

We think it might also have to do with her personality since Ming means "brightness" in Chinese.

#50 Catherine Campbell with another big block

Coach Darrow wants Cat to continue working on transition, specifically in getting from goal to goal more quickly. He feels she has made vast improvements in that area this spring.

As a two year varsity captain Catherine is very vocal and great with her teammates. She knows what the Katy staff expects from the team, and does an excellent job of conveying that to other players, particularly the younger ones.

We asked Cat what her hopes were for her senior year, and this what she had to say;



"for my senior year, I want to be a stronger player than last year. I would like to work on my defensive skills, my outside shooting, and on being a strong team player.

Cat has verbally committed to SMU to play basketball.

Her career plan is to become a nurse anesthetist. If the college that she attends does not offer a nursing program, she would get her undergraduate degree in a science such as biology, which would at least get her as close as possible to the credits needed for getting a nursing degree.

We at TexasGirlsBasketball.com wish coach Darrow, Cat and the rest of the Katy Lady Tigers the best of luck in trying to secure a playoff spot in 2006.