The University of Dayton women's basketball team is off to an impressive start in the 09-10 campaign. One of the big reasons why: sophomore center, Casey Nance. Nance has started all nine games averaging 4.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in the middle for the Flyers (No. 20 AP, No. 20 ESPN/USA Today).

UD is lucky to have Nance, considering she only started playing basketball as a freshman in high school. Nance, whose father played 13 seasons in the NBA, did not grow up playing basketball and was never pressured into it.

As she grew into her 6'4'' frame, she realized on her own that basketball might be something she would want to pursue, which may seem like a pretty smart choice for the center from Revere High School in Akron, Ohio. She wound up making second team All-State in both her junior and senior seasons. She was also a McDonald's American nominee after averaging 14.8 points and 16.2 rebounds per game her senior year.

She landed at the University of Dayton because she was looking for a place close to home.

"I also really liked the coaches and family aspect of the program. I was looking for a team that felt like a family, not just teammates," Nance said.

UD Head Coach Jim Jabir and teammate/roommate Justine Raterman could not be more excited to have her on board.

"She brings tons of energy and enthusiasm to the team. She carries herself very well," Raterman said.

Nance is by far the tallest member of this year's squad. She is the main inside presence, carrying the responsibility of matching up with the opposing team's center, which can be tough in a league as strong as the Atlantic 10.

"Having someone inside like Casey really adds another dimension to our offense," Raterman said. "She has really matured from last year, being smarter with fouls."

Fouls will be crucial for Nance, a member of the A-10 All-Rookie team a year ago, because the Flyers "need her on the floor," according to Raterman, UD's leading scorer.

Looking back on her freshman season, she was able to provide an immediate impact, starting 33 of the 35 games she played in. She averaged 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, good for third best on the team. She led the conference in blocked shots with 1.8 per game. Her current career-high of 21 points came against Fordham on Feb. 10th.

When asked what the difference was from last year to this one, Nance said it was experience.

"I knew what to expect," she said, adding inexperience was a factor at times last year.

This year, Nance said the team is more experienced and focused on "making a name for themselves." They have done just that by coming out early this season with wins against big-name opponents. Among their victims are No. 10 Michigan State, Georgetown and No. 23 Purdue.

Nance admitted she was a little nervous when she saw the schedule and learned that the Flyers would open with the Spartans at home, but she said the team has come to realize just how good they could be after this hot start against quality opposition.

Even though she is only a sophomore, Nance has emerged as one of the vocal leaders on the team because of the energy that she brings to the team on and off the court. Her presence is one of the many factors that make this team a title contender in the Atlantic 10.

"The NCAA Tournament was our goal throughout the whole year," Nance said.

The Flyers are now finding that goal very attainable after their start. Nance will be an integral piece to the puzzle if this team wants to stay strong and get to the tournament and beyond.