Read just about any game recap on WSSU women's basketball in recent years and it will most likely lead with, "Amaya Tucker led the Rams with (fill in the blank) points."  It's not surprising.
 
Tucker reached the 1,000-point milestone in a game against Bowie State on December 19.  She's only three baskets away from possessing the school's all-time three-point record.
 
Yet, Tucker's illustrious career at 'SU almost didn't happen.  "It was the last option for me," recalled Tucker.  In fact, although she went to nearby Reagan High School, she had never been on campus before her official visit.  "It was my first time."
 
Credit Coach L'Tona Lamonte with convincing Tucker the Campus of Champions was where she needed to be.  "I really wanted to be in a family environment," she recalled.  "Coach Lamonte really stressed the family environment, the Ramily."
 
Chasing Tiana Edwards' 162 three-point record was never a goal.  "I try not to dwell on it or focus on it," she said.  "I do want to be one of the top leading scorers in women's basketball.  I want to win a championship.  I've never won a championship."
 
Prior to high school, Tucker never saw herself as a three-point shooter. 
"The crazy thing is I was never confident in shooting threes," admitted Tucker.  "Coach kept telling me in high school he wanted me to be a threat to score. 
"Sooner or later, I would just shoot," she continued.  "Now it's just crazy with how things turn out."
 
Those who watch the games know when she gets the ball deep in the corner in front of the Red Sea of Sound or the Rams bench, they will mostly likely see three points added to the scoreboard.
 
Ironically, Tucker's freshman year was the only full season she's completed thanks to untimely injuries.  "The injury my sophomore year really took a toll on me," Tucker said. "Having the surgery was difficult."
 
Bumps and bruises are something she deals with on a consistent basis.  Tucker, who stands 5-6, is usually the shortest player on the court.  Yet, she flies around like Peter Pan, diving for loose balls, sneaking in amongst taller players to secure a rebound or charging in for layup.
 
Her goals are simple.  "Honestly I just want to be better," Tucker said.  "My goals are to set myself up for that.  I may not want to do this, but I have to step out of my comfort zone because I want to be the best."
 
Her toughness on the court could be attributed to years of playing with her older brother, Christopher, who was also a standout player a Reagan.  "I was the only girl out there," she remembered.  "Any time we step out there on the court we just go harder.
 
"I've always been the shortest player on the court," Tucker added.  "It isn't anything new to me."
 
A word to wise: if you overlook Tucker, you'll regret it.  "Some people do overlook me but they better not," she advised.  "If you want it you're really going to find a way to get the ball.  It's all about heart.  That's what Coach Lamonte always says.
 
"You have to play every game like it's your last.  You have to be locked in and having this confidence."
 
Tucker credits her basketball IQ to coming from an athletic family.  "My dad played football, my grandfather was a football coach, and my mom's cousin is the head basketball coach at Lynchburg College," she explained.  "My brother is 6-3 and really lengthy.  He is a tough defender.
 
"I've been playing so long my scoring ability and IQ comes naturally.  I've really tried to improve my leadership skills. I know how Coach Lamonte wants things done not just on the court but off the court, too.
 
"You have to know how to talk to each player.  You have to be coachable and take constructive criticism from the coaches and teammates.  You have to have a good attitude and motivate everyone to stay positive and locked in.  We have to stay together as a team."
 
Tucker knows all players will experience a scoring slump at times.  "You just have to fight through it and look for other ways to be effective," she explained.  "You have to play better defense or make that extra pass because it's never been about scoring.  At the end of the day, I'm going to do everything I can to help my team."
 
With a degree in Exercise Sciences and another upcoming in Rehabilitation Studies, Tucker has already announced she'll take advantage of the Covid shut down and return for a final season next year.
 
Opponents had better take notice.  Don't overlook this 5-6 warrior on the court.  If they do, be prepared to accept the consequences.