Junior Jenny Shetters has never played a basketball game in a UNM jersey, but she was one of only two Lobos recognized by the Mountain West Conference in last weeks' preseason picks.
Shetters was chosen by MWC coaches and media as the preseason conference Newcomer of the Year.
"I was really surprised," she said. "I didn't even see it coming. I've never played here - I don't know why they chose me."
Shetters has a lot to offer UNM, though.
As a sophomore at Cal State Northridge, she was the leading scorer, averaging 14 points and five rebounds per game. She was honored as the Cal State Most Valuable Player of the Year and she was named to the All-Big West Conference second team in the 2001-2002 season.
Shetters was highly recruited by UNM, Arizona State, Santa Clara and Colorado State University.
Shetters said at Cal State, the women's basketball team did not receive much fan support. It was the combination of fan support and the girls on the team that attracted her to UNM.
"When I came here I saw how many people come to the games," she said. "Right away I felt like these are girls I can get a long with. And the team chemistry really makes the team successful."
Shetters is a 2000 graduate of Wilson High School in Center Portland, Ore., where she earned letters in basketball and softball.
The transfer student said it took some time for her to adjust to life at UNM, especially with the lack of rain and beaches.
"I wasn't sure how I was going to like New Mexico," she said. "Just because it's so different from anywhere I've ever been. I came here from Southern California and I'm from Oregon, so it's a lot different."
Shetters has had a year to adjust after redshirting last season. She said she has become close friends with members of the men's and women's teams and is now feeling comfortable in Albuquerque.
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"It's just a good atmosphere to play basketball in," she said.
The atmosphere is largely influenced by the women's basketball coaching staff, headed by Don Flanagan.
Shetters said Flanagan greatly focuses on the fundamentals of the game.
"We have to do things over and over and over until we get them right," she said. "It's important that we do the things he has us do."
Shetters said she was probably honored as Newcomer of the Year because she is more experienced than most newcomers to the MWC.
"I'm older, I'm not an incoming freshman," she said. "I've played at the college level before. That may have had something to do with it."
The 6-foot-4 center has been compared closely with Lobo-turned-professional, Jordan Adams. Adams was the leader of the Lobos and 2003 MWC Most Valuable Player.
Shetters said she sometimes wonders how UNM fans compare her and Adams, but she doesn't feel a tremendous amount of pressure.
"We have different things we offer the team," she said. "All I can do is step up and play my game. I'm not trying to replace her, I'm not trying to be her. All I can be is me."
